OA Knee Bracing
Knee braces specifically designed for osteoarthritis are a viable treatment option for many people.
OA Knee Bracing
Knee braces specifically designed for osteoarthritis are a viable treatment option for many people.
What is an Osteoarthritis Knee Brace?
A knee brace for osteoarthritis is also known as an OA knee brace (OA is short for “osteoarthritis”), and it is sometimes called an unloading or off-loading brace. These braces are supports worn on the knees to provide joint stability and help to correct joint alignment problems.
Braces can be made of fabric, metal, and plastic. Ranging from the soft, breathable material found in the Freestyle™ OA to the more rigid designs of the Quantum and DUO braces, Breg osteoarthritis knee braces offer a variety of comfortable options depending on activity and instability levels.
How Does an Osteoarthritis Knee Brace Work?
There are two types of unloading brace designs, push and pull. The push design, like the Freestyle, allows patients to turn the brace’s dial which applies a gentle load for the purpose of opening up the joint and relieving pain. The pull design, like the Quantum brace, requires patients to ratchet buckles on the front of the brace to apply a similar load. This force, like with the push brace, is intended to open up the area of the knee where there is friction and resulting pain.
Insurance Coverage
Most private health insurance companies and Medicare offer coverage for osteoarthritis knee braces. Check with your insurance plan to be sure.
What is the Cost of an OA Brace?
The cost to you will depend upon whether or not you have insurance and the amount of your deductible. If you don’t have insurance and want to purchase the brace yourself, please discuss with your prescribing physician.
How Do I Get an OA Brace?
You should get an OA knee brace prescribed through your doctor who will determine if the brace will work for you. Your doctor, or another health care professional, will measure your knee to ensure you get the correct size. Going through a health care professional will also ensure the brace is fitted correctly after you receive it. He or she will also be able to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
Important Information
Breg OA knee braces, including the Freestyle OA, are commonly used by individuals with unicompartmental osteoarthritis.
Before wearing any knee brace, carefully read fitting instructions and warnings prior to use to ensure proper performance of the brace. Follow all instructions. Failure to properly position the brace and fasten each strap will compromise performance and comfort. Braces are for single patient use only.
If you experience increased pain, swelling, skin irritation, or any adverse reactions while using a Breg knee brace, immediately consult your medical professional.
Breg knee braces will not prevent or reduce all injuries. Proper rehabilitation and activity modification are also an essential part of a safe treatment program. Consult with your licensed health care professional regarding safe and appropriate activity levels while wearing these devices.
When using braces bilaterally, modify activity as necessary to keep medial hinges from contacting each other.
Care and cleaning are essential to continued strength and performance. Follow the removal and cleaning process described in the “Instructions for Use” pamphlet which comes with each Breg brace. When using Breg knee braces, it is important to keep dirt and grit out of the hinge mechanisms to maintain proper hinge mobility and brace function.
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Speak to your doctor to decide if a Breg OA knee brace is appropriate for you. Individual results vary and not all patients will return to the same activity level. The lifetime of any device is limited and depends on several factors like patient weight and activity level. Ask your doctor if the Freestyle OA knee brace is right for you.
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