Off Loading Knee Brace
How Does an Offloading Knee Brace Work?
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that is common in young people as well as old. Also known as “OA”, it is one of the most common forms of arthritis, and occurs when the cartilage between joints in your knee starts to wear away. The symptoms include mild to moderate pain, stiffness, immobility and bone spurs that can become worse over time.
Unfortunately, there are no known cures for OA, however there are ways in which you can limit the pain and regain some mobility. One effective method is to “offload” your knee using an offloading knee brace, which reduces pressure and realigns your patella to help you move without pain.
What Will This Guide Cover?
First off, this guide will explain what knee osteoarthritis is and how offloading can help. We’ll then showcase a few of our best offloading knee braces, highlighting their key strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Our Best Offloading Braces
- Best Offloading Brace for Sports and Active Use
- Best Offloading Brace for Everyday Use
- Best Offloading Brace for Preventing Surgery
- Best Offloading Brace for Shock Absorption
- Best Offloading Brace for Discreet Use
- Low-Cost Alternatives
What Is Osteoarthritis in the Knee?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the body’s natural cushioning (the cartilage) becomes worn. With less cartilage, bone rubs against bone, leading to pain and stiffness that ranges from a mild hinderance to a severe debilitation. Although the condition is more common among the elderly, factors that can exacerbate the condition in both the young and old are injury, overuse or excess weight.
In the UK alone there are an estimated 8.5 million people who suffer from osteoarthritis. Studies have also shown that at least 50% of people over the age of 65 suffer from the condition to at least some degree. The fact is that you aren’t alone, which also means there are a lot of different things out there to help you if you feel that your life is affected by the condition.
How Do Offloading Knee Braces Work?
Here at Medrif Healthcare, we provide a wide range of OA Knee Braces, designed to prevent and repair damaged cartilage and the pain and stiffness associated with it. Offloading knees work by:
- Offloading knee braces offload the pressure from one side of the joint to the other
- This means that the stronger side of your knee bears the pressure, and the other side gets a break
- Offloading knee braces tend to fit all around the leg but are often made from lightweight metals and plastic
- You may be asked to choose between medial (inner) and lateral (outer) models depending on where the pain is located
- Offloading knee braces will often stabilise and reposition the knee, ensuring better leg posture
- We recommend that you wear your brace for shorter increments and ask your GP for advice before use
Where Can I Buy Offloading Knee Braces?
Here at Medrif Healthcare, we sell a number of OA Braces that can help you to get active again. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve outlined a brief explanation of the differences between the braces down below. Alternatively, you can also our guide on the Best OA Brace for You, which includes a full breakdown of each brace by pros, cons and suitability.
Off Loading Knee Brace
How Does an Offloading Knee Brace Work?
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that is common in young people as well as old. Also known as “OA”, it is one of the most common forms of arthritis, and occurs when the cartilage between joints in your knee starts to wear away. The symptoms include mild to moderate pain, stiffness, immobility and bone spurs that can become worse over time.
Unfortunately, there are no known cures for OA, however there are ways in which you can limit the pain and regain some mobility. One effective method is to “offload” your knee using an offloading knee brace, which reduces pressure and realigns your patella to help you move without pain.
What Will This Guide Cover?
First off, this guide will explain what knee osteoarthritis is and how offloading can help. We’ll then showcase a few of our best offloading knee braces, highlighting their key strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Our Best Offloading Braces
- Best Offloading Brace for Sports and Active Use
- Best Offloading Brace for Everyday Use
- Best Offloading Brace for Preventing Surgery
- Best Offloading Brace for Shock Absorption
- Best Offloading Brace for Discreet Use
- Low-Cost Alternatives
What Is Osteoarthritis in the Knee?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the body’s natural cushioning (the cartilage) becomes worn. With less cartilage, bone rubs against bone, leading to pain and stiffness that ranges from a mild hinderance to a severe debilitation. Although the condition is more common among the elderly, factors that can exacerbate the condition in both the young and old are injury, overuse or excess weight.
In the UK alone there are an estimated 8.5 million people who suffer from osteoarthritis. Studies have also shown that at least 50% of people over the age of 65 suffer from the condition to at least some degree. The fact is that you aren’t alone, which also means there are a lot of different things out there to help you if you feel that your life is affected by the condition.
How Do Offloading Knee Braces Work?
Here at Medrif Healthcare, we provide a wide range of OA Knee Braces, designed to prevent and repair damaged cartilage and the pain and stiffness associated with it. Offloading knees work by:
- Offloading knee braces offload the pressure from one side of the joint to the other
- This means that the stronger side of your knee bears the pressure, and the other side gets a break
- Offloading knee braces tend to fit all around the leg but are often made from lightweight metals and plastic
- You may be asked to choose between medial (inner) and lateral (outer) models depending on where the pain is located
- Offloading knee braces will often stabilise and reposition the knee, ensuring better leg posture
- We recommend that you wear your brace for shorter increments and ask your GP for advice before use
Where Can I Buy Offloading Knee Braces?
Here at Medrif Healthcare, we sell a number of OA Braces that can help you to get active again. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve outlined a brief explanation of the differences between the braces down below. Alternatively, you can also our guide on the Best OA Brace for You, which includes a full breakdown of each brace by pros, cons and suitability.