Effects of Three Types of Orthoses on Pain in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Objectives: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in older adults. In current study, the effects of three types of orthoses on pain reduction were evaluated in OA patients in Iran. Methods & Materials: In this prospective clinical trial, thirty six patients consisting of 11 men and 25 women with age (Mean±SD) of 54.56±2.82 years and diagnosis of mild to moderate knee OA included. Patients were assigned to three groups of neoprene sleeve, unloader knee brace, and insole with lateral heel wedge each with twelve members. Their pain evaluated using visual analog scale before orthotic treatment and again six months after orthotic treatment. The results of each group compared together using paired t statistics. Results: There was a significant difference in knee pain in all three groups before and after orthotic treatment (P<0.05). Percent of pain reduction was 40.909%, 40.186% and 32.493% in neoprene sleeve, unloader knee brace, and insole with lateral heel wedge, respectively. Conclusion: It seems that neoprene sleeve by keeping the knee joint temperature, decreases pain. In group with unloader knee brace, probably the brace alters thigh and calf alignments during walking and causes pain reduction. In insole with lateral heel wedge group, it seems that insole by altering the orientation of calcaneus to valgus, reduces pain. Future studies with more participants and with consideration of longer follow-up in addition to measure knee and calcaneus displacements are recommended.