Arthritis, a much dreaded word, especially as you get older. The term arthritis is a general name for several specific diseases that all result in degeneration of the joints can can cause stiff aching sensations. Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of arthritis and it is characterized by the progressive wearing-away of the cartilage within the knee joint. The severe pain that accompanies osteoarthritis can seriously hamper the movement of the sufferer. If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis one of the best things you can do for your knees is to wear a knee brace for arthritis.
The Structure of the Knee
The knee is essentially a joint where the ends of the two leg bones meet. The structure of the knee is such that it allows the knee to flex naturally without much resistance or any pain. This is due to two pieces of cartilage found within the knee joint that lie at the exact point where the two leg bones meet each other. These two pieces of cartilage allow the knee to flex smoothly and prevents the ends of the bones from grinding against each other.
How Arthritis Affects the Knee
The most common problem that patients suffering from arthritis face is that the cartilage in their knees gets progressively worn away. In the absence of cartilage, the bones in the knee begin grinding against each other causing a pain that is often simply unbearable. Sometimes, simply flexing the knee becomes extremely painful when you have this condition. Patients with advanced arthritis find it impossible to put any weight on their knees.
How a Knee Brace for Arthritis Can Help
Given that the knees have to bear almost the full weight of the body, there is a typically a great deal of pressure causing wear and tear within the knee joints. If some of this pressure can be relieved degeneration of the knee cartilage could be staved off or slowed down.
A knee brace for arthritis serves to help provide this additional support. A knee brace wraps snugly around the knee and helps take some body weight off the knee joints, thus reducing the pressure exerted on them.
For patients who are just developing arthritis, a knee brace can help prevent permanent damage to the knee whereas for patients who are in the advanced stages of arthritis, a knee brace for arthritis can be useful in helping you to maintain proper alignment. Many times one side of your cartilage is more worn away than the other side of your knee, and a knee brace will help to keep your knee in alignment as a result. This can help individuals who were previously rendered bedridden to regain at least a modicum of mobility.
Wearing A Knee Brace On A Regular Basis
Even if you do not have arthritis, you would be doing your knees a huge favor by wearing knee braces for arthritis on a regular basis. The cartilage of the knee is prone to wear and tear even during simple everyday activities such as walking and more so when indulging in high impact sports that involve a lot of jogging, running or jumping. If you are going to engage in one of these activities you should consider supporting your knees by wearing knee braces.
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