Are you a person with osteoarthritis? Did the doctor say that the only course of action is surgery? If so, there is a better way to reduce the knee pain before you take action. Surgery is not at all the best solution, particularly if you’re young, as it may require more surgeries in the future.
What is the other option, then? An OA knee brace (also known as an osteoarthritis brace) provides enough support to the knee joint and helps lessen discomfort, increase mobility, and postpone surgery. Whether your pain is slight or severe, an OA reaction knee brace can relieve pressure, stabilize your knee, and improve your range of motion so you can continue your everyday activities.
In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about osteoarthritis, its effects on the knee, its progression stages, and how an OA brace can be the best option for you. Ready to know more? Let’s go!
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a gradual or traumatic breakdown of cartilage tissues in the knee joint. You might feel symptoms such as low to severe joint pain, edema, and unusual stiffness in the joints, and your range of motion would be reduced. It can be brought on by being higher weight, aging, an accident, or overuse. It affects the hands, knee joints, hips, and spinal cord.
Different Stages in Osteoarthritis:
There are four stages of osteoarthritis that you should know about
- Minor
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
1. Minor Stage
During this minor stage, the joint experiences minor reactions. First-time osteoarthritis involves mild destruction of cartilage and bone, but mild symptoms.
2. Mild Stage
The knee cartilage gradually thins while bony outgrowths develop. Thus, there is pain and stiffness, which is severely felt during any form of physical activity. Increased fluid and synovial production can also lead to knee swelling. A meaningful way to cope with this pain would be to use an orthosis during activity.
3. Moderate Stage
The cartilage is detached from its cushion, narrowing the joint space. The pain and inflammation in the knee joint can be continuous. You cannot work at this stage as there is a sudden loss of range of motion.
4. Severe Stage
This is your worst-case scenario. When the cartilage is out of the way, you get bone-on-bone contact, which causes severe pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Reduced mobility or restriction means that daily activities will become ever more demanding.
Common Symptoms for Osteoarthritis
- Stiffness and pain in the joint
- Loss of flexibility
- A scratching sensation in the bone
- Bone spurs
- Swelling and tenderness
Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis
- By age, the risk of osteoarthritis may increase.
- Carrying extra body weight may increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Your weight puts additional pressure on joints such as the hips and knees.
- Some people will affect their joints genetically.
- If you sustain joint injuries from severe traumas or while playing sports, then osteoarthritis is likely to develop.
- If you apply repeated stress to your joints, you might develop osteoarthritis.
Is OA Knee Brace good for osteoarthritis?
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition. However, the OA reaction knee brace is essential for effectively managing the symptoms.
Who Need OA Knee Brace
- People who are affected by one part of the knee joint. (Unicompartmental Osteoarthritis)
- Patients who are searching for non-surgical alternatives to manage their stiffness and pain in the knee joint.
How an OA Knee Brace Extend Osteoarthritis Surgery?
If your doctor recommends surgery, the cartilage might have moved from cushioning, and scratching it can cause pain in your leg. The OA knee brace can help unload the affected area and reduce the pain. It also improves the mobility of the individual suffering from unicompartmental osteoarthritis.
Benefits of OA knee brace:
- Surgical delay: A knee cap support brace for osteoarthritis can extend your surgery by adequately aligning the joints and providing better support.
- Pain relief: It reduces knee pain by redistributing the weight from the affected area.
- Enhanced mobility: OA knee brace makes you move quickly and actively by providing efficient stability and support.
- Improved functionality: It helps maintain or improve joint function, which is very helpful for performing daily activities without hassle.
What are the Unique Features Needed for an Innovative Smart knee brace?
- Adaptive compression: This pain-relieving technique uses sensors to identify movement and dynamically modify compression levels.
- Offloading knee brace: improves mobility by redistributing weight to lessen pressure on the injured area.
- Temperature Control: Inbuilt heating and cooling pads to lessen stiffness and pain.
- Real-time Monitoring: Tracks joint stress activity levels and offers tailored workout recommendations by connecting to a mobile app.
- Lightweight and Flexible Design: Graphene-infused fabric and other cutting-edge materials for increased comfort and durability.
What Types of Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis?
Various kinds of braces help to treat osteoarthritis, such as functional or supportive braces, which will support you if you have already injured a joint. There are mainly two types of knee cap support braces: Unloader knee braces and offloading knee braces, which help reduce pressure on the central regions of the knee.. Stabiliser limits the joint movement, allowing for complete healing. This is a post-surgical brace. Let’s break down on more info:
1. Compression sleeves for arthritic knees
This stretchable brace keeps the knee’s surroundings in place to reduce swelling and provide more comfort. Some adjustable straps allow users to customise the brace to stay up. The correct arthritic brace usually provides comfortable compression without feeling tighter or causing swelling below the knee.
2. Hinged knee brace
A hinge knee cap support brace is a supporting device with a hole in the kneecap space and straps above and below the knee for stability. The hinge is on either side of the kneecap to support movement and protect against instability.
