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 from a seated position. Because knees bear significant weight and repetitive stress, they are particularly vulnerable to injury, pain, and wear over time.
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.
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.
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
Custom or prefabricated knee braces are commonly used to help manage:
Arthritis – unloading pressure from the affected compartment of the knee
Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL) – providing stabilization and protection
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
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.
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.
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/
Knee braces are often used to help realign the knee to offload the joint and reduce aggravation of arthritis.
Pain under the kneecap can be caused by excess rubbing of the kneecap on the femur (thigh bone)
