Continuing Medical Education: Understanding Osteoarthritis.

Edited By: Gregory C. Gardner, M.D.
Last updated Friday, January 07, 2005

Assistive devices

Can ambulatory aids be prescribed for a person with osteoarthritis?

• Canes - Utilized in the opposite hand of the affected joint. Can off load 20-30% of the weight on the joint and provide a sense of stability. Important to give the patient a brief course of cane training and to make sure the cane is the correct height. Can be done in office or by therapist
• Forearm Crutches - For more serious joint off loading in patient who may not be a surgical candidate
• Walkers - Useful for frail patient for in home or level ground walking for those who are not surgical candidates.
• Braces - Knee Sleeves can give some patients a sense of stability and reduce pain by simple contact. Firm Knee Braces can be customized to off load either the medial or lateral compartment of the knee but are expensive (try 500 dollars and cannot be returned). I have had luck in a few patients with off the shelf models without modification. Short Opponens Splint can be useful to decrease the pressure on the 1st CMC joint of the hand
• Lateral Heel Wedges - Up to 50% of patients have a good to excellent result in terms of pain reduction by putting a lateral heel wedge insert into the shoe of a patient with medial knee osteoarthritis. Best for mild disease

What types of household assistance might help a person with arthritis?

• Tub Seats/Shower Seats - As above with reference to tub or shower
• Elevated Chairs - Allows patient with knee OA to get out of chair easier especially if there is patellofemoral compartment involvement
• Kitchen/Household Utensils - There are a variety of objects that can be used by patients with hand involvement to make life easier. Often best done with consultation with occupational therapist

Surgery for arthritis at the University of Washington

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