Knee Braces Cut Arthritis Pain in Major UK Study

For millions of people living with knee arthritis, a simple brace might make daily life much easier.

A major UK study involving 466 patients has confirmed that tailored knee braces genuinely help manage the pain and limitations of knee osteoarthritis. Led by researchers at Keele University and Sheffield Hallam University, the trial is the largest independent study of its kind in the world.

The trial split participants into two groups. One received standard care with exercise plans and self-management advice. The other got the same support plus a custom-fitted knee brace matched to their specific type of arthritis.

After a year, the brace group reported less pain, better physical function, and higher quality of life. The benefits were modest but meaningful, especially for people who wore their braces as often as recommended.

This matters because knee osteoarthritis affects roughly 1 in 5 adults over 45. The condition causes chronic pain, limits daily activities, and leads to lost productivity at work. Until now, treatment options have been limited, with little high-quality evidence for non-invasive solutions.

Professor Melanie Holden, who led the study, emphasized that knee braces offer a low-risk option worth considering. The research team worked closely with NHS physiotherapists who fitted each brace to match individual patients' needs and provided follow-up support through appointments and text message reminders.

The study did find that some people experienced skin rubbing or irritation from the braces. However, no serious harms were reported. The benefits also decreased somewhat over the 12-month period, though consistent users saw the best results.

The Bright Side

What makes this research particularly encouraging is that it offers a solution people can control themselves. Unlike medications or surgery, a knee brace combined with exercise puts patients in charge of managing their condition. The approach is accessible, relatively affordable, and can be tailored to individual needs.

The collaboration between universities, the NHS, physiotherapists, and patients made this breakthrough possible. Published in the prestigious BMJ journal, the findings give doctors and patients solid evidence to guide treatment decisions.

For anyone struggling with knee arthritis, this research delivers a clear message: you have more options than you might think.