Top 10 Best Unloader Knee Braces

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An unloader knee brace is used to provide support, stability, and pain relief caused by knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder that causes excruciating pain and immobility in the tissues of ball-and-socket joints, hinge joints, pivot joints, and ellipsoidal joints, to name a few.  

How does a knee brace for osteoarthritis work? 

A knee brace for osteoarthritis helps the tendons and ligament joints remain constantly stable and relieves ACL strain by redistributing pressure away from the aggravated parts of the knee joint. Functional knee braces help redistribute the body’s weight from the affected area of the knee joint and reduce the severity of knee arthritis. An Unloader knee brace is great for improving mobility with enough comfort and also prevents the ligament of the knee from further injury. 

When to use an offloading knee brace? 

An offloading knee brace is ideal to be used in conditions such as -  

  • Hyperextension of the knee 
  • Knee osteoarthritis 
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome 
  • Meniscus injury 
  • After the surgical intervention of knee joints 
  • Neurological ailments 

Here are the ten best offloading knee braces for arthritis for those who desire to regain mobility and get back to their daily life routine. 

10 Best Unloader Knee Braces 

1. Donjoy Renegade Knee Brace 

Donjoy Renegade Knee Brace is the perfect complement to an extraordinary line of medical knee braces that dispense trusted technology and clinical efficacy. This offloading knee brace supports moderate to severe knee instability, hyperextension to ACL injuries, and repair of the knee ligaments. The Renegade knee brace is lightweight and comfortable while protecting knee joint ligaments during athletic and everyday activities. 

Pros Pros Cons Cons
Shows quick improvement Can be difficult to wear
Comfortable for extended wear  
Provides reliable technology and clinically proven effectiveness  
 

2. Ovation Medical Game Changer Gen 2 OA Knee Brace 

Ovation Medical Game Changer Gen 2 OA Knee Brace is a knee brace for osteoarthritis constructed to fit comfortably from the thigh to the upper calf muscle. It is one of the best unloader knee braces, used to treat both medial and lateral knee pain associated with sports injury or knee trauma that causes deterioration of cartilage. Medical knee braces protect your knee from further injury. 

Pros Pros Cons Cons
Universal sized (right or left) Does not stay in place
Easy and quick don and doff  
Affordably priced  
 

3. Trulife Lenox Hill Swedish Knee Cage 

Trulife Lenox Hill Swedish Knee Cage provides management of knee hyperextension due to plantar flexion contracture, quadriceps weakness, and hip extension weakness. The knee unloader brace is made with lightweight, vinyl-coated aluminum material that molds easily. Trulife knee cage features an adjustable posterior pressure pad and thermoplastic construction permits flexion at the knee.

Pros Pros Cons Cons
Makes walking easy and safe Large and bulky
Easy on and off Could be more flexibly made
Effectively prevents hyperextension of the knee  
 

4. DonJoy OA Adjuster 3 Arthritis Knee Brace 

Donjoy OA Adjuster 3 Arthritis Knee Brace is powered by nano MAG technology on the offloading side, providing a lightweight function and the highest average amount of condylar separation that delays knee replacement surgery. DonJoy's offloading knee brace is made with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, which makes it the most durable and functional. The knee braces for arthritis feature an anterior thigh anchor, posterior tibia anchor, anti-migration band, and floating hinges that allow a contoured, personalized fit for all activity levels. 

Pros Pros Cons Cons
Durable aluminum frame Can cause skin irritation without sleeve
Clinically proven ligament stability  
Contoured calf cuff  
 

5. DonJoy FULLFORCE ACL Ligament Knee Brace 

DonJoy FULLFORCE ACL Ligament Knee Brace has a sleek design and four 4-pointed leverage system that provides ligament stability, reduces ACL strain, and prevents shock syndrome. A knee brace for ruptured ACL results in less pressure on the key ligaments of the knee joint minimizes the risk of injury and increases high-impact activity.

Pros Pros Cons Cons
Lightweight knee brace Can be troublesome to fit
Comfortable to walk with this brace Need undersleeve to keep it from slipping
Protects the ligaments of the knee, especially the ACL  
 

6. Comfy Goniometer Knee Orthosis 

Comfy Goniometer Knee Orthosis is a graduated knee extension that places the flaccid knee in a functional position to help restrict arthritic changes and deformity related to the neuromuscular impairment of the knee. An orthopedic knee brace is excellent for individuals with strong flexor tone and non-fixed contractures. Goniometer Knee Orthosis is created with durable terrycloth, which is moisture-wicking and prevents skin maceration, and is edged with soft foam that covers the whole frame of the brace to avoid pressure from damaged knee areas of the body. 

Pros Pros Cons Cons
Easily adjusts for the right amount of stretch None
Comfortable for extended wear  
Easy to use and a therapist's favorite  
 

7. DonJoy Playmaker II Knee Brace 

DonJoy Playmaker II Knee Brace provides adequate stability and appropriate comfort to improve movement in the affected knee ligament joint. The unloader brace for the knee is constructed with advanced spacer fabric that promotes a relaxed environment to increase activities and has molded strap tabs that allow for quick and easy adjustments to deliver a secure, comfortable fit.

Pros Pros Cons Cons
A proven and trusted brand Sizing issues
Quick and easy strap adjustments  
The material promotes a "cool" environment  
 

8. Advanced Orthopaedics Cobra Unloader Knee Brace 

Advanced Orthopaedics Cobra is one of the best offloading knee braces, ideal for people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Orthopedic knee brace is scientifically engineered to reduce pressure, accelerate the healing process, and speed up the body's recovery. The medial unloader brace has an extremely lightweight design, and its single strapping structure helps achieve a perfect fit. 

Pros Pros Cons Cons
Universal size None
Low-profile, light-weight brace  
Quick-release snaps for easy on-and-off  
Single strapping allows a perfect fit  
 

9. DonJoy Drytex Playmaker Knee Brace

DonJoy Drytex Playmaker Knee Brace is a premier soft unloader brace that is excellent for the knee ligament joint. The Drytex Playmaker is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate ACL, MCL, and LCL fluxes. It is the best unloading knee brace, fabricated with a unique nylon core and lightweight polyester Lycra cloth that allows for improved airflow.

Pros Pros Cons Cons
Clinically proven FourcePoint hinge technology First time use can be difficult
Low-profile and lightweight design  
Reduces instability in the ACL  
 

10. Donjoy SE-4 Knee Brace 

Donjoy SE-4 Knee Brace is a patented four-point leverage system that provides great support for active sufferers with mild to severe instabilities. This unloader brace features a non-chip outer covering that is completely safe for salt and freshwater activities and highly recommended for contact sports.

Pros Pros Cons Cons
Lightweight with low-profile design Straps are too long for the small brace
One year warranty Not convenient to use
Patented four points of leverage system  
 

Choosing the right knee brace for osteoarthritis is crucial for managing and alleviating discomfort. The diverse range of options available, each highlighted in this article, caters to various needs and preferences. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable option based on your specific condition and requirements