What is an Unloader Knee Brace?

An unloader knee brace is designed to provide stability, support, and pain relief caused by unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. Unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis primarily affects only one side of the knee joint. As the name suggests, the unloader braces shift or unload pressure from the weak side of the joint to the healthier side.

Why should I use an OA Unloader Knee Brace?

A knee unloader brace is typically prescribed for medial compartment knee arthritis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 27 million American adults suffer from osteoarthritis. An unloader knee brace for osteoarthritis can reduce pain associated with knee osteoarthritis and may be used to delay or prevent a total or partial knee replacement. HPFY offers the best unloader knee braces for osteoarthritis that can significantly improve a patient's quality of life.

Indications of Unloader Brace

An unloader knee brace is primarily used for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. Still, may use it for conditions that may benefit from the reduction of load through a single compartment of the knee, including:

Degenerative meniscal tears
Rheumatoid arthritis
Mild to severe ligament instabilities
Closed fracture of the patella
Meniscal cartilage derangement
Sprains and strains of the knee
Tibial plateau fracture

How does a Knee Unloader Brace work?

The unloader knee brace for osteoarthritis is made of molded plastic, foam, and steel struts.
It stabilizes the knee joint by limiting the side movement of the joint.
The unloader brace applies three points of pressure on the thigh, which forces the knee to bend away from the painful side of the joint.
The unloader braces can either relieve pressure on the medial (inner) side of the knee or the lateral (outer) side.
Some models of the knee unloader braces allow you to switch from one mode to the other just by adjusting the hinge on the brace.
Unloading can help relieve the pain, allowing to walk normally and more frequently, and has proven to improve activities of daily living.

Benefits of Unloader Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis

The medial unloader knee brace can keep you active by reducing pressure on the painful region of the knee and help your pain and mobility. Before using an unloader knee brace, discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can help you decide whether an OA knee brace is right for you and what type of knee unloader brace would offer you the most benefit. The benefits of an osteoarthritis knee brace include:

It is a non-invasive and cost-effective treatment method
Reduces the pressure on the affected knee compartment, preventing further degeneration
Significantly reduce pain and stiffness due to its biomechanical effect
Provides support to the knee
Helps prevent or delay the need for knee surgery
Offers pain relief with little to no side effects, unlike NSAIDs, injections, and narcotics
Improves quality of life
Promotes the confidence in your knee by providing a sense of security

Note: Unloader knee braces are often used along with other osteoarthritis treatments like medications, physical therapy, etc. Following those modalities and the instructions from your medical provider or the therapist would reap better results.

Choosing the Best Unloader Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis

Comfort

The most important thing when buying the best unloader knee brace is to make sure it is comfortable. If it is comfortable, you are going to wear it regularly and will be able to recover from your condition. Ensure that the OA unloader knee brace contains comfortable foam padding to give you a cushioned support and that the underlining does not irritate your skin.

Stability

The osteoarthritis knee brace you purchase must protect the knee from the front, bottom, and top, and it does not slip while in use. Because by moving or slipping, the knee brace can compromise on the support.

Size

OA knee brace size is another essential factor to keep in mind. Pick the knee brace whose size suits you the best.

Durability

Unloader knee brace must be durable enough to last for at least a few years. Make sure that you buy a quality knee brace from a reputable brand.

Care instructions for Knee Brace

Do not store the knee unloader brace in a high-temperature or high humidity place. (Heat may cause device deformation).
Keep the unloader knee brace away from dust or pollutants.
Wash the fabric components of the knee brace in warm water using a mild soap.
Do not use bleach or hot water.
Air dry away from direct sunlight.

Where can I buy an Unloader Knee Brace?

Health Products For You offers superior quality unloader braces from our esteemed vendors like Ossur/Royce Medical, Advanced Orthopaedics, DJO, etc. VertaLoc Max OA Knee Brace features a fully adjustable range of motion hinge and provides rotation control. The knee orthoses are designed to offer stability and ease pain while assisting the patient in returning to an active lifestyle. Shop now and get reward dollars on every purchase. You can use these reward dollars on your next order.