Orthotics (splints, braces, and insoles) can decrease pain in the foot, knee, hip, ankle, and lower back. Orthotics support muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bone to add stability. There are rigid, soft, or semirigid orthotic devices. Rigid orthotics are made of plastic or another hard material to prevent movement in a joint that is functioning abnormally. Soft orthotics are primarily used to take pressure off of sore spots or absorb shock. Semirigid orthotics are used to position a joint and improve balance.

To evaluate the success of using an orthosis, the Cochrane Group analyzed four studies involving 440 people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

One of the studies compared patients who wore a valgus knee brace to correct outward turning of the knee to those who wore a neoprene sleeve, versus no support, for a period of six months. People who wore the brace improved the most with regard to pain, stiffness, and physical function.

A second study concluded that wearing wedged insoles, whether neutrally or laterally, decreased pain and stiffness after six months.

The third study compared a strapped insole to a laterally wedged insole. A laterally wedged insole is thinner at the instep and thicker at the outside of the foot. The strapped insole decreased pain, while the laterally wedged sole did not decrease pain. Both the strapped insole and laterally wedged sole improved function, however.

The fourth study showed that a strapped insole decreased pain, but a sock-type insole did not decrease pain in the osteoarthritis patients.

There are many designs of orthotics, and custom-designed orthotics may be appropriate for some patients. It may take a trial of different types of orthotics and the advice of an orthotics specialist to determine what is best for you if an orthotic is indicated.