Orthotics & Bracing for Knee Pain—Availability in SG
Introduction
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues in Singapore, affecting people from all walks of life — from office workers and athletes to seniors. Whether the cause is osteoarthritis, sports injuries, or poor biomechanics, chronic knee pain can severely affect your daily life, limiting mobility and reducing quality of living.
While treatments such as physiotherapy, hyaluronic acid injections, or PRP therapy are effective for many, orthotics and knee braces play an equally crucial role in non-surgical pain management. These devices provide mechanical support, alignment correction, and shock absorption, helping reduce pain and strain on the knee joint.
In Singapore, orthotics and bracing solutions have evolved significantly in recent years. Today, they are designed with advanced materials and ergonomic engineering that provide both comfort and functionality. From custom-made foot orthotics that realign gait to specialised knee braces that stabilise injured ligaments, these aids can make a dramatic difference in knee function and comfort.
In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll explore:
- How orthotics and knee braces help manage knee pain
- The types available in Singapore
- Who can benefit most from them
- How to choose the right one
- And why Dr Plus Clinic Singapore is a trusted destination for comprehensive non-surgical knee pain solutions
Understanding the Role of Orthotics and Bracing in Knee Pain
What Causes Knee Pain?
Before exploring orthotics and braces, it’s essential to understand why knee pain occurs in the first place.
The knee joint is a complex structure made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and fluid. Because it bears the body’s weight and absorbs shock during movement, it’s vulnerable to degeneration, injury, and misalignment.
Common causes of knee pain include:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) – cartilage wear-and-tear over time.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – misalignment of the kneecap (patella).
- Meniscus Tears – cartilage damage from twisting injuries.
- Ligament Injuries – such as ACL, MCL, or LCL sprains.
- Overuse or Repetitive Strain – especially among runners and athletes.
- Flat Feet or Poor Foot Mechanics – which alter the alignment of the entire lower limb, placing extra stress on the knees.
When the knee is misaligned or unstable, the load distribution becomes uneven — leading to increased friction, inflammation, and pain. This is where orthotics and bracing come in: they redistribute weight, stabilise movement, and support proper biomechanics.
What Are Orthotics and Knee Braces?
Orthotics
Orthotics are custom or pre-fabricated shoe inserts designed to correct foot posture, support the arch, and improve lower limb alignment.
Since the feet form the foundation of your body, even minor foot abnormalities — such as overpronation (flat feet) or supination (high arches) — can disrupt the kinetic chain from ankle to knee to hip.
By adjusting how your foot strikes the ground, orthotics can realign your leg position, reducing stress on the knee joint.
Knee Braces
Knee braces are external supports worn around the knee to stabilise the joint, control movement, or offload pressure from specific areas.
Depending on the condition, braces can provide:
- Compression to reduce swelling
- Support to prevent overextension or instability
- Unloading to shift weight away from damaged areas
Braces come in various designs, from simple elastic sleeves to sophisticated hinged systems used for ligament injuries or arthritis.
How Orthotics and Bracing Help Knee Pain
1. Improved Alignment
Both orthotics and braces correct biomechanical issues.
- Orthotics reposition the foot to align the leg’s natural angle.
- Braces hold the knee joint in a neutral position, preventing abnormal movement.
Better alignment means reduced stress on cartilage and ligaments, especially in arthritis or overuse conditions.
2. Reduced Pain and Pressure
Orthotics and braces redistribute load more evenly across the joint.
For example, a valgus unloader brace can shift weight away from the inner knee compartment in osteoarthritis, significantly reducing pain during walking.
3. Enhanced Stability and Confidence
Knee braces give mechanical stability to weak or injured ligaments. This reduces the fear of buckling or giving way, allowing patients to move with greater confidence.
4. Improved Function and Endurance
By improving shock absorption and gait efficiency, orthotics and braces can help patients walk longer distances, climb stairs, and resume moderate physical activity with less fatigue.
5. Slowed Degeneration
For osteoarthritis, consistent use of orthotics or braces can reduce joint wear and tear, delaying disease progression and the need for surgery.
