Knee Osteoarthritis

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Wear and tear

The femur and tibia are the bones in the knee joint. Cartilage covers the weight-bearing surfaces of these bones. Osteoarthritis of the knee is the wear and tear of this cartilage resulting in increased bone on bone contact. This can cause pain, stiffness, inflammation and reduced range of motion which can be felt especially with weight bearing (e.g. standing, walking). This wear and tear arthritis may occur in the medial, lateral, patellofemoral or all three of these compartments of the knee.

How It Relates To Orthotics?

3 point pressure system

One way orthotic bracing can help relieve pain is to open up the arthritic joint space. This is accomplished by putting pressure in the right places. A three-point pressure system will apply a middle pressure (F2) on the opposite side of where the arthritis is to open up the joint space. Two pressures on the other side (F1 and F3) counteract this middle pressure thus creating a three-point pressure system. This is an example of the unloading of the medial compartment of the knee.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Our Treatment Options

Orthotic treatment for knee osteoarthritis may involve the use of a knee brace, supportive shoes and/or custom foot orthoses. With wear and tear on the knee cartilage the alignment of the knee may develop into a varus (bow-legged) or valgus (knock-kneed) instability.

A knee brace may be used to support or correct an unstable knee and to reduce the pain of arthritis. When a knee brace is recommended, there are many options. A thorough examination and discussion with a Certified Orthotist can determine which knee brace can help with treatment.