What is Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage found on the knee joint breaks down, causing the bones to rub together. As the joint changes you may notice the following:

• Stiffness, especially after sitting or rest.
• Swelling around the knee.
• Reduced knee movement.
• Feeling weakness or instability.
• Pain/ discomfort during activities.

Knee arthritis is tricky because it does not affect everyone in the same way. Some clients may experience very mild changes in activity but on X-ray have significant arthritis. While others my have minor changes on the X-ray but experience significant pain or changes in the knee.

Why Does Arthritis Cause Swelling in the Knee?

Swelling of the knee caused by arthritis is a very common symptom. When the knee joint becomes irritated the body responds by increasing the amount of fluid around the knee. The swelling can make your leg feel puffy, stiff and tight. This can contribute to the discomfort because it limits the movement of the knee making movement uncomfortable. Simple strategies such as temporarily reducing the intensity or duration of the activity that causes the swelling, or doing lower impact activities can put less stress on the knee.

Why Does My Knee Arthritis Hurt Worse at Night?

During the day you are moving around and may not notice the discomfort as much as when you are at rest, and the more you move the less stiff you become. Staying in one position for long periods of time can make the knee feel stiff. Also, swelling tends to become worse as the day progresses, with the most swelling occurring at night. Icing the knee periodically throughout the day can help reduce the inflammation. Changing sleeping positions throughout the night or sleeping with a pillow under your leg can reduce the achy, stiff feeling of the knee.

Can a Knee Brace Help?

There are many different types of knee braces, and the style that works best for you depends on the symptoms you are having. For instance, some braces will provide mild compression to prevent swelling, while others are designed to unload the forces through the knee. The goal of the knee brace is to help offload the forces going through the knee joint so that you can move more comfortably.

What Else Can I Do?

Along with a knee brace there are several other strategies that can help combat arthritis pain.

1. Keep Moving: Lower impact activities such as biking or swimming can keep you going without putting excess stress on the knee.
2. Build Strength: Increasing the muscle strength of the leg especially the muscles around the knee joint can improve mobility. A physiotherapist can help guide you and teach you exercises that will help you strengthen the knee without creating an injury.
3. Supportive Footwear: The footwear can influence how the impact forces travel through your lower extremity. Shoes that provide the right support in the arch, ankle and have some cushion can make everyday tasks more comfortable.
4. Custom Orthotics: An orthotic is designed to help distribute weight and force evenly across the foot, while also aligning the foot and lower extremity in a neutral position. Orthotics can help reduce the stress felt on the knee.

Knee arthritis does not have to mean giving up the activities you love. Finding the right combination of treatments, can keep you doing what is most important to you. At BioPed, a clinician can assess your lower extremities and recommend a treatment plan that tailored to you, our goal is to keep you doing more of what you love.

The post How to Treat Arthritis Knee Pain appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Which Knee Brace Is Right for My Injury?

Not all knee braces are the same. The best brace for you depends on your specific needs. The brace that may work for your friend may not be the right fit for you. Here are some different styles of braces:

Unloader Braces: These braces are designed, as the name indicates, to offload and redistribute pressure within the knee joint. These braces tend to be designed for people with Osteoarthritis and have hinges. They greatly improve the mobility and comfort of the wearer. An example of this type of brace would be the DonJoy OA Fullforce Unloader knee brace.

Hinged Knee Braces: These braces often include side supports to stabilize the knee joint. They are commonly recommended for ligament injuries or used after certain knee injuries. Examples of this style of brace would be the Bauerfeind GenuTrain S, which combines a compressive sleeve as well as side hinges for side-to-side stability.

Patellar Stabilizing Braces:  These braces help guide and stabilize the kneecap. These braces usually have padding around the kneecap and are ideal for clients who have patellofemoral pain. An example of this style of brace would be the Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3.

Compression Sleeves: These braces tend to be less bulky with mild compression to help reduce swelling and are typically used for mild cases of arthritis, general knee discomfort or minor strains. An example of this type of brace would be the DJO Genuforce knee brace.

Choosing the correct brace can sometimes be confusing, some may not provide adequate support, but over-bracing can be unnecessary, uncomfortable and can limit your movement for certain activities. A BioPed clinician can evaluate your knee mechanics, activity demand and overall lower extremity function and guide you to make the correct bracing choice.

Will Wearing a Knee Brace Make My Knee Stronger or Weaker?

This is the most common concern for clients. A knee brace itself does not make muscles stronger or weaker. The brace provides support, stability and increases confidence when moving. It is a valuable tool to help keep you doing what you love to do. Braces empower you to be able to continue exercising, which increases muscle strength and overall lower extremity function.

How Long Should I Wear a Knee Brace?

This depends on your condition or injury. Some clients may only need to wear a brace when doing certain activities, such as playing sports, exercising, or walking long distances. Some people may need to wear their knee brace all day. This is common right after an injury or surgery.

What Else Can I Do?

People often wonder whether there is anything else I can do in combination with my knee brace? And the answer is yes! Many clients benefit from a combination of strategies such as:

1. Proper footwear: Proper footwear can help support the arch and properly align the foot, taking pressure off the ankles, knees and hips.
2. Custom Orthotics: Custom orthotics help by evenly distributing the weight of the body and aligning the foot, reducing stress on the ankles, knees and hips.
3. Activity Modification: Decreasing activity level, especially right after injury, can help reduce strain on the injured knee.
4. Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the hips, thighs, and lower legs can help support the knee.

Knee braces are an effective tool for managing a wide range of conditions. However, if you are confused about which brace would be right for you, a BioPed clinician can help. They can assess your needs and recommend a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. Remember, a knee brace can help you stay active and move more confidently so you can do more of what you love.

The post Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions About Knee Bracing appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.