What types of mechanical aids are useful for people with osteoarthritis?
Several types of mechanical aids may be useful for patients with functional limitations due to osteoarthritis. In patients with knee osteoarthritis, shock-absorbing footwear may be useful for reducing the impact of a load on the knee. Heel wedging may improve proprioception and may reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis. Walking aids can reduce the stress applied to weight bearing joints and may improve patient stability during ambulation. Supports, braces, and corrective devices may relieve pain and improve function of affected joints. Patellar taping is commonly used for the treatment of anterior knee pain. Splints are frequently used by occupational therapists to manage osteoarthritis of the hand. The physical and occupational therapist can provide assessment these types of devices. There is historical and anecdotal evidence for their benefit rather than from controlled trials.