6. Post-Injury or Post-Surgery Recovery
After ligament or meniscus injuries, braces are often prescribed to protect the joint during the healing process and restore strength safely.
Types of Orthotics in Singapore
Orthotics can be divided into two main categories: custom-made and prefabricated.
1. Custom Orthotics
- Tailored to the individual’s foot shape and gait pattern.
- Usually made using 3D foot scanning or moulding technology.
- Offers precise correction for biomechanical problems.
Benefits
- Long-term comfort and support.
- Suitable for structural deformities (flat feet, bunions, etc.).
- Durable and effective for everyday wear.
Average Cost in Singapore
$400 – $800 per pair, depending on complexity and material.
2. Prefabricated Orthotics
- Ready-made inserts available in various sizes and shapes.
- More affordable but less precise.
Benefits
- Good for temporary or mild discomfort.
- Easily available over the counter.
Average Cost in Singapore
$60 – $200, depending on brand and quality.
3. Specialised Orthotics
- Sports orthotics: For athletes to prevent overuse injuries.
- Diabetic orthotics: Designed with soft materials to reduce pressure points.
- Pediatric orthotics: For children with developing arches or gait abnormalities.
At Dr Plus Clinic Singapore, patients can undergo a gait analysis and 3D foot assessment to determine the right orthotic support based on walking pattern and knee load distribution.
Types of Knee Braces Available in Singapore
Knee braces vary in purpose and design, from light compression sleeves to advanced stabilising systems.
1. Compression Sleeves
- Made of elastic fabric (e.g., neoprene or spandex).
- Provides warmth, mild compression, and increased blood flow.
- Ideal for mild pain, swelling, or early-stage arthritis.
Average Cost: $40 – $100
2. Patellar Tracking Braces
- Helps guide the kneecap (patella) into proper alignment.
- Reduces pain from patellofemoral pain syndrome or runner’s knee.
Average Cost: $80 – $150
3. Hinged Knee Braces
- Includes side hinges that limit excessive movement.
- Provides stability for ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL) or post-surgery support.
Average Cost: $150 – $400
4. Unloader (Offloading) Braces
- Designed for osteoarthritis, particularly when one side of the knee (medial or lateral) is more affected.
- Redistributes pressure away from the damaged area to reduce pain during walking.
Average Cost: $600 – $1,200
5. Functional Sports Braces
- Built for active individuals recovering from ligament injuries.
- Lightweight yet highly supportive for return-to-sport use.
Average Cost: $300 – $800
6. Post-Operative Immobiliser Braces
- Used after surgery or severe injury to restrict movement completely.
- Adjustable hinges allow gradual return to motion.
Average Cost: $250 – $600
Choosing Between Orthotics and Braces
Your doctor will recommend either or both based on the type, cause, and severity of your knee condition.
| Condition | Recommended Support | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Feet / Overpronation | Custom Orthotics | Correct foot alignment |
| Early Osteoarthritis | Orthotics + Compression Sleeve | Load redistribution |
| Moderate to Severe Osteoarthritis | Unloader Knee Brace | Offload painful knee compartment |
| Ligament Injury (ACL/MCL) | Hinged Knee Brace | Stabilise movement |
| Patellofemoral Pain | Patellar Tracking Brace | Realign kneecap |
| Post-Surgery / Post-Injury | Immobiliser Brace | Protect healing joint |
| Sports Overuse Pain | Functional Sports Brace | Prevent recurrence |
How to Get Fitted for Orthotics or Braces
Proper fitting is essential for maximum benefit.
Step 1: Clinical Assessment
A doctor or physiotherapist evaluates your pain, posture, gait, and range of motion.
Step 2: Gait Analysis
Advanced clinics use pressure-mapping systems or 3D scanners to study how your feet and knees move during walking.
Step 3: Custom Design or Selection
- For orthotics: a 3D model of your foot is created to design a tailored insert.
- For braces: your knee circumference and mobility level are used to choose the correct type.
Step 4: Fitting and Adjustment
The device is tested and adjusted for comfort, ensuring proper alignment and effectiveness.
