Guide To Choosing a Knee Brace if you suffer with Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common form of arthritis afflicting knee joints in adults. Osteoarthritis itself is a degenerative (wear and tear) type of arthritis that occurs mainly in individuals over 50 years of age, but can still occur in younger people as well.

Osteoarthritis differs from regular arthritis, because OA causes cartilage in the knee joint to gradually wear away, causing stiffness and pain. This pain and stiffness can greatly limit your mobility, and overall health. This is why it is so important to treat Osteoarthritis of the knee as soon as symptoms start. One such treatment includes a knee brace specifically designed for OA sufferers.

Benefits of Using An OA Knee Brace

Benefits of using an OA brace are plentiful. Knee braces help absorb shock that results when you walk, jog, or exercise. OA knee braces help to ease the pressure on the degenerating knee joint. In turn, those who use an OA knee brace report pain relief and less stiffness after using their brace. Right now you may be asking yourself what OA knee brace is right for you? With so many different manufacturers and models which one should you choose. Well at Back Knee Pain.com we reviewed some of the best OA Knee braces on the market today and came up with a list of the 5 best keep reading below to see which knee braces made the cut.

Here are five of the best Osteoarthritis Knee Braces Of 2020

DonJoy OA (Osteoarthritis) Reaction WEB Knee Brace

The DonJoy OA Reaction Web Knee Brace is a fantastic knee brace made for Osteoarthritis sufferers. With a low-profile design, a breathable open framework, and shock absorption technology, this brace has all you need, and more, to decrease your OA pain.

Features:

• Patented, Silicone Web Technology, that is scientifically designed to provide shock absorption and pain relief of the anterior knee, which helps treat OA of not just the knee, but of the patella (kneecap), as well.
• The low profile design
• Comes with an under sleeve and a silicone framework that can be worn unseen underneath your pants.
• It is extremely breathable, formfitting, and comfortable to wear.
• This brace offers offloading of the knee with a nonslip cup effect.
• The hexagon design of the brace allows air pockets to support the knee.
• The DonJoy OA Reaction WEB knee brace offers flexibility, stability, and relief from knee and patella pain caused by Osteoarthritis.

This brace retails for around $149.99 and comes in 7 different sizes.

Ossur Unloader One Osteoarthritic Knee Brace

The Unloader One by Ossur, is an Osteoarthritic knee brace that is low profile, lightweight, and comfortable. This brace offers great suspension and unloading leverage, which uses a 3-point leverage design, which incorporates Dual Dynamic Force Straps. These straps are easily tuned via a Dynamic Force Control System. The color coded quick-fit buckles allow for a simple application and removal of the brace.

The brace is coated with Ossur Sensil Silicone, which improves comfort levels and reduces migration, which will keep your pain levels down and the brace comfortably in place. Research has shown that the Ossur unloader helps reduce OA pain and stiffness, which can help patients decrease the use of pain medication or simply improve knee function and quality of life.

• This brace works best for mild to severe uni-compartmental OA and conditions that require load reduction, such as Avascular Necrosis
• Tibial Plateau Fracture
• Articular Cartilage Defect Repair
• In addition to Osteoarthritis.

The new Ossur Unloader One model is more flexible and softer due to SmartDosing technology, which improves the overall function of this excellent brace.

DonJoy OA Lite Osteoarthritis Knee Brace

DonJoy OA Lite Knee Brace is a brace that provides more coverage and support than the thinner-profile silicone OA braces out there. The OA Lite is prefabricated, comfortable, lightweight, and features a sleek low profile design.

The single upright hinge is flexible enough to allow for load adjustments with calf and thigh paddles that help mitigate hinge rotation. The pre-loaded hinge (which provides up to 6 degrees of correction), incorporates extension and flexion control. The reinforced strap ends, pull loops, and thigh grip are Osteoarthritis friendly and help to support the knee, which directly decreases pain from OA, as well as further damage. It also helps decrease stiffness and improve your mobility.
The Breathe-O-Prene fabric is a patented fabric that eliminates irritation of the skin and offers comfort to the user by wicking away moisture. The DonJoy OA Lite costs around $289.99 retail price, and comes in 7 different sizes.

Breg Freestyle OA Knee Brace

The Freestyle OA Knee Brace by Breg is one of Breg’s latest models in Osteoarthritis bracing. This comfortable OA brace provides offloading of the lateral or medial compartment and is intended for mild to moderate Osteoarthritis.

The Freestyle is designed as a simple wrap-around, which is easy to apply and remove on a daily basis. The breathable and comfortable material offers a focused compression around the affected knee joint and addresses swelling and promotes positive blood flow. The single-sided, low profile hinge encourages patient compliance and the innovative thumb wheel dial offers precision unloading adjustments without the use of any tools. This brace is sturdy and when wrapped around your knee, offers fantastic protection and pain relief.

The Freestyle OA Knee Brace by Breg comes in 5 different sizes and costs anywhere from $545 to $560, retail price. If you have Medicare, your insurance may pay for this brace. Talk to your doctor first before buying.

DDS OA KneeTrac

The DDS OA KneeTrac is the world’s first decompression knee brace and is the perfect solution for moderate to severe Osteoarthritis of the knee. Using Fulcrum-Smart Leverage Traction System technology, coupled with the Intelli-H Frame design, DDC’s KneeTrac is a high quality product that is without a doubt, an excellent addition to OA treatment.

The KneeTrac includes interchangeable Angle Lock System that are fully customizable, unloads both compartments of the knee joint simultaneously, has an ergonomic fit, is comfortable to wear, and is made of an ultra-lightweight and highly durable Dur-aluminum alloy aircraft grade material.

Benefits of the KneeTrac include:

• The reduction of pain and stiffness of the knee due to OA
• Improvement of knee joint functions
• Support and stabilization of the knee during daily activities
• Increased mobility, and can even be an alternative to surgery.

You can purchase the DDS OA KneeTrac in 7 different sizes. Surprisingly, this brace costs only $395 retail price, which is great for the materials and technology included in this brace. The DDS OA KneeTrac is approved by Medicare and most private insurances, so talk to your doctor about purchasing this brace before buying it retail.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to using an OA knee brace for those suffering from painful Osteoarthritis. You can minimize pain and stiffness in your everyday life by treating your OA with affordable bracing options that helps keep you active and healthy. If you have any questions please feel free to comment below.