| One way to treat arthritis pain and provide stability is | | | | such as plastic or foam. Inside the mold are metal |
| with the proper arthritis knee support. For many | | | | bars that limit the range of motion of the knee joint. |
| patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee, a | | | | This type of brace is individually fit to each patient. It |
| knee support will give them the relief and support | | | | works by moving the pain from the affected area |
| they need. | | | | with pressure. |
| Types of Knee Braces | | | | Other Treatments |
| There are several different types of arthritis knee | | | | Medication is also popular treatment for the early |
| support braces to choose from. In order to get the | | | | stages of the disease. Medication is usually used to |
| best fit you should always discuss knee support | | | | control pain until such time that you can begin a |
| devices with your doctor or health professional. Most | | | | treatment plan. During this time you will work with a |
| physical therapists are well versed in the use of knee | | | | physical therapist and also do exercises at home. The |
| support and can also offer helpful and knowledgeable | | | | goal is to not have to take pain medications for life. |
| advice. | | | | Some patients will benefit from a simple change of |
| The type of knee brace you chose will depend | | | | diet with exercise. Overweight people are prone to |
| primarily on the location of the affected area. | | | | arthritis of knee because of the added pressure on |
| A medial arthritis knee support brace will support the | | | | the joints due to their weight. Dieting and exercise |
| inside of the knee joint. A lateral brace will give | | | | can help overweight people get control of their |
| stability to the outside of the knee joint, and a | | | | weight and relieve pressure on the joints. |
| patellofemoral brace stabilizes the area behind the | | | | Knee joint surgery and knee replacement surgery are |
| kneecap. | | | | usually reserved for those persons who have not |
| These types of braces are usually recommended for | | | | had success with other treatment options. In some |
| patients who suffer osteoarthritis and cartilage loss | | | | cases this is the only way to reverse the damage |
| of the knee joint. | | | | and ease the pain. |
| Breaking It Down: Different Types of Knee Braces | | | | Joint replacement surgery is performed everyday |
| Arthritis knee support devices can be broken down | | | | and considered very safe and successful. |
| even more into specific types of braces. One popular | | | | If you decide to try using an arthritis knee support |
| type of brace is the single piece sleeve. This brace is | | | | device it is important to consider all of your options. |
| made from durable neoprene and is the basic type of | | | | As mentioned earlier, your doctor will know the best |
| knee brace. To put on the brace you simply pull it on | | | | type of brace for your specific condition. The |
| over the foot and up to the knee. This brace is for | | | | success of the arthritis knee support device depends |
| mild osteoarthritis only. | | | | on your dedication - wear it always. |
| An unloader brace is made from molded materials | | | | |