Custom knee bracing for medial knee osteoarthritis is quite common
But it can also be quite expensive (though is often covered by extended health plans), so it is important to know what the potential benefits are. Custom knee braces are those that are fit specific to your leg and your condition.
Over the past 20 years this topic has been studied frequently and the results have shown that custom knee braces are worth the money!
A 2016 study in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders by Toksvig-Larsen et al. found that custom fitted unloader braces improved function over a 52 week follow up in people with mild to moderate medial knee joint osteoarthritis.
Similar benefits were noted in a study published in the American Journal of Orthopedics by Ostrander et al. where they found that a custom knee unloader brace produced a significant reduction in self-reported measures of pain, and improved function in those that used the unloader when compared to those who received conservative therapy (with no unloader brace).
A 2006 study in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery by Draganich et al. once again found that custom unloader knee braces were superior to both off the shelf braces and no braces at all when it comes to reducing pain and stiffness and improving function. Of note, off the shelf braces (non-custom) were superior to no brace at all.
All of this research combined shows the potential benefits associated with custom unloader braces for knee osteoarthritis.
These studies show the importance of the custom braces being fit properly by well trained professionals.
At Kratos Health, you will receive the personal care that only a locally owned small business can give you. Our professionals have their backgrounds in Physiotherapy allowing them to properly diagnose your condition (if necessary) and determine not only which of our many premium braces are appropriate, but also whether a brace is needed at all!
If you are unsure whether a custom unloader knee brace is right for you, reach out to us at [email protected] or (705) 250-6000 and one of our highly trained experts will be happy to help!