Results

Osteoarthritis can make you feel as if your knee is about to give out. As a result, you might automatically guard your knee and avoid putting weight on it. If worn consistently, a knee brace can offer some stability and increase your confidence in your knee.

Some evidence suggests that knee braces can help reduce symptoms and improve function in people who have knee osteoarthritis. More-recent studies, however, have demonstrated less of a benefit. Many people stop wearing knee braces because they don't get enough knee pain relief or because of complications, such as poor fit or because they don't like the way the brace looks.

Weight loss and exercise — particularly exercises that strengthen the thigh muscles — are considered the best first line treatments for knee osteoarthritis.