Most of the unloader knee braces mentioned on this site are those designed to treat moderate to severe arthritis. The are able to provide a strong unloading force to the leg to have maximum effect.
The problem with these braces is that they tend to be expensive and bulkier than some people want. If you have early arthritis and want a simple, easy to wear brace that is less expensive, there are other options out there.
Donjoy is one of the three major brands that is mentioned frequently on this site. They have been leading the development of bracing technology for many years and have an extensive range of unloader braces that includes a number suitable for mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
One step down from the larger braces is the OA Everyday. This brace is designed to be easy to apply and provides an unloading force by way of a telescoping pad at the knee that is wound out or in to adjust the level of support. It is a double upright brace and is much shorter in length than most other unloaders. Due to this it is probably better suited to people of average height or less. Very tall people may find there is not enough leverage to provide the unloading force they desire.
The next brace in their range is the OA Assist. This brace is a single upright device (like the Unloader One and Thruster) and is also easy to apply. It has an unloading force built into the frame and this can be further adjusted using the telescoping condyle pad that is also featured in the OA Everyday. It has a special hinge that allows the leg to continue the small amount of rotation that usually occurs at the knee. Permitting this movement helps the brace stay in place and feel more natural on the leg.
Finally there is the OA Lite. As the name suggests this brace provides the least amount of unloading force but is designed around the pull-on sleeve most people are familiar with. It has a single hinge with the unloading force built into it. The hinge is located on the opposite side to the arthritis making sure there is no rigid components around the area of tenderness. The hinge can be removed for washing and if the unloading force is too much or too little, the hinge can be bent to change the load.
Donjoy do not sell their products directly online but you can find out more about each one by following the links below:
