Are you suffering from severe knee pain due to arthritis? If you are then you probably want to explore all options and one of that is the use of arthritis knee brace. But is this really worth the money and would this really alleviate knee joint pain? Generally there are two kinds of arthritis knee braces – unloader and sleeves brace.
Unloader Brace
This kind of brace is created for the purpose of applying force in the outside portion of the knee so as to unload the medial part and lessen the pain in the joint. This brace usually cost from $500 to $700 and this is not covered by insurance.
Sleeves
Sleeves brace actually consist of neoprene and come with or without hinges in the side. The most famous and comfortable braces have a hole in the front to help reduce pressure on the knee cap. This knee sleeves can be purchase around $75.
The effectivity of knee braces are supported with several research. Study has found out that knee sleeves can aid in improving balance hence lessens the risk for falls. Users of knee sleeves also claimed an increase security with activities. It is also effective in helping to lessen the symptoms although it has not shown to improve function or limit disability.
Another study showed that brace knee are effective in various form of arthritis especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (J Knee Surg 2002).
As for unloader brace, research found out that it is effective in lessening pain and improving motion as well as walking tolerance. The brace which is designed to unload the medial knee may be less effective with overweight individuals.
Generally Unloader braces is much better than the knee sleeves but then unloader braces are more expensive than knee sleeves. Just make sure to consult your healthcare provider regarding the use of those braces.
But studies showed that unloader brace has much benefit for individuals who suffers from osteoarthritis. According to Karen K Briggs, MPH, director of clinical research at Steadman Philippon Research Institute commented that patients have maintained or improved their activity level and saw that their is significant decrease in pain and decrease in the use of anti-inflammatory medications.