Valgus Knee Brace Eases Walking Pain in Osteoarthritis Patients: Trial Shows
Netherlands: Wearing a valgus knee brace can meaningfully reduce walking-related pain in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to a randomized controlled trial published in PLOS One. After six months of use, patients reported both statistically significant and clinically important improvements in pain intensity during walking, along with a reduced reliance on pain medications.
The study, led by Corné J.M. van Loon from the Department of Orthopaedics, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands, and colleagues, aimed to address a gap in prior research by not only assessing clinical outcomes but also incorporating patients’ perspectives on brace use. “Our trial evaluated both the effectiveness and the user experiences of the valgus brace, considering aspects such as wearing time, comfort, and perceived benefits, which are often overlooked in earlier studies,” the authors noted.
In this mixed-method randomized controlled trial, 46 participants with medial compartment knee OA were enrolled. Twenty-three participants in the intervention group received standard care plus a customized valgus brace, while the remaining 23 participants in the control group received regular care but no brace. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, with knee pain during walking, measured on a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), being the primary outcome. Secondary measures included walking distance, overall health status, knee functioning, and satisfaction with the brace. To enrich the findings, qualitative interviews were conducted with a subgroup of brace users.
The key findings of the study were as follows:
- At six months, the intervention group showed a 2.13 cm greater reduction in knee pain after walking compared to the control group.
- This reduction was both statistically significant and clinically meaningful.
- No significant improvements were noted for pain at rest or for physical functioning measures.
- Qualitative findings revealed that many patients experienced benefits beyond pain relief, such as better body function and improved ability to perform activities.
- Some participants reported mixed or negative views of the brace, while several others described positive overall experiences.
The authors emphasized that although their study demonstrated measurable pain reduction, the relatively small sample size may have limited the ability to detect additional benefits. They highlighted the need for larger, well-powered trials with longer follow-up to better understand the effectiveness of valgus braces. Further exploration of patient factors—such as age, activity level, BMI, and degree of OA—was also recommended, as these could influence both outcomes and user satisfaction.
Importantly, the study highlights that user experience plays a crucial role in determining the success of assistive devices like knee braces. Some participants suggested that factors such as comfort, fit, and wearing duration strongly influenced their perception of benefit. These insights may prove valuable for healthcare providers, manufacturers, and patients alike, guiding future brace design and prescription practices.
"The findings suggest that valgus bracing offers a promising, non-invasive option for alleviating walking-related pain in individuals with medial knee OA. While broader research is required, incorporating patient feedback alongside clinical outcomes could help refine and optimize brace interventions, ultimately improving quality of care for those living with osteoarthritis," the authors concluded.
Reference:
(2025). Effectiveness and user experiences of a valgus brace in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A mixed-method randomised controlled trial. PLOS ONE, 20(9), e0330157. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0330157
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