Manage Osteoarthritis Progression With a Quality Knee Brace
Many of us are familiar with the term arthritis, particularly as we age. Although osteoarthritis can be painful, Elite Medical Supply is here to help you manage this challenging condition with knee braces designed to slow its progression.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Joints in the body are places where two bones come together and allow for movement. Think of bending your arm at the elbow joint or flexing your foot at the ankle.
At these connection points, tough flexible tissue known as cartilage serves as an effective cushion to prevent bones from rubbing against each other. Unfortunately, this most common form of arthritis develops when that cartilage wears down over time. Also known as OA or "wear and tear arthritis," osteoarthritis is very common in the knees, spine, hands, and hips.
What Are The Symptoms?
Within the affected joint, many people experience:
- Pain – during movement or afterward
- Stiffness – particularly after awakening or a period of inactivity
- Tenderness – often felt when applying light pressure to the area
- Reduced flexibility – limited range of motion
- Grating sensation – may be accompanied by a crackling or popping sound
- Swelling – in and around the joint
How Does It Progress?
As cartilage begins to deteriorate, bone surfaces in the joint can change shape (bone spurs) and trigger inflammation. Eventually, it may affect ligaments and other tissues in the area causing stiffness, pain, and loss of mobility. These symptoms may increase as the condition progresses over time.
Can Osteoarthritis Be Treated?
While there is no cure, you may certainly manage the condition in various ways – including the use of a quality knee brace.
Warm Up and Cool Down
Prior to exercising, be sure to engage in warm-up exercises to naturally lubricate your joints and reduce stiffness.
Manage Weight
If you are overweight, weight loss will decrease pressure applied to your joints, particularly your knees and hips. A healthy weight can lead to reduced pain, improved function, and a slowing of OA progression.
Be Kind to Your Joints
Injuries to these areas may worsen existing arthritis, so aim for activities such as walking, swimming, or biking. These tend to be low impact, have a lower risk of injury, and will not apply too much pressure or twisting motion.
Adopt Self-Management Skills
Self-management education classes assist people with osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions. Learning how OA affects you and developing confidence in your ability to control symptoms and live a healthy life can be very helpful.
Strength and Flexibility Training
James Wyss, MD recommends a fitness strategy that incorporates flexibility, strength, and aerobic exercise. Such exercises improve muscle support around joints, while stretching can sustain or improve flexibility.
How Can a Brace Help My Condition?
Elite Medical Supply is proud to offer braces that help support your body to deal with the challenges of osteoarthritis.
The Aspen OA Knee+ brace is ideal for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. It was designed with a low profile and universal size to accommodate a wide range of users. The knee brace is comfortable and includes non-slip pads that help prevent brace migration to ensure you are properly supported. The off-loader brace style offers mechanical intervention designed to reduce pain, improve physical function, and possibly slow disease progression.
Elite Medical Supply is a Medicare contract supplier of back, knee, and extremity braces.
Our company's expert staff will closely coordinate with your healthcare provider to provide you with the right brace or pain management solution. We are happy to take care of the paperwork for you. Contact us to find answers to your healthcare needs.