Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. When the knee is impacted, simple activities like walking or climbing stairs can become challenging. Fortunately, osteoarthritis treatments have advanced significantly, and one of the most effective non-surgical options for managing knee pain is the use of knee braces.

The Role of Knee Braces in Osteoarthritis Management

A knee brace is useful in reducing pain and shifting the weight of the affected areas of the knee joint. For patients with knee osteoarthritis in Mumbai, knee braces can be helpful in non-operative management before going for surgery. These braces help improve function, reducing pain, and allowing the patients to perform activities with less stress on the knees.

Types of Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis

The kind of knee brace to be used varies with the degree of osteoarthritis, the area of the knee affected, and the patient’s preference. Here are the most recommended options:

• Unloader Knee Braces – These are knee braces that are used for osteoarthritis that is moderate to severe; they work by reducing pressure on the affected part of the knee, thus reducing pain and improving mobility.
• Hinged Knee Braces – These are suitable for patients with knee instability due to osteoarthritis because they provide extra support.
• Compression Sleeves – These are light, stretchable, and are used for swollen limbs and give mild support to osteoarthritis in its initial stage.
• Wraparound Braces – These braces are flexible and are used by those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who occasionally need support.
• Custom Knee Braces – Recommended for those patients with abnormal knee shapes or severe osteoarthritis who need special support.

When to Consider a Knee Brace?

If you have issues with your knees, including pain, stiffness, or instability, the only way to determine whether to use a knee brace is to consult a knee surgeon in Mumbai. Braces are often recommended when:

• Pain hinders the performance of activities of daily living even when one is on medication or receiving therapy.
• The knee feels unstable or is likely to buckle or ‘give out.’
• A brace can assist in reducing the pressure that is exerted on the joint in the case of a patient where it is not evenly distributed.
• You do not want to go under the knife, but you also do not want to stop exercising.

Seeking the Right Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee braces are useful in the management of the condition but cannot be used to cure osteoarthritis in the long run. Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory joint disease, and patients may require physiotherapy, alterations in their daily activities, and, in some cases, knee replacement surgery. For further details, the reader should seek advice from the best knee surgeon in Mumbai.

For such patients, there is Dr Niraj Vora, a knee surgeon in Mumbai, who offers the best treatment of knee osteoarthritis in Mumbai, both surgical and non-surgical. If you need a brace to enable you to walk or are planning to undergo knee replacement surgery, it is advisable to get the services of the best knee replacement surgeon in Mumbai to ensure that you get the best treatment that will suit your needs.