Project Description

How Can Temporary Bracing Help During my Physical Therapy Sessions?

With osteoarthritis comes a decrease in joint space, and therefore instability. Temporary bracing provides stability to the joint during the rehabilitation process, and when used together with viscosupplementation can increase the joint space to allow the fluid to set thus providing a better cushion for the joint.

What Types of Braces Work for OA?

Braces for OA are made from a combination of materials, such as plastic, metal, or other similar components. They are padded with synthetic rubber, foam, or other soft materials. Pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online stores are all good places to find braces for OA.

Several different types of braces exist, but not all are suitable for those with OA. The following are the four main types:

  • Prophylactic braces protect you from injury, usually when you play a sport.

  • Functional or supportive braces support you if you’ve already injured a joint.

  • Rehabilitative braces limit movement of a joint to allow time for healing. They are most often used after you’ve had surgery or a joint set in place.

  • Unloader or offloader braces are the most common type used by people who have arthritis of the knee because they reduce pressure on key areas.

How Does a Knee Brace Help During My Osteoarthritis Treatment?

Since osteoarthritis (OA) causes inflammation in your joints, it’s understandable that the inflammation can restrict how much you move. Although knee arthritis is the most common type, other joints such as the ankle, neck, shoulder, and wrist can also be affected.

When you participate in our osteoarthritis treatment program, we recommend wearing a brace to relieve discomfort and to increase the joint space; allowing the fluid to set. Some of the benefits of wearing a brace as a treatment for OA include:

  • Enhanced stability: Braces are intended to shift weight away from the damaged area of your joint, thus helping to reduce pain and discomfort.
  • Reduced swelling: Some braces provide compression, which can help to reduce swelling that occurs after activity for those with arthritis.
  • Reduced pressure: If your kneecap or ankle bone has weakening joints underneath, a brace that has a cutout area can help to reduce pressure and relieve discomfort while supporting the surrounding areas.

  • Increased confidence: Wearing a brace and knowing you have extra support can give you greater confidence when completing daily tasks.

How Do I Use a Knee Brace?

During sports, knee braces should be used as directed by your doctor. While undergoing our osteoarthritis treatment, the doctor and physical therapist will explain how to wear your knee brace and how it benefits you during the treatment period. Take care when putting the brace on to make sure that the hinges are where the knee bends. Straps, tapes or Velcro® hook and loop tapes should be fastened around your leg. You should check the placement of the brace during activities to make sure that it hasn’t moved. Poorly positioned braces can hurt rather than help you. If you have any questions regarding the wear and care of your brace, you should reach out to our staff and they will happily assist to get you the answers you are looking for.

How Do I Care for My Knee Brace?

Knee braces often get damaged during normal use. You should inspect your brace often for wear and tear. Regular cleaning with soap and water is good for the brace fabric. Exposed metal should be covered to protect others from injury. A worn-out brace should be replaced for maximum benefit. More durable materials may cost more, but the brace might last longer.

Should I Keep Doing Exercises Throughout my Osteoarthritis Treatment Sessions?

Knee braces are the least important part of preventing knee injuries or getting better after an injury. Even with a knee brace on, you could still injure your knee. Stretching, strengthening and technique improvement is much more important.

You should make changes in intensity or training schedules little by little, to limit knee stress. Good strength and flexibility are important for holding down knee pain and injuries. You should work out an exercise plan with your doctor to get the best program for you. Don’t let a knee brace become a “crutch” and most importantly, movement is the key to success. The less you move your knees, the weaker they can get. Our team at South Miami Spine and Joint is dedicated to showing you how to maintain an active lifestyle with movement during your treatment period.  Physical therapy is the key to overcoming your chronic knee and joint pain.

You should also contact your doctor if your OA symptoms worsen to the point where you can no longer move easily or the pain is unmanageable.

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  OFFICE LOCATION

     7000 SW 62nd Avenue, Suite 201
South Miami, FL 33143

  (305) 595-1095

Viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation, Temporary Bracing and Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Viscosupplementation is a medical procedure during which lubricating fluid is injected into a joint. Also called hyaluronic acid injections or hyaluronan injections, it is most commonly used to treat knee and joint pain from osteoarthritis symptoms and will reduce pain and slow the joint deterioration.

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Temporary Bracing

Viscosupplementation, Temporary Bracing and Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis Treatment

With OA comes a decrease in joint space, and therefore instability. Temporary bracing can give stability to the joint during the rehabilitation process, and when used together with viscosupplementation can increase the joint space to allow the fluid to set thus providing a better cushion for the joint.

LEARN MORE

Superb Rehabilitation

Viscosupplementation, Temporary Bracing and Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Movement is the key to success. The less you move your knees, the weaker they can get. Our team is dedicated to showing you how to live an active lifestyle and physical therapy is key to overcoming your chronic knee and joint pain. Our program will provide you with the best level of care and help you manage your osteoarthritis symptoms.

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Viscosupplementation, Temporary Bracing and Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Learn More About Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints and it affects approximately 27 million Americans. Learn more about osteoarthritis, its symptoms and how it can affect you and your loved ones.

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Contact us today and schedule your free consultation. Get your healthy lifestyle back!

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