The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body, playing a critical role in everyday activities such as walking, running, climbing stairs, and standing. Because your knees bear significant weight and repetitive stress, they are particularly vulnerable to injury, pain, and wear over time.

Knee braces are specialized medical supports designed to relieve this pain, improve stability, and protect your joints from further injury. At Custom Orthotic Design Group, our Certified Orthotists in Mississauga and Guelph provide expert assessment and fitting for both custom-made and ready-made braces. Whether you are managing osteoarthritis, ACL ligament tears, or patellofemoral (kneecap) issues, we ensure a professional fit that unloads pressure from painful areas. Gain the lasting relief and confidence you need to stay active with a bracing solution tailored to your unique mobility goals.

Protecting your knees starts with:

• Proper exercise and activity modification

• Balanced stretching and strengthening

• Wearing supportive, well-fitted footwear

Together, these strategies can help reduce strain on the knee joint and prevent injury.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

If you are experiencing knee pain, the first and most important step is to speak with your family doctor or healthcare provider. An accurate diagnosis ensures the most effective treatment plan.

Knee pain may result from a variety of causes, including:

• Injury, such as ligament or meniscus tears

• Overuse or repetitive strain

• Arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions

• Poor alignment or abnormal walking mechanics (gait issues)

Once the underlying cause is identified, treatment can be targeted to improve comfort, function, and long-term joint health.

Why Choose a Custom-Made Knee Brace?

In some cases, a knee brace (knee orthosis) may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. While a brace is not always the only solution, a properly fitted knee brace can play an important role in reducing pain, improving stability, and enhancing mobility.

A Certified Orthotist will assess your condition, anatomy, and functional needs to determine:

• Whether a knee brace is appropriate

• Which type of knee brace will provide the best support

Conditions We Treat with Knee Bracing

Custom or prefabricated knee braces are commonly used to help manage:

• • Osteoarthritis – unloading pressure from the affected compartment of the knee

• • Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL) – providing stabilization and protection

• • Post-Surgical Support

• • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFS) – improving kneecap tracking and alignment

• Muscle weakness or neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or post-polio syndrome – enhancing stability and safety

Why Proper Fit Matters

The effectiveness of a knee brace depends on proper assessment, design, and fit. A poorly fitted brace may be uncomfortable, ineffective, or even increase strain on the joint.

That’s why it’s important to work with a Certified Orthotist, a regulated healthcare professional trained in the assessment, design, and fitting of knee orthoses and other custom orthotic solutions. We have an onsite laboratory to manufacture and adjust all brace to ensure not only great function but also fit.

Find the Right Knee Brace for You

The best knee brace is the one that’s right for your body and your condition.
Our Certified Orthotists are here to help you find the most effective solution to support your knee health and mobility.

Funding for Knee Braces in Ontario

In some cases, the Ontario Ministry of Health Assistive Devices Program (ADP) may help cover the cost of knee orthoses for individuals with a chronic medical condition.

To qualify:

• The knee brace must be prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner

• The assessment and treatment must be provided by a Certified Orthotist

Learn more about eligibility and funding options here:
Funding Options for Orthotic Devices https://www.customorthotic.ca/funding-options/