“The GenuTrain A3 covers a wide range of symptoms”

So that patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee can remain active, Dr. Patrick Beckmann often prescribes supports that alleviate pain. He witnessed good results with the GenuTrain A3 during the long-term treatment of a wide range of symptoms. The orthopedist from Böblingen appreciates the carefully considered comfort the new generation provides – and where handling is concerned. In his opinion, this is a key prerequisite for patients implementing mobilization measures.

“Knee pain requires differentiated treatment so patients feel the benefits,” Dr. Patrick Beckmann explains. In his joint practice “Orthopedics in the City” in Böblingen, the specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery treats a wide range of patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Some develop cartilage damage rather surprisingly at a young age and usually pursue sports very actively, or have a foot misalignment as their underlying pathology, which, in the long term, results in one-sided strain on the knee. Generally, however, those affected are older, often just before retirement age, and vary widely in how pronounced their osteoarthritis is, their symptoms, and their personal motives. When possible, Dr. Beckmann relies on conservative treatment in the long term: a customized combination of physiotherapy, injections, and orthopedic aids, such as foot orthoses, relieving braces, and compression supports.

Keeping patients active

Dr. Beckmann prescribes the GenuTrain A3 during early stages of osteoarthritis and pangonarthrosis when changes caused by osteoarthritis trigger irritation in several areas of the knee. The reason being: “The support can keep these patients active for a long time and can have a positive influence on pain perception, thanks to its knitted fabric and pad.” The subject of exercise in cases of osteoarthritis is “key” and requires motivation.

“Exercise is key for any type of osteoarthritis. When patients are active, they feel the stimulation exerted by the support more.”

Dr. Patrick Beckmann

Dr. Beckman believes that patients have to realize that exercise helps them with their specific problems. He therefore uses the classic GenuTrain support for non-specific knee pain. But as soon as osteoarthritis has been detected, he will switch to special versions with relevant functional elements for the treatment of cartilage wear. “Osteoarthritis patients will benefit more from this. Particularly when they’re active and can feel the stimulation exerted by the pad more,” the specialist elaborates.

The new generation of supports for osteoarthritis of the knee

The GenuTrain A3’s pad stimulates the joint-stabilizing vastus medialis muscle during movement and exerts its effect on the Hoffa’s fat pad and anterior joint space to alleviate pain with its friction points. The innovation of using two materials with different densities in the friction points for activating stimuli is cleverly thought out, according to Dr. Beckmann. This also applies to the stimulation of the tibial edge in the area of the pes anserinus because he also frequently notices an irritation of the tendon insertion coinciding with osteoarthritis.

Furthermore, knitted fabric with an elastic stretch zone in the calf area and a soft material at the back of the knee were further developed, and ergonomic donning aids with a reinforced gripping zone were integrated into the new support generation. “Easy donning of the product is particularly important for compliance,” he explains. “Even a few additional seconds will make a difference whether a patient wears the support or not.” For older patients in particular, the orthopedist believes that the new donning aids are a “huge benefit” because, as a result of osteoarthritis, they often lack strength in the fingers for donning of the product. But these help them grip the support much more effectively.

Maintaining quality of life

Dr. Beckmann feels that supports have the advantage of being beneficial for remaining active and being easy to handle as a medical aid. In cases of temporary problems, they can be ready at hand when needed, without losing their effectiveness. There are no issues with intolerance as is the case with some medication, and they can be combined with almost all treatment measures. “After all, there’s never just the one thing that solves all problems, just like there isn’t just the one kind of patient. You always have to work out what patients want and what they’re able to do to maintain their quality of life.” In older patients, this may be an essential basic mobility – such us getting up in the morning without being in too much pain, taking the stairs, or going for a walk. In younger patients, it is about maintaining a comparable high level of mobility. In those who are actively involved in sports, the objective is for them to pursue their passion for as long as possible, explains Dr. Beckmann. The GenuTrain A3 can be a suitable treatment measure for these three patient groups: “It covers a wide range of symptoms.”

“Easy donning of the product is indispensable for compliance – when the patient is alone, everything has to work.”

Dr. Patrick Beckmann

The constant companion when out and about

Compression supports can have different goals in cases of osteoarthritis: patients in pain will want to reduce their suffering. Health-conscious patients who see a physician at the first signs of problems want to do something as early as possible to prevent any further developments. Many people want to avoid surgery and are relieved to learn about conservative options. In order for supports to exert their effectiveness, patients have to wear them. Dr. Patrick Beckmann appreciates the key role medical supply retailers play as well as their professional advice and provision of products that fit perfectly. “A support has to be comfortable. The patient can then trust that it’s beneficial. And at home, when the patient is alone, everything has to work,” he emphasizes. Challenges during donning of the product or when the process takes too long will make patients think twice. Patients have to see their support as their constant companion when they’re out and about – whether during shopping, taking the dog for a walk, cycling, or going to their seat or leaving it. “If they notice the benefits when wearing the product and realize that increasing problems can be prevented, compliance will be greater. They may then also wear a support preventively when they’re expecting some form of strain.”

The GenuTrain A3 ensures greater comfort during early osteoarthritis treatment
The new GenuTrain A3 knee support generation aids kinesiotherapy when treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Its further developed properties include, for example, soft and elastic knitted fabric, a revised pad with friction points, and ergonomically shaped donning aids with reinforced gripping zones. Find out more

Pictures: Udo Schönewald, Bauerfeind AG