An Unloader Knee Brace is a non-surgical treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. When knee arthritis progresses, it can get to the stage where it significantly decreases quality of life through pain and disability.
Knee replacement surgery is an effective but a serious undertaking and comes with all of the risks associated with major orthopaedic surgery. The old model of osteoarthritis management consisted of long term painkillers until the joint was severely damaged and joint replacement surgery was performed. Modern management aims to address the disease at every stage. There has been an increased focus on the non-surgical options and their role in managing and slowing the progression of the joint disease process.
The mechanics of the knee are particularly important. It has been shown that once there is an angulation through the knee (knock-kneed or bow-legged), the rate of arthritis progression increases. Unloader knee braces aim to offset this angulation, relieving pressure from the worn part of the knee. this results in less pain and increased mobility.
