Mueller Braces and Supports Help Patients With Reduced Quadriceps Function

Men and women with knee osteoarthritis tend to develop muscle impairments in the hips, hamstrings and quadriceps. On average, these individuals get less exercise than people of the same age without arthritis in the knee joints. The stiffness, pain and sense of instability leads them to become more sedentary. They may even avoid walking for the most part. Wearing Mueller braces and supports can help reduce discomfort during exercise. The devices also boost joint stability, making people feel more confident about their mobility.

 

Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition

The quadriceps is the large muscle situated on the front of the thigh. This muscle can be most affected by arthritis in the knee joint in some patients. Medically, the loss of full function in this muscle is known as arthrogenic muscle inhibition. The problem can become a vicious cycle by the loss of muscle function resulting in worsening arthritis.

 

Theories About the Disorder

Although lack of exercise has an effect on this disorder, the destructive effects of osteoarthritis appear to also have a role. Degeneration of the knee cartilage may change the way the muscle functions since it is attached to the joint. Reduction in strength varies broadly among study participants, ranging from 11 to 56 percent.

 

In fact, researchers are not even sure whether the muscle problem or the arthritis occurs first. Some speculate that loss of full quadriceps function could actually lead to the development of knee arthritis. Either way, tackling the issue so that patients can become more active again is important for their overall health.

 

Relevant Research About Knee Bracing

Some orthopedic doctors, physical therapists and other healthcare providers had previously worried that wearing knee braces and supports on a long-term basis might actually cause the muscles to atrophy. Fortunately, research has verified that this is not the case. In contrast, extending the time that these devices are worn tends to have the opposite effect of increasing muscle strength. Patients generally become more physically active again now that their joints feel better. The discomfort has eased and the joint feels more stable. When a person has the unpleasant sensation that the knee might buckle while doing physical activity, participating in exercise often is avoided.

 

Studies have found improvements in muscle function and strength, pain reduction and increases in activity in knee arthritis sufferers wearing braces. No studies have found any harmful effects, even when patients wear the support devices for lengthy time frames.