Bracing: One Treatment Option for Arthritis
One approach to treating osteoarthritis (OA) is mechanical in nature and includes the use of orthotic devices, such as canes, shoe wedges and knee braces. Hundreds of thousands of Americans regularly use orthotic devices to help relieve arthritis-induced pain and improve joint function. Braces can play a therapeutic role in managing osteoarthritis, especially when the disease affects the knee.
What is Bracing?
Braces are devices designed to stabilize a joint, reduce pain and inflammation, and help the people wearing them to build stronger muscles. Braces are made from an array of plastics, metals, leather and moldable foam. Many types of braces are available for people with osteoarthritis.
Some braces, such as pre-made elastic and neoprene knee braces, are available over-the-counter at drug and medical-supply stores. Typically, off-the-shelf braces come in a range of sizes. You may need to try different styles or sizes to find one that fits comfortably and works for you.
Other braces, such as functional knee braces, may be custom-designed and fitted especially for you by a health-care professional who specializes in orthotics – the science of developing devices designed to help weakened limbs function better. A physician, orthotist, or physical or occupational therapist will take into consideration your individual circumstances, as well as the part of your body affected by OA, before incorporating bracing into your treatment plan.
Although bracing on its own seldom is enough to relieve all symptoms a person with OA may experience, properly prescribed and accurately designed braces can be a beneficial part of a treatment plan.
