What Kind of OA Brace Do I Need?
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex and multi-faceted condition. OA can affect different areas of your knee and comes with a wide range of symptoms, such as pain, swelling around the knee, and instability – or feeling as though the knee may buckle or give out. A knee OA brace can help to provide you with pain relief, a reduction in swelling, and a feeling of support.
WATCH: What Kind Of OA Brace Do I Need? (2:24)
There is a wide range of OA braces available to suit your needs. We like to categorize these braces based on a spectrum of support. Smaller braces, like compression sleeves, will usually feel less supportive, whereas larger braces, like unloader braces, will offer more support and control to your knee.
Light Support Knee OA Braces
A light support knee brace is characterized by its lightweight construction and breathable material. Ideally, these are medical-grade compression sleeves with a soft section in the popliteal area (or the back of the knee) to prevent chafing.
The purpose of a light support knee brace is to provide compression and reduce swelling in your knee, as this can improve your range of motion. This sleeve can also improve proprioceptive awareness; you will be more conscientious of the movement of your knee, and how your knee is feeling, when you wear it.
However, a light support knee brace can’t unload your knee. It is primarily designed to provide comfort.
This knee brace is an excellent choice if you already have a more supportive brace, but are looking for a discreet alternative to wear during low activity times.
Medium Support Knee OA Braces
We define a medium support knee brace by their sleeve-style construction. They also have plastic or metal hinges on both sides of the knee.
Usually, the material is a compressive neoprene or a sweat-wicking material.
A medium support knee brace provides extra medial (inside) and lateral (outside) support to your knee. The hinges add stability to help reduce the feeling of knee buckling. However, this style of knee brace still cannot unload your knee.
Maximum Support Knee OA Braces
Finally, an unloader knee brace is characterized by a semi-rigid or rigid frame with strategic strapping and hinges. If you have medial or lateral OA, your brace fitter may recommend an unloader knee brace for you.
Unloader braces are designed to restrict excessive medial or lateral (side-to-side) movements in your knee without restricting flexion and extension (front-to-back). They redistribute the forces on your knee where the cartilage is wearing away. Unloader braces can also be effective at reducing pain within the knee.
Talk to a Bracing Specialist!
Knee osteoarthritis is a complex condition. Because of this, there are many things to consider when choosing the right knee OA brace for your specific needs. We recommend booking an appointment with an OA bracing specialist to find the right brace for you.
During your appointment, the bracing specialist will educate you on different bracing options while having you try them on. They will also discuss other treatment options, including trekking poles, custom foot orthotics, over the counter insoles, or supportive footwear.
Contact your nearest Kintec store to schedule your appointment today!
norbert helmhold
November 29, 2019 at 12:03 amIm looking for the FX Knee Brace for patella sublimation
Michael Ryan
March 29, 2020 at 10:27 pmHi Norbert – We still carry a few of those GII FX braces around, but have your tried a Bauerfeind Genutrain (https://shop.kintec.net/bauerfeind-genutrain-comfort.html)? Many customers prefer Bauerfeind’s woven knit material from comfort and breathability. Give us a call at 604-200-FEET (3338) and we can discuss which model would work best to help with your patellar subluxation.