When Are Braces Used for OA?
Braces may be incorporated into an osteoarthritis (OA) treatment plan for the following types of people:
- those with OA isolated to one compartment of the knee whose symptoms can’t be controlled by other approaches to treatment and whose physical activity level is limited by knee pain or instability;
- those with OA who do not want to undergo surgery, or those who want to buy time before surgery is necessary;
- those with OA who are not candidates for replacement surgery because of their age or for medical reasons.
Combined Treatment Opportunities
The goals of an OA treatment plan are to decrease joint pain, improve joint function and help to avoid further joint damage. Common methods of treatment include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs; joint injections; exercise; weight control; physical and occupational therapy; bracing; and in advanced cases, surgery.
While bracing may not alleviate all the symptoms a person with osteoarthritis may be experiencing, it is a treatment approach that can provide substantial benefits in combination with other treatment methods, such as medication and physical therapy. In addition, for many people, bracing is a cost-effective alternative to surgery. In cases where surgery is necessary, bracing often is part of the post-surgical rehabilitation process. A brace, in combination with crutches, can keep weight off of the patient’s knee while it is healing and help the patient ease back in to his or her regular activities.
