From the Guidelines
Knee braces are a viable option for managing arthritis symptoms, particularly osteoarthritis, as they provide support, stability, and pain relief by reducing pressure on the affected joint. According to the 2019 American College of Rheumatology/American Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee 1, strong recommendations were made for tibiofemoral bracing for tibiofemoral knee OA. The guideline suggests that knee braces can be beneficial for patients with knee OA, particularly those with tibiofemoral knee OA, as they can help reduce pain and improve joint stability.
Some key points to consider when using knee braces for arthritis include:
- Choosing a brace specifically designed for arthritis and ensuring proper fit to avoid restricting circulation or providing inadequate support
- Wearing the brace during activities that cause pain, but not becoming overly dependent on it, as maintaining muscle strength through exercise is also important for joint health
- Considering different types of braces, such as unloader, sleeve, or hinged braces, which serve various purposes, including shifting weight away from damaged areas, offering compression and warmth, or providing stability while allowing movement
- Consulting with a healthcare provider to recommend the most appropriate type of brace for specific conditions and severity, as they can help determine the best course of treatment and ensure proper use of the brace.
It's also important to note that while knee braces can be beneficial, they are not a cure for arthritis, and a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication, physical therapy, and weight management may be necessary for optimal management of OA, as suggested by the 2020 US Department of Veterans Affairs/US Department of Defense clinical practice guideline 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Knee Braces for Arthritis
- Knee braces are a nonpharmacological treatment option for knee osteoarthritis, and they can be effective in reducing pain and improving function 2, 3, 4.
- Different types of knee braces are available, including rest orthoses, knee sleeves, and unloading-knee braces, each with its own mechanism of action 2.
- Unloading-knee braces have been shown to be effective in modifying loading and reducing pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis 2.
- Soft braces have also been found to have moderate effects on pain and small to moderate effects on self-reported physical function in knee osteoarthritis 4.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that both knee braces and lateral wedge insoles can improve pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis, with no significant difference between the two interventions 3.
Types of Knee Braces
- Valgus/varus, patellofemoral, sleeve, neutral hinged, and control/placebo knee braces are some of the types of knee braces that have been tested for knee osteoarthritis 5.
- The effectiveness of these different types of knee braces can vary, and the choice of brace should be based on the individual patient's needs and symptoms 2, 5.
Adherence and Mechanisms of Action
- Adherence to brace use is an important factor in the effectiveness of knee braces, but it is often poorly reported in studies 5.
- Several mechanisms of action have been proposed for knee braces, including biomechanical, neuromuscular, and psychological mechanisms 5.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of knee braces and to develop effective strategies for improving adherence to brace use 2, 5.