At Dr Plus Clinic Singapore, all fittings are guided by medical professionals with expertise in musculoskeletal biomechanics, ensuring optimal comfort and therapeutic value.
Complementary Non-Surgical Treatments
Orthotics and bracing work best when combined with other conservative treatments:
- Physiotherapy – Strengthens muscles and improves joint stability.
- PRP Injections – Stimulates healing and regeneration inside the joint.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections – Restores lubrication and cushioning.
- Shockwave Therapy – Reduces chronic inflammation and pain.
- Lifestyle Modifications – Weight control, posture correction, and proper exercise.
Benefits of Combining Orthotics & Bracing
- Holistic Joint Protection – Addresses both cause (misalignment) and symptoms (pain).
- Improved Movement Mechanics – Prevents future injuries.
- Enhanced Rehabilitation Outcomes – Faster return to activity post-injury.
- Reduced Dependency on Painkillers – Natural mechanical support instead of medication.
Cost Summary of Orthotics and Braces in Singapore (2025)
| Type | Average Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Custom Orthotics | $400 – $800 |
| Prefabricated Orthotics | $60 – $200 |
| Compression Knee Sleeve | $40 – $100 |
| Patellar Tracking Brace | $80 – $150 |
| Hinged Brace | $150 – $400 |
| Unloader Brace | $600 – $1,200 |
| Post-Surgery Brace | $250 – $600 |
Prices may vary based on brand, material, and whether customisation or fitting services are included.
Why Choose Dr Plus Clinic Singapore
At Dr Plus Clinic Singapore, patients receive comprehensive, doctor-supervised care that combines diagnostic precision and non-surgical expertise.
1. Personalised Care
Every patient undergoes detailed knee assessment, gait analysis, and consultation to determine the most suitable orthotic or brace.
2. Expertise in Non-Surgical Solutions
The clinic specialises in musculoskeletal and regenerative medicine, offering treatments that restore movement naturally.
3. Ultrasound-Guided Assessment and Injections
For patients combining orthotic therapy with PRP or HA injections, Dr Plus Clinic uses advanced ultrasound guidance for precision and safety.
4. State-of-the-Art Fitting Technology
3D scanning ensures that orthotics and braces fit perfectly, maximising comfort and biomechanical correction.
5. Comprehensive Care Plan
From diagnosis to follow-up, patients receive a customised recovery roadmap, integrating physiotherapy, injection therapy, and orthotic support.
6. Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, only clear explanations of costs and expected outcomes.
At Dr Plus Clinic Singapore, the mission is simple — to help every patient move freely, confidently, and pain-free without resorting to surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long should I wear my orthotics or brace each day?
Start with 1–2 hours daily and gradually increase as comfort improves. Your doctor will guide you based on your condition.
2. Can I use orthotics for sports?
Yes, custom sports orthotics are designed to absorb shock and improve performance while reducing injury risk.
3. Are braces uncomfortable or bulky?
Modern braces are lightweight, breathable, and ergonomically designed for daily wear.
4. Can orthotics or braces cure knee pain completely?
They help manage pain and alignment but should be combined with physiotherapy and lifestyle changes for long-term relief.
5. How often should I replace orthotics?
Typically every 12–18 months, depending on usage and wear.
6. Can I buy braces online?
Over-the-counter options exist, but professional fitting ensures proper alignment and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Orthotics and bracing are powerful, non-surgical tools for managing knee pain effectively. They restore alignment, stabilise movement, and protect the joint from further damage — allowing patients in Singapore to maintain active, pain-free lifestyles without the need for invasive surgery.
Whether it’s custom-made foot orthotics correcting your gait or specialised knee braces supporting weakened joints, the right device can make a world of difference in comfort, function, and confidence.
At Dr Plus Clinic Singapore, patients receive personalised knee care, combining orthotics, bracing, physiotherapy, and regenerative medicine under one roof. Every treatment plan is built on the principle of restoring movement — not restricting it.
If you’re living with persistent knee pain, take the first step toward a stronger, more active future. Schedule your consultation with Dr Plus Clinic Singapore today and discover how modern orthotics and bracing solutions can help you move better, live better, and stay pain-free.