What are common knee problems
The knee is a complex joint, composed of several tissues such as cartilage, ligament, and bone. Since it is highly solicited on a daily basis, its vulnerability predisposes it to develop musculoskeletal problems. Knee pain can be caused by several pathologies such as inflammation, congenital malformation, trauma (fracture, sprain), autoimmune disease or
more joint deviations. A wide variety of orthotics is offered, in order to provide a treatment plan adapted to the condition and pathology of the knee.
Osteoarthritis as a common cause
Although individuals of all ages can suffer from knee pain, the target clientele for knee pain is still those aged 50 and over. Among all knee conditions, osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common.
It is a disease that causes the progressive deterioration of the cartilage. The main symptoms are a pain when walking and walking up and downstairs, stiffness and swelling of the joint.
The wear and tear caused by osteoarthritis leaves the bone exposed to friction and causes knee pain that is bothersome for the patient. Here, it is advisable to consider wearing a knee brace. In many cases, foot orthoses can also relieve pain.
What are knee braces used for?
Both the brace and the splint are orthopaedic accessories designed to relieve, treat or stabilize the knee. They provide comfortable and safe support while allowing a range of motion and articulation of the knee.
For example, knee braces and splints can be used in the context of :
- Prevention (e.g. increased support during physical activity)
- Condition (e.g. osteoarthritis of the knee)
- Pain
- Postoperative injuries (e.g. knee immobilization following surgery)
The different types of knee orthoses
Each type of knee brace is designed to address a certain type of joint problem. This is why it is essential that a professional determines the source of the pain and/or the condition in a concrete and precise manner. Here are the orthoses generally prescribed:
Orthoses for knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)
This type of brace is designed to relieve the strain on the knee compartment with osteoarthritis.
By improving the biomechanics of the joint affected by osteoarthritis, the orthosis realigns the pressures in the knee and thus relieves the pain of the affected compartment. Knee function is normalized and the need for knee replacement surgery may be delayed. At Médicus, we exclusively offer the Evoke® orthosis. This is the first knee brace for osteoarthritis that reproduces the natural movement of the knee. Significantly lighter than all other osteoarthritis orthoses on the market (50% lighter), it brings relief and comfort to all patients who benefit from it.
Stabilization orthotics
Designed to stabilize the knee following ligament imbalance, knee trauma or surgery, the stabilization brace provides stability and support for rehabilitation. Here are some common indications for this type of orthosis:
- Sprain or rupture of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
- Runner’s knee
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Meniscus tears
- Sprain or rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Sprain or rupture of the medial collateral ligament (MCL)
Immobilization Orthotics
As the name suggests, knee immobilization is the main function of this brace. It is usually prescribed following surgery, to promote healing of the joint, or in cases of injury where the stability of the knee is compromised. The function of this brace is to temporarily limit the knee’s range of motion. Thanks to its mechanical components, it adapts to the patient and his rehabilitation path as he evolves. Here are the main indications of the immobilization orthosis:
- Immobilization or limitation of knee movement
- Treatment of acute and postoperative knee injuries
