Our knees are among the largest and most important joints in the body. They bear a lot of stress every day—especially during activities like walking, running, jumping, and climbing stairs. Because of this, it’s essential to protect your knees and keep them healthy.

Maintaining good knee health starts with proper exercise, balanced stretching and strengthening, and wearing appropriate footwear. All of these can help reduce the strain on your knees and prevent injury.

If you’re experiencing knee pain, the first and most important step is to speak with your family doctor. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key. Knee pain can be caused by many different factors, including:

• Injury (e.g., a torn ligament)

• Overuse

• Arthritis or other joint diseases

• Poor alignment or walking mechanics

Once the underlying cause is identified, treatment can be more targeted and effective.

In some cases, a knee brace may be recommended. While it’s not the only treatment option, a properly fitted brace can play an important role in managing knee pain and improving function. A Certified Orthotist will assess your specific needs to determine if a knee brace is appropriate for you—and if so, which type will work best.

Knee braces can help with a variety of conditions, such as:

• Arthritis – reducing pressure on the affected joint

• Ligament injuries (e.g., ACL, MCL) – providing stabilization

• Patellofemoral Syndrome (PFS) – helping realign the kneecap

• Muscle weakness or neurological conditions (e.g., polio, multiple sclerosis) – offering support and improving stability

The key is making sure you have the right knee brace—one that fits your body and your condition. A poorly fitted brace can be ineffective or even harmful. That’s why it’s important to work with a Certified Orthotist, a trained professional who specializes in custom orthotic solutions.