Osteoarthritis of the knee – causes, symptoms and relieving knee braces
Knee osteoarthritis, also known as joint failure or wear and tear, is a common cause of pain and stiffness in the knee joint. The condition involves the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, which can lead to pain with exertion and at rest, swelling, and reduced mobility. The right aids and adapted training can slow the progression and improve the quality of life.
What is osteoarthritis of the knee?
The knee joint is one of the most heavily loaded joints in the body and is exposed to great stress every day. In osteoarthritis, the surfaces of the articular cartilage change and lose their smooth, protective function. The cartilage wears down, and the risk of bone-on-bone contact increases, which causes pain and reduced mobility. Knee osteoarthritis often also affects the stability of the joint and can give the feeling of instability when loaded.
Common causes & risk factors
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that is most often associated with ageing. The risk increases after the age of 40 and is more common in women, especially after menopause. Previous knee injuries, especially sports injuries that have affected the cartilage, can accelerate the development. Being overweight puts additional strain on the knee joint and increases the risk of osteoarthritis. Heredity also plays a role.
Symptoms
- Pain in the knee joint during exertion and sometimes at rest
- Swelling and warmth in the joint
- Stiffness and reduced mobility
- Feeling of instability or poor control in the knee
When should you seek medical attention?
In the event of long-term knee pain that affects everyday life or in the event of clear swelling and stiffness, you should contact healthcare for assessment.
Recommended protection & support
Knee braces for osteoarthritis are designed to provide support, stability and compression, which reduces pain and swelling. They make it easier to move and exercise, which is central to treatment. The combination of physical activity, weight loss and an individual exercise program from a physiotherapist often gives the best results. Aids such as osteoarthritis braces make it possible to be active for longer and slow down the progression of the disease. See all our products for knees and knee joints here.
About our Injury Guide – quick guidance in case of complaints
In our Injury Guide, you will receive clear and easy-to-understand information about common injuries, how they occur and what symptoms usually occur. You will also receive recommendations on which protection and aids can relieve your discomfort and help you further in your rehabilitation. All information is based on expert knowledge from our licensed physiotherapist.
For more information about the knee, you can read more in the Injury Guide Knee. You can also go to the Injury Guide main page to read about other injuries and symptoms.
Related injuries:
- Anterior cruciate ligament injury
- Meniscus injury
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFSS)
- Runner's knee
- Knee pain
Find the right protection for your needs
There are several ways to find the right product on our website. For a more personalized selection, you can use our filters and sort by injury, body part or sport. You can also get help from our AI assistant Eir, who is trained on all the content on our website and can help you with product recommendations, fit questions and order-related concerns – 24/7. If you would rather speak directly to our licensed physiotherapist Ida, you can reach her via email or phone for personal advice and support in your product selection.
