Archive for the ‘Arthritis Knee Braces’ Category
How will an arthritis knee support effect my skin? What if I’m allergic to neoprene?
Patients are concerned that arthritis knee supports made of neoprene will give them a rash. Skin conditions while wearing neoprene braces are easily avoided. Patients need to treat their knee sleeves like their socks. Arthritis knee supports need to be washed and dried regularly. How long would you wear a pair of socks without washing them?
People who suffer from rashes while wearing neoprene braces generally aren’t washing them enough. Neoprene encourages warmth and compression, this combination will also encourage sweat. How long can you wear the same pair of socks without washing them before your feet will develop skin problems.
Most people are not allergic to neoprene. They have problems with all the dirt and bacteria trapped in their brace.
Neoprene braces need to be washed regularly, in the sink is fine. Cold water and a mild detergent will get the job done. Let the brace air dry in the strainer, don’t put it in the clothes dryer.
Patients that truly have a neoprene allergy should try an elastic brace, or a neoprene brace with a liner that prevents the neoprene from touching the skin.
Will insurance pay for an arthritis knee brace? Yes.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most HMO’s and PPO’s will reimburse providers for the application of an arthritis knee brace. The “Durable Medical Equipment” rider of the policy will explain what is covered and deductibles.
Generally health insurance will pay for a knee brace if the patient has documented osteoarthritis of the knee, and a valid prescription. Some states require the person measuring and fitting the knee brace to have certain levels of certification. Usually a person is eligible for a knee brace if they have not received the same or similar type of orthopedic appliance within the past three years.
Insurance is willing to reimburse for arthritis knee braces because this treatment option for osteoarthritis of the knee saves them money. Knee braces are much less expensive than surgery. Also, knee braces do not react with medications or cause the stomach issues commonly associated with drugs. Sick patients cost insurance companies money.
An insurance company would much rather pay for a knee brace than to continually pay for medication or reimburse a surgeon.
There is a lot to consider when buying a knee brace for arthritis. Where to begin?
Your first step is at the doctor’s office. You need to know what is going on inside your knee joint. The knee slides, glides, and rotates. There are ligaments, cartilage, bones, and tendons to consider. Knee braces accomplish different goals. You need to understand why your knee hurts or gives out before you brace it.
If you are confident the knee pain stems from osteoarthritis, there are a few different braces to consider. A simple neoprene knee brace will work fine for mild arthritis pain. The neoprene will provide warmth and compression as well as offer some support.
If you have knee cap problems as well as arthritis then you may want to consider a neoprene knee sleeve with a patella buttress. The buttress will help control the knee cap.
If you have moderate to significant pain than a hard-shell unloader type of arthritic knee brace may work best. These knee braces require a prescription and must be measured for and fit by certified orthotists. These knee braces will change the bio-mechanics of your body.
So to recap, first figure out what is wrong and what work needs to be done. Then choose the right tool for the job.
How will magnetic therapy help reduce the knee pain associated with osteoarthritis?
Nerves generate electrical signals – this is well known. Sodium and potassium constitute positive ions while chloride and calcium make up negative ions. The nerves help keep a healthy balance of negative and positive ions so that there is a slightly negative charge. When this balance of ions shift and the nerve becomes more positive than negative pain signals are sent to the brain. A strong negative magnetic charge can reduce these pain signals. The magnet must be strong and it must be placed with the negative side down.
Studies show that the human body functions through chemical reactions and electro-magnetic interactions. Electro-chimical ions comprise the majority of the chemicals within our bodies. These ions have negative or positive charges, and react to electro-magnetic fields.
Biological processes can be effected by the contact, equilibrium, and movement of ions. The channels the ions move within can affect bodily functions, like sleep and circulation. Pharmaceuticals, electric stimulation, and magnetic therapy can all affect ions and ion channels.
Magnet therapy is an old idea. Ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Chinese cultures have all written about using magnets to treat health conditions from arthritis, to gout, to headaches. NASA recognized how important magnetic fields are for life on our planet back in the 1960′s. From then until now artificial magnetic fields are used in space for the health of the astronauts. Magnets assist in preserving bone mineral density, improving circulation, and improving the quality sleeping. The artificial magnetic fields reduced the effects of being away from the planet’s magnetic field.
Magnetic therapy has been an accepted treatment option for centuries. The National Health Services of Britain recently began permitting physicians to start writing scripts for magnets.
A statement was released by The World Health Organization that there aren’t any health risks when static magnetic fields are used in magnetic therapy. Magnetic therapy when used properly has never been reported to cause health problems.
Some people who use magnetic therapy to treat knee pain experience a warming sensation. Their skin may sweat or tingle when they first begin using a magnetic knee brace. This is a normal reaction and is due to increased circulation. Do not use magnets if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant.
Knee braces provide protection and stability. Magnetic therapy helps relieve knee pain. A magnetic knee brace is a treatment option worth considering if you suffer from knee arthritis. This knee brace is not a cure but a tool to help patients get up and moving. If patients can exercise a bit more hopefully they can lose weight to reduce the load on their knee joints. A little exercise and some light stretching can go a long way at relieving knee pain. Adding magnetic treatment can help. No drugs, no surgery… it’s worth a try.
So what’s your resolution this year? How about you get control of the knee pain that is interfering with your life? We can help. Come visit us to learn about conservative treatments for your knee osteoarthritis.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas from everyone at Osteoarthritis Blog. Please have a safe and wonderful holiday season.