Unloader Knee Brace Definition

Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage of the joints over time. It can affect any joint, but most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips and spine. Unloader/offloader braces are used to treat osteoarthritis in the medial or lateral compartment of the knee.

How They Work

• Unloader braces work by shifting weight from the damaged area of the knee to one of the unaffected areas.

Benefits

• Using an unloader brace combined with physical therapy can reduce pain and allow the wearer to remain active.

Significance

• Unloader braces are often prescribed to patients who cannot tolerate anti- inflammatory medications because of their side effects or who don't want to take them.

Effectiveness

• The effectiveness of the brace depends on each unique condition of the wearer and should not be generalized to all wearers.

Warning

• Unloader braces are significantly more expensive, and a lot more bulky than neoprene sleeves; their bulkiness may cause bruising and discomfort.