3. Unloader knee brace
The unloading knee brace, or offloading knee brace, is a tibiofemoral brace that transmits weight from the affected knee area to the healthier side of the joint. It gradually stabilises the knee joint by extending maximum comfort and mobility. It comprises molded plastic, foam, and steel struts to support the knee and limit joint movement on the side. Usually, it is set around the leg at the knee joint level, supporting flexibility.
What Lifestyle Changes can Help Reduce Osteoarthritis Joint Pain?
You can make some minor alterations in self-care habits that can lead to considerable improvement.
Weight management: If you are higher weight, even a minimal reduction in your body could help to relieve stress on your joints, mainly your spine, hips, and knees.
Increased exercise: Walking, cycling, and swimming are some of the most relaxing, low-impact exercises. These can enhance flexibility, improve muscle strength around the joints, and relieve pain. Water aerobics, for instance, minimizes pain by bearing the weight of the joints during movement.
Joint protection: Using assistive devices such as a cane, knee cap support brace, or shock-absorbing shoes while walking or standing can help reduce joint stress and strain.
How can Exercise and Physical Therapy Helping Osteoarthritis Knee Pain?
Exercising with a physical therapist tends to reduce stress on the joint and improves movement.
- Strength training: Increasing the muscle bulk around the joint can also enhance support. The knee muscles are frequently called the quadriceps. Strengthening these muscles will reduce knee pain by stabilizing the knee.
- Flexibility and Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretches, yoga, or another stretching form can often help with joint and movement range.
What are Some Natural and Alternative Therapies for Knee Pain Relief?
Some individuals can try alternative and natural medicines, which are helpful to many people.
Hot and Cold Therapy: Here, the patient can use cold packs, which lessen discomfort and swelling; heat packs can help loosen up tense muscles.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis limits your activity level, but an OA reaction knee brace effectively manages pain and postpones surgery as your best choice. Osteoporotic Arthritis Braces support the knee joint and help redistributed weight to minimize stress on the knee joint. It does not solve the arthritis problem, but the OA knee brace enhances mobility and allows one to do basic tasks quickly.
Why KARE Prosthetics and Orthotics?
At KARE Prosthetic & Orthotics India, we know how osteoarthritis can affect daily activities. Therefore, we provide the best OA knee brace for osteoarthritis in India to alleviate pain, enhance range of motion, and delay surgical intervention. Whether you need complex knee supports, unloader knee braces, or compression sleeves, our orthotic solutions assure long-term joint health and comfort.
KARE offers high-quality knee braces, including Össur Unloader Knee Braces, designed for comfort, support, and pain relief. Our experts ensure a perfect fit, helping you move better and stay active. Our range of orthotic goods offers high-quality products tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
1️⃣ Choose the Right Brace – Make sure you have the correct size and type of brace for your condition.
2️⃣ Position Your Leg – Sit down and extend your leg to keep it straight.
3️⃣ Align the Brace – Place the knee brace so the hinges (if any) align with your knee joint and the open patella (if present) is centered over your kneecap.
4️⃣ Strap It Securely – Start fastening the bottom straps first, then move to the top. Adjust for a snug but comfortable fit—tight enough for support but not cutting off circulation.
5️⃣ Check for Comfort – Stand up, move your knee gently, and ensure the brace stays in place without slipping or causing pain.
6️⃣ Wear It Over or Under Clothing – Some braces work best directly on the skin, while others can be worn over thin leggings or sleeves for added comfort.
7️⃣ Adjust As Needed – Throughout the day, check the fit and re-tighten if necessary.
If you’re unsure, consult a doctor or physiotherapist to ensure you’re wearing it correctly for maximum benefit! 😊
One of the best options is the Össur Unloader One Knee Brace.
✔ Reduces Knee Pressure – Designed to shift weight away from the affected area, reducing strain.
✔ Lightweight & Comfortable – Perfect for active users, allowing better movement.
✔ Strong Stability – Helps prevent knee wobbling during running or hiking.
✔ Customizable Fit – Adjustable straps ensure a snug yet comfortable fit.
This brace is ideal for those who want to stay active despite OA. Always consult a doctor to check if it’s the right fit for your condition! 😊
The cost of an OA knee brace can vary based on the brand, type, and features. Here’s a general price range for different types of knee braces in India:
✔ Basic Knee Brace Price – ₹500 to ₹2,000 (for mild support and compression)
✔ Long Knee Brace Price – ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 (offers extended support for the knee joint)
✔ Tynor Knee Brace Price – ₹800 to ₹4,500 (Tynor offers different models, including hinged and ROM braces)
✔ ROM Knee Brace Price – ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 (allows controlled knee movement, ideal for post-injury recovery)
✔ Hinged Knee Brace Price – ₹2,500 to ₹12,000 (provides extra stability for ligament injuries and OA)
High-end unloader knee braces from brands like Össur can cost ₹15,000 or more.
The right choice depends on your condition and activity level. Always consult a specialist to find the best fit for you! 😊
If you are looking for the best unloader knee brace in India, KARE Prosthetics & Orthotics India is the best option. They offer high-quality unloading knee braces for osteoarthritis in India, designed to relieve pressure on the arthritic part of the knee. The team provides expert guidance and ensures a perfect fit based on your condition. They’re based in Bangalore but deliver across India, so getting the right brace is easy and hassle-free.
