Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis & How Unloader Bracing Can Help
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the protective cartilage in your knee joint gradually wears down over time. Think of cartilage as your knee’s natural cushioning – when it deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
Common Symptoms:
- Pain that increases with activity
- Morning stiffness
- Swelling after activity
- Grinding sensation when moving
- Difficulty with stairs
- Reduced range of motion
Risk Factors:
- Age over 50
- Previous knee injury
- Family history
- Overweight or obesity
- Occupations with knee stress
- Sports with repetitive impact
Understanding Unloader Knee Braces
How Unloader Braces Work:
Unloader braces are specially designed to “unload” pressure from the affected side of your knee. They work by:
- Shifting weight away from the damaged part of your knee
- Creating a gentle opening in the joint space
- Reducing bone-on-bone contact
- Improving overall knee alignment
Immediate Benefits:
- Reduced pain during walking
- Improved stability
- Better confidence in movement
- Decreased swelling
Long-Term Benefits:
- Increased activity levels
- Better joint function
- Reduced medication needs
- Potential delay of surgery
Who Benefits Most from Unloader Bracing?
Ideal Candidates
- One-sided knee pain
- Active lifestyle goals
- Moderate OA
- Non-severe deformity
Common Activities
- Walking
- Golf
- Light hiking
- Daily activities
Treatment Goals
- Pain reduction
- Increased mobility
- Activity return
- Surgery delay
The Custom Fitting Process
1. Expert Assessment
- Review of medical history
- Evaluation of knee alignment
- Discussion of activity goals
- Measurement of leg geometry
2. Custom Fitting
- Precise measurements
- Adjustment of unloading mechanism
- Comfort optimization
- Gait assessment with brace
3. Education & Support
- Proper wearing instructions
- Activity guidelines
- Care and maintenance tips
- Follow-up schedule
Tips for Success with Your Unloader Brace
Daily Wear Guide
- Start with 2-3 hours per day
- Gradually increase wearing time
- Use during activities
- Follow your fitting expert’s schedule
Maintenance
- Clean straps regularly
- Check for wear and tear
- Schedule regular adjustments
- Report any concerns promptly
Take Control of Your Knee OA
Don’t let knee osteoarthritis limit your lifestyle. Our expert team at Ortho Dynamics can help you discover if an unloader brace is right for you.