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.
- Softer Pull 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Common injection therapies include corticosteroids, which provide quick pain relief, and hyaluronic acid, which can improve joint lubrication and function.
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 injection therapies, 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 and advice on other health professionals offering injection therapies designed to unload 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.
Further learning
If you would like to learn a little more about the different brace designs I recently lead an online seminar about the role of knee bracing in clinical practice and the video can be viewed on play back to educate you further about the different force systems and unloading mechanism. The Role of Knee Bracing in Clinical Practice: The Orthotist’s View – Demio
Enovis have also create a brilliant document for clients suffering with OA 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. https://www.lewisbrand.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/OA-Patient-Brochure-with-exercises-included.pdf