Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disorder that causes the breakdown of cartilage in the knee, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced functionality. This progressive condition can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, making even simple tasks challenging. At LEWis BRAND Orthotics, we understand the complexities of OA knee degeneration and offer a range of tailored solutions, including knee bracing and we have a network of clinicians we can refer on to for injection therapies, to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Pain and Functional Limitations
OA in the knee manifests primarily as pain, which can vary from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating discomfort. This pain often worsens with activity and eases with rest. Additionally, patients may experience swelling, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. These symptoms can severely limit a person’s ability to perform everyday activities, from walking and climbing stairs to sitting and standing.
The Role of Knee Bracing
Knee bracing is a vital component of managing OA, particularly in unloading the affected compartment of the knee. At LEWis BRAND Orthotics, we offer various brace designs tailored to different activity levels, pain thresholds, and specific needs.
- Semi Rigid Brace Designs: These braces are ideal for clients with more sedentary lifestyles. They provide gentle offloading through a soft pull mechanism, offering support without restricting movement. These braces are comfortable and less bulky, making them suitable for individuals who may not engage in intense physical activities but still need relief from OA symptoms.
- Rigid Push Braces: For clients with physically demanding jobs, such as builders and landscapers, rigid push braces offer the highest level of support. These braces work by providing a strong counterforce to unload the knee, making them ideal for individuals who need to perform heavy lifting or prolonged standing. The rigid design ensures stability and durability, catering to the demanding nature of these professions.
- Single Upright 3-Point Force Braces: Designed for sporty, physically active, and able clients, these braces utilise a pull system often through BOA adjustable straps. The 3-point force mechanism helps to effectively unload the knee’s affected compartment, allowing for greater mobility and reduced pain during activities. These braces are robust yet flexible, providing the necessary support for those who engage in regular exercise or sports.
Often our clients will benefit from other treatments for knee osteoarthritis alongside the knee brace we provide at LEWis BRAND Orthotics. Some of this additional therapies may include:
Injection Therapies
Alongside knee bracing, injection therapies can play a significant role in managing OA symptoms. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and pain, offering additional relief to patients. Whilst we don’t offer this service at LEWis BRAND Orthotics we have good links with Proactive Physio and Pilates and other health professionals who offer these services and can refer clients on for this treatment if it is clinically indicated to help manage symptoms. Common injection therapies include:
Corticosteroid Injections
Steroid injections (also known as corticosteroid injections) are types of anti-inflammatory medicines. They are used to treat a wide range of conditions.
Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Administering corticosteroids through joint or muscle injections has the potential to alleviate inflammation in the targeted area, subsequently diminishing pain and stiffness.
In the context of pain relief, steroids are commonly paired with a local anesthetic, Lidocaine. This combination ensures not only the long-term anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids but also provides immediate pain relief that typically lasts for a few hours.
OSTENIL® injections
OSTENIL® is a treatment for the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It can be used in the knee, or in any of the other joints in the body that are classified as ‘synovial’ such as shoulders, toes, elbows and more
What is OSTENIL® (sodium hyaluronate)?
Sodium hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan) is a natural substance. It is present in the body wherever moisture is stored or lubrication between layers of tissue is required to eliminate friction.
Effects of OSTENIL® :
- An injection of sodium hyaluronate increases the viscosity of the synovial fluid, restoring its lubricating, shock-absorbing and filtering properties
- In addition, it re-establishes the protective coating of hyaluronan over the inner surface of the joint and increases the scavenging of free radicals
- As a result of these changes, sodium hyaluronate reduces inflammation of the synovial membrane
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is an emerging, non-invasive treatment option for managing osteoarthritis knee pain, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods. This therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. By delivering targeted pulses to the affected area, shockwave therapy promotes increased blood flow, reduces inflammation, and encourages the regeneration of damaged cartilage and tissues. Patients often experience significant relief from symptoms after a series of sessions, with minimal side effects, this is another treatment that we recognise the benefits of for our clients and will make an onward referral to another allied health professional practice offering this service when clinically indicated for our clients. As a complement to other treatments such as exercise, bracing, and medication, shockwave therapy provides an innovative way to improve mobility and enhance quality of life for those living with knee osteoarthritis.
Personalised Care at LEWis BRAND Orthotics
At LEWis BRAND Orthotics, we spend time understanding each client’s unique needs to ensure the right product is selected. We consider activity levels, pain severity, hand function, and visual expectations when recommending a knee brace. Our goal is to provide tailored solutions that not only manage symptoms but also enhance our clients’ overall quality of life.
By combining advanced knee bracing with onward referral for other complimentary treatments, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing OA knee degeneration. Our expertise and dedication to personalised care mean that clients receive the best possible support for their specific condition and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis knee degeneration can be debilitating, but with the right management strategies, it is possible to maintain an active and fulfilling life. At LEWis BRAND Orthotics, we offer a range of knee braces, advice on strengthening exercises and footwear to help manage symptoms and allow a return to activity. We frequently refer on to other professionals for injection therapies and shockwave treatment. All of these treatments can be used in combination to achieve maximum unload of the affected compartment, reduce pain, and improve functionality. Our commitment to personalised care ensures that each client receives the most appropriate and effective treatment for their needs. Whether you lead a sedentary lifestyle, are an active sports enthusiast, or have a physically demanding job, we have the right solution to help you manage your OA symptoms and improve your quality of life.
There is an extensive range of manufacture companies producing different designs of knee brace all using the same basic design principals discussed above so we can explore various styles and suppliers to find the optimal product for each individual client. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about how knee bracing might help manage your symptoms better.
Further learning
Enovis have also create a brilliant document for clients suffering with osteoarthritis changes to there knee, this document covers exercises that can be done to help strengthen the knee as well as more information on a few of the brace designs they produce. https://www.lewisbrand.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/OA-Patient-Brochure-with-exercises-included.pdf