Treating Knee Pain with Orthotic Devices

Unsurprisingly, the knee is the easiest joint to injure, and orthoses are often part of the healing process. In order to function correctly, your orthosis must be the right type and be fitted to your body. Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics has extensive experience with orthoses and can help you get back to the activities of daily life with less pain.

Types of Knee Orthoses

Orthotic devices are also called “orthoses” or “braces” and different kinds of orthotic devices can help various conditions.

• Functional braces: Functional braces are worn after a severe injury has healed. A functional brace can help prevent additional damage by stabilizing the knee and controlling the range of motion.
• Rehabilitative orthotics: You may need to wear a rehabilitative orthosis following an injury or surgery. This brace keeps the knee stable and limits motion to help the joint heal properly.
• Unloader braces: Arthritis can cause significant pain in the knees and other joints. An unloader brace uses a three-point pressure system to shift weight to another part of the knee.

Using a Knee Orthosis

Depending on the severity of the condition, a knee orthotic may be recommended for short-term or long-term use. We recommend following the professional guidance of a member of our healthcare team, but there are a few things to keep in mind when using an orthotic device for your knee.

• Wear your knee orthosis as directed. You risk further injury and joint damage if you wear it in ways other than advised by your doctor.
• Braces wear out with everyday use, so thoroughly check yours often to ensure it’s still in good shape. If your orthosis has Velcro straps, stick the strap back on itself after removal to keep pet hair and other debris from sticking to it.
• Keep your orthosis clean to prevent bacteria from building up. Mild soap and warm water are acceptable in most cases. If you’re unsure how to care for your knee orthosis, our team will answer any questions and guide you toward appropriate care alternatives.
• Never try to repair or adjust your brace, as this can cause irreparable damage to the device and increase your risk of further injury. Let a member of our team make all the appropriate adjustments for you.

Things to Keep in Mind

An orthosis is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. You should maintain strength and flexibility in your knees by following a stretching and exercise program as your doctor, physical therapist, or medical team prescribes. Implement changes in your routine gradually to lessen stress on the knee joint.

Tips for Healthy Knees

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Shedding even a few excess pounds will dramatically reduce the stress on your knees.
2. Stay active as you can while following medical advice. Low-impact exercises like walking are perfect for people with knee pain. Physical activity maintains the muscle strength your joints rely on to provide adequate support. Many people believe they should move an affected area as little as possible, but your joints will become stiffer and more painful if they don’t move regularly.
3. Improve your posture. Posture affects the alignment of your joints, including your shoulders, hips, and knees. Most people have poor posture while sitting, so get up and move around every hour to help maintain a neutral spine and correct posture.

Contact Us

Don’t let knee pain stop you from living your life. Our experts in orthotics and prosthetics provide quality care and compassion to every patient. Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics offers a range of services for your orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthic needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

We have locations in Edgewood, KY, and Lawrenceburg, IN, and serve the areas of Erlanger, Florence, Covington, Fort Thomas, Union, Walton, Edgewood, Oakbrook, Taylorsport, Fort Mitchell, Hebron, Beaverlick, Burlington, Belleview, Independence, Newport, Verona, Elsmere, KY, and Cincinnati, OH.

We look forward to being a part of your healthcare team and providing you with high-quality care for years to come.