Knee pain can really hold people back from enjoying the activities they love.
Village Media Content Studio sat down with Meghan Knox, Canadian Certified Pedorthist and the clinic manager of BioPed in Guelph to learn more about what individuals can do about knee pain.
So many people have knee pain. What are some of the common causes?
MK: We look for a biomechanical reason that might be causing knee pain because it is most likely not from an injury. For the majority of people, knee pain is caused by overuse or wear and tear. Arthritis can also cause knee pain.
What should someone do if they feel pain in their knees?
MK: The first thing we do to help our patients is to perform a lower limb assessment and learn more about their symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. This helps us to determine the source of the pain. Then we can look at ways to fix it.
What are some common solutions?
MK: Most of the time, a brace is a great solution. There are so many different types of braces than can be prescribed, so we help narrow it down to the one that will help each individual patient the best. In some cases, simply wearing a brace can help someone with arthritis to avoid knee replacement surgery.
When I think of a knee brace, I think of a hot, neoprene sleeve that is available at the drug store. Are prescription braces different?
MK: Yes, there are many different kinds of braces.
The ones we use are made from different materials than the ones you buy over the counter. Prescription braces are not as hot, they are more breathable, they have a nicer fit, and you get the right one based on your own specific needs. Many of our braces can be worn either under or over top of clothes.
Are there any drawbacks to wearing a brace to treat knee pain?
MK: A lot of people are worried that they will become reliant on a brace but that is not the case. I haven’t come across any research that suggests wearing a brace can cause problems.
What do you want people to know about knee pain and knee braces?
MK: If you have knee pain, a brace will help you to improve your mobility. They aren’t big, bulking looking things that are hot and heavy. We choose a brace for you that is going to work best for your health condition as well as your lifestyle. The goal is to reduce your pain and to allow you to lead a healthy, active life.
For more information on knee pain and braces, read BioPed’s blog, call Meghan’s helpful team at (519) 821-7310, or visit them online.
BioPed is located at 102 Wyndham Street North in Guelph.