Unloader Knee Brace

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the joints. Specifically, it causes the eventual loss of the cartilage, the soft tissue that coats the joints for mobility.

A person with osteoarthritis often experiences extreme bouts of pain as a result of the joints pressing against each other without the “cushioning” provided by the cartilage as one moves.

The condition is generally untreatable. However, there are many ways to toll the further development of osteoarthritis as well as reduce the pain. One method used by many doctors, especially orthotists, is the use of supportive devices.

Unloader knee braces are only one type of supportive devices that are designed to help reduce pain suffered by patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Other supportive devices include canes and elastic / neoprene supportive braces.

Why Unloader Knee Braces?

Unloader knee braces are different from other types of supportive devices in that it has potential to reduce the symptoms, and not just the pain, associated with osteoarthritis. It is particularly effective when the osteoarthritis affects only one compartment of the knee.

How Unloader Knee Brace Provides Support

The knee is composed of two compartments: the medial compartment which comprises the inner side of the knee and the lateral compartment which is found on the outer side of the knee.

There are many cases where osteoarthritis affects only one of these compartments. A doctor is usually able to tell which specific compartment is affected by osteoarthritis through x-rays, physical examination, symptoms, and arthroscopy.

Basically, what happens is that when only one compartment is affected by the disease, this compartment begins to collapse, leaving the unaffected one to bear the entire weight of the person.

When this happens, it won’t be long for the unaffected compartment to break down as well because it is not designed to support the entire weight of the person.

The goal of using unloader knee braces is to provide support to the affected compartment. This way, the weight remains evenly distributed and the unaffected compartment remains strong.

Moreover, if there is early intervention, the unloader knee brace could also prevent the affected compartment from collapsing all together.

Reduce Pain

Besides providing support, unloader knee brace can also greatly reduce pain. In fact, according to many studies, unloader knee braces are decidedly more effective than a simple sleeve in reducing pain.

Likewise, it has also been shown to reduce the need for medication in order to control the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

The Caveat

Despite the many advantages of unloader knee braces, which includes among other things delaying the need for surgery, they are not for everybody. Moreover, they are more expensive compared to elastic or neoprene sleeves.

Thus, it is important for a patient with osteoarthritis to discuss with his or her doctor the other possibilities of reducing the symptoms.