Millions of people worldwide suffer from some form of arthritis, a painful joint condition characterized by inflammation in one or more joints.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. According to the CDC, osteoarthritis affects over 32.5 million adults in the United States. The condition is caused by damage or breakdown of the joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but proactive management can help people with arthritis slow the progression of the disease. Monitoring for symptoms and providing your joints with extra support can help you maintain an active lifestyle.
Here are some of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis, along with ways to support joint comfort. Always consult your doctor when managing suspected or existing arthritis.
1. Wrist
The wrist is one of the most common places for people to develop osteoarthritis. Inflammation in this joint can have significant impacts on your life, as we rely on our hands for many daily tasks.
Wrist arthritis can often lead to pain while performing work tasks, such as typing and writing. Overuse during repetitive motions can place stress on the joint, contributing to the development of arthritis.
Wearing a wrist brace can help provide the extra support people with wrist osteoarthritis need to stay comfortable while using their hands. Some braces partially immobilize the wrist to prevent additional damage from repetitive motion, while others are more pliable for use during sports.
Back on Track wrist braces and supports utilize Welltex® technology, which reflects body heat to create a soothing far-infrared effect. This effect stimulates circulation and can help soothe wrist discomfort.
2. Knee
Individuals with an active lifestyle often develop osteoarthritis in their knees. Walking, running, and playing sports all stress the knee joint. Even climbing stairs and other everyday movements involve using your knees.
Symptoms of knee arthritis include pain during exercise, swelling, reduced range of motion, and a grating sensation. Stiffness is often especially noticeable in the morning and after periods of inactivity, so staying comfortable enough to continue moving is essential.
However, knee discomfort can significantly reduce your mobility and hinder your ability to stay active. Many individuals with knee arthritis rely on extra support from knee braces to maintain their lifestyle.
Knee braces provide gentle compression, helping to stabilize the knee joint during physical activity. Back on Track knee braces are designed for individuals with active lifestyles, providing support while maintaining flexibility.
Welltex technology is infused into the fibers of all Back on Track knee braces to stimulate blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and enhance mobility.
3. Elbow
Elbow osteoarthritis commonly affects individuals who participate in sports such as tennis, golf, and pickleball, which can strain the elbow joint. But you don't have to play a sport to develop arthritis in this joint.
Like the wrist and knee, the elbow joint is also an essential joint for everyday life. In addition to preventing people from enjoying their favorite sports and hobbies, elbow discomfort can also interfere with their ability to complete daily chores and carry groceries.
Elbow braces and sleeves can help support this joint and manage symptoms of arthritis. The best elbow sleeves sit securely in place without hindering freedom of movement.
Back on Track elbow support braces and sleeves feature elastic material infused with Welltex technology to help improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
Back on Track Braces for Arthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, not just your elbow, knee, and wrist. Back on Track offers mobility devices and apparel that can help relieve stiffness, joint discomfort, and sore muscles throughout your entire body.
All Back on Track braces are FDA Class I devices that use effective textile technologies to help you achieve a more comfortable and active lifestyle. Shop our entire line of people products to discover the difference our state-of-the-art Welltex technology can make and get the support you need.
Need help choosing the right support brace? Read our Mobility Brace Guide.
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References
- Coaccioli, S. et al. Osteoarthritis: New Insight on Its Pathophysiology. J Clin Med. 2022.
- Paluska, S. et al. Knee Braces: Current Evidence and Clinical Recommendations for Their Use. Am Fam Physician. 2000.
- Vatansever, F. et al. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med. 2013.