Knee pain from osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of pain and disability that can range from mild to debilitating.

OA is the progressive break down of cartilage between the bones, so that eventually the bones rub together. This damage to the cartilage and bone can cause a painful and swollen knee joint, usually on the medial or inner side.

Other symptoms of knee OA include stiffness after periods of inactivity, reduced bending and straightening of the knee, occasional swelling and creaking.

Common treatments prescribed for knee OA are medication, physiotherapy and, in some cases, surgery.

There is a treatment choice that does not require drugs or surgery, with virtually no side-effects.

A custom brace, specifically designed for knee OA, can play a major therapeutic role in managing pain and preventing the progression of OA. Using biomechanics, a custom brace can redistribute pressure and unload the weight or stress on the affected part of the joint. This can cause significant pain relief for weight bearing activities.

Many physicians prescribe custom knee braces to delay or avoid surgery and enable their patients to enjoy being active longer.

Today custom knee braces are strong, light weight, low profile and are very comfortable to wear during activity. The brace doesn’t slide down the leg or impede motion. They can be worn for any type of activity, including skiing and water sports.

Regular activity is actually good for an arthritic knee. Activity helps to stimulate the cartilage cells and it helps to keep weight down, which is critical for knee health.

OA knee bracing is becoming more popular since more people are choosing to maintain their active lifestyles for longer without having to resort to surgery. As long as the brace is helping to alleviate pain, it can be worn indefinitely.