Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caused by the breakdown of joints and changes in bones, osteoarthritis happens most frequently in hands, hips and knees, and it typically affects older populations. Obesity and being overweight can also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, notes Jo. One 2019 study found osteoarthritis to be “one of the leading causes of physical disability in the world [3] Parween R, Shriram D, Mohan RE, Lee YHD, Subburaj K. Methods for evaluating effects of unloader knee braces on joint health: a review. Biomed Eng Lett. 2019;9(2):153–168. .” There’s currently no cure for osteoarthritis, but doctors have leaned on unloader knee braces as a non-drug therapy for patients awaiting or attempting to avoid surgery, among other treatments. Anyone over the age of 40 should be evaluated for osteoarthritis, recommends Dr. Scott, adding that initial screenings with weight-bearing and standing X-rays can be done by a primary care provider.
Yes, men and women can wear the same knee braces. Knee braces are not gender specific and usually depend more on sizing, says Dr. Scott.
Knee braces are not meant for use in water. “Most braces are only utilized for weight-bearing activity,” says Dr. Scott. If your knee brace does get wet, Dr. Scott recommends making sure the brace is given adequate time to dry before putting it on again.
Our Forbes Health advisory board members shared their extensive orthopedic knowledge to support our Best Knee Braces for Seniors Of 2023 ranking.