For an unloader brace to work you need to have what is called “unicompartmental osteoarthritis”. This means that the arthritis is affecting only half of the knee. The inside half, or the outside half. This is important as for the brace to be effective you need to have a “healthy” side of the knee.
The brace works by applying a force to the leg that decreases the workload of the affected side, unloading it during weight bearing. By doing this it shifts weight back onto the healthy side. If both sides of the knee are worn, any unloading of one side will increase the load on the other worn side and increase symptoms.
Unfortunately the brace does not help those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis as this disease affects the whole joint. An unloader brace should not be used by people with rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have osteoarthritis in half of your knee, if for example you are bow legged or knock kneed, an unloader brace can help you maintain an active lifestyle, decrease your pain, and delay or prevent the need for joint replacement surgery.
