Knee Braces (aka Knee Orthoses or KO)

Knee Orthoses AKA Knee Braces

What happens if you have knee pain? What do you do? Do you need a brace?

Our knees are large joints that withstand a lot of force everyday. Running, jumping, climbing and just walking can be hard on the knees so it is important to make sure that you protect them and keep them healthy. Proper exercise, balanced stretching and strengthening, and proper footwear can all influence your knees.

The first thing to do if you have a medical problem is to talk to your family doctor – get a good diagnosis and find out what is happening. Is the pain due to an injury, overuse, disease such as arthritis or due to how you walk? Once we know what the cause is, then it is easier to treat. A knee brace may be appropriate for you in certain circumstances but it is not the only possible treatment for knee pain. A good assessment and understanding of your individual needs helps your Certified Orthotist determine the best treatment for you.

Some examples of what knee braces can be used for: 

  • reduce pressure from the joint for people who have arthritis 
  • stabilize weak or missing ligaments, like the ACL or MCL
  • help align the knee cap for patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)
  • stabilization for weak muscles (polio or MS)

 

A knee brace can help with knee pain and stability provided that the RIGHT knee brace is made and/or fit to you.   

The BEST knee brace is the RIGHT knee brace!

Our Certified Orthotists are the professionals who can help you get the RIGHT knee brace.

MCL, LCL, ACL...
  • if the ligaments in the knee have been torn or severed, a knee brace can help stabilize the knee and protect the injury
  • a knee brace may be used in combination with physiotherapy or surgery
  • sometimes a ready made brace will work well and other times a custom made brace is more appropriate

Ligament Injury

Wear and tear...

Arthritis

Knee braces are often used to help realign the knee to offload the joint and reduce aggravation of arthritis.

  • knee braces can also provide some stability and warmth to the knee to reduce symptoms
  • there are ready made and custom made knee braces for arthritis
Runner's knee, Jumper's knee...

Patellofemoral Syndrome

Pain under the kneecap can be caused by excess rubbing of the kneecap on the femur (thigh bone)

  • it is more common in females
  • usually a ready made specialized patella knee brace works well to help the kneecap track properly and reduce rubbing
  • sometimes foot orthoses (foot orthotics or insoles) are required to help stop the feet and knees from turning in

Let us help you find the best fit and function for you!