Why it's done

Osteoarthritis is a complex condition involving the entire joint. It's mainly known as a wear-and-tear type of arthritis that commonly affects the knees of older people. The disease frequently affects one side of your knee more than the other. This unequal damage can cause your knee to align imperfectly (malalignment), which can make you look knock-kneed or bowlegged.

As the damage progresses, this malalignment worsens. A knee brace can take pressure off the part of your joint most affected by osteoarthritis and help relieve pain. If your knee feels like it might buckle when you put weight on it, a knee brace can also help you stand and move around with more confidence.