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Osteoarthritis of the Knee? Then Brace Yourself!
Your knee joints consist of two compartments: one called the “medial” and the other called the “lateral”. Even though the medial is more often affected, both compartments usually fall victim to severe osteoarthritis (OA).
If you had OA of the knees often, you would probably experience knee pain with some degree of unsteadiness. Your knees may buckle, lock up, give away or even worse, can suffer cartilage damage of the affected joint.
The reason a knee brace is prescribed for osteoarthritis of the knees is because it is a device designed to stabilize a joint, to shift the body weight off of the affected compartment of the knee, to position the joints correctly to prevent further deformity and to reduce pain. Generally speaking, bracing can lessen the associated pain by reducing stress and weight on the affected joints, all while increasing stability and helping prevent falls.
Braces are made up of an array of plastics, metals, leathers and moldable foam. Some braces, such as pre-made elastic and neoprene knee braces, are available over-the counter at a drug or medical-supply store and typically come in different sizes. In order to find the brace that is most comfortable and convenient for you, you may need to try different styles or sizes. If all else fails, other braces, such as the unloader brace, can be custom-designed and fitted especially for you and to meet your needs.
Choosing the right brace for you is so important because if it does not fit correctly, it can cause problems. In addition to being uncomfortable to wear, ill-fitting braces can slip out of place or produce excessive pressure, which can lead to skin problems and soreness. As long as you avoid prolonged 24-hour-a day use of your brace and take them off intermittently to gently exercise, you can prevent unused joints from becoming weak.
By Dr. Yong H. Tsai
Published in The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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