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Osteoarthritis: What is it? Back to top
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint pain, affecting the knees, hips, back and feet of over 20 million Americans.
A joint's cartilage (the tough, smooth material at the end of bones) wears away over time.
When this happens, the edges of the bones rub together, causing the joint to feel stiff and sore.
When cartilage wears away at the knee, the joint becomes "compacted" as the ends of the thigh bone and shin bone rub together.
Usually, the compaction occurs on either the inside (medial) part of the leg or outside (lateral); sometimes both sides are compacted.
Who should use an OA brace? Back to top
Braces can help nearly anyone who experiences mild to severe knee OA and are available in a variety of off-the-shelf models or custom fitted designs for any size leg.
How does an OA brace work? Back to top
The degeneration of knee cartilage makes the lower leg bend either inward or outward, resulting in compaction (bone-on-bone friction).
Using 3-point leverage, an OA brace applies gentle pressureto the side of the knee, helping to reduce pain and restore mobility.
Unbraced |
Braced |
| A 235 lb. football player was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. He was fitted with a Bledsoe OA knee brace, which used the patient's own muscle power to open his knee and relieve his pain. |
Does an OA brace replace surgery? Back to top
No, but it may help postpone it. A good OA knee brace will help relieve
the pain, but it will not repair the damaged joint. In mild to moderate
cases, using a brace may allow you to postpone surgery and prolong the
intervals between knee replacements. Keep in mind that artificial knees
usually last only 10 to 15 years before they need replacement.
Does a knee brace replace the need for physical therapy? Back to top
No. In fact, an OA knee brace will make physical therapy more effective
since the ability to exercise is greatly improved. With the help of your
physical therapist or orthotist, the brace can help relieve pain as you
strengthen muscles around your knee joint.
Does a knee brace replace the need for expensive medications?
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In most cases, yes. Patients who use a brace usually have been able to reduce dependence on pain and anti-inflammatory medications.
Some anti-inflammatory drugs may cause serious side affects or allergic reactions.
Consult your doctor before changing any prescribed medication regimen.
Does a knee brace replace the need for costly drug injections?
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Yes. Some doctors inject drugs such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid
directly into the joint for short term relief. However, these treatments
can be very expensive, the length of relief varies greatly from patient
to patient and many people report no reduction of pain. If injections
are chosen, an OA brace may enhance and prolong the effects.
What should I look for in an OA brace? Back to top
While all OA braces provide some relief, certain braces are designed for maximum performance and comfort. Look for the following features:
- "Muscle Powered" performance that changes the side angle and thrust force with knee motion.
This allows much greater side angle thrust than other braces.
- Non-rolling design.
Some braces roll out of position as the leg flexes. Make sure the brace is designed to stay in position at all times.
- No pain guarantee.
Choose a brace that allows a money-back guarantee if your knee pain is not relieved within two months
How do I get an OA brace? Back to top
Only your doctor can prescribe an effective OA brace.
Be sure to ask your doctor about bracing options and work with your physical therapist to find the best Bledsoe OA brace (Aligner ESE or Thruster RLF) that fits your needs.
To request more information about Bledsoe OA braces, email us at info@bledsoebrace.com
or call 1-888-BLEDSOE (253-3763). A special product information sheet is included for your doctor or physical therapist the next time you visit.
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