Arthritis Relief: Taping and Bracing Tips to Stay Active with Knee Osteoarthritis

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that affects the smooth (articular) cartilage lining the bones in your knee joint, which as it wears causes swelling of the joint. As this cartilage wears down over time, it creates the wear and tear and bone on bone that the medical profession speaks about. 

So, where is the pain coming from and what causes my instability?

The lining of the joint has no nerve fibres, so wear and tear and bone on bone does not directly cause pain. In fact, there is no correlation between amount of wear in the joint and amount of pain. What wear and tear and bone on bone causes is instability of the joint – the joint has increased movement in an abnormal direction – much like a door off a hinge. Once the joint shifts into a new position, then it can press on any number of soft tissue structures that have nerve fibres which are a potent sources of pain, much like the door off the hinge, which scrapes the carpet and can damage the paint on the wall.

What can I do about it?

You need to know how to reposition and stabilise your arthritic joint like putting a door back on its hinge and keep the joint in a better position, by improving the control of the muscles, particularly the small stabilising muscles, around the joint. 

While there is no cure for OA, there are many ways to manage the symptoms. Staying active is one of the most important.

Living with knee osteoarthritis doesn’t mean giving up on movement.

You might have been told that that surgery is the only option. But the truth is, many people manage knee arthritis effectively without surgery or relying solely on medication.

Conservative strategies like taping and bracing can reduce pain, improve walking ability, and help you stay active doing the things you love.

How can tape and braces help?

Taping and bracing work by repositioning and stabilising the knee, similar to putting the door back on its hinge. When the joint is better aligned, pain-sensitive tissues aren’t compressed or strained as much.

Here’s how they help:

• Taping: Adhesive tape applied by a physiotherapist (or taught to you) can unload the knee, improving alignment and reducing pressure on irritated tissues. Research has shown that knee taping reduced pain and improved walking ability in people with arthritis.

• Bracing: A well-fitted knee brace or compression sleeve (such as our Functional Stability Knee Support) adds support and can make everyday activities more comfortable. Hinged or unloading braces may be helpful for longer walks or more active days.

“You don’t have to rely only on painkillers.”

Pain relief doesn’t always come in a bottle. With the right support, you may feel relief after just one application of tape or your first walk using a brace. These tools allow you to keep moving, strengthen your muscles and reduce the chances of the knee getting stiffer.

“A well-placed strip of tape can unload your knee and give you immediate relief, so you can keep moving.”

When to use tape vs a brace

Use tape when you want targeted relief, better control during exercise or need help retraining your knee muscles.

Use a brace when you want quick support for outings and errands.

Your physiotherapist can help guide which approach is best for you. Or how to use both together for maximum benefit.

Final takeaway

Osteoarthritis doesn’t mean you have to stop living. By understanding where pain comes from and how to stabilise the joint, you can take control of your condition.

At McConnell Therapeutics, our Rigid Tape and Under Tape are designed to help you move more comfortably and confidently and our Functional Stability Knee Support sleeves are made to unload pressure from the joint and provide consistent support throughout your day. Ask your physiotherapist how taping or bracing can support your knee health and help you stay active.

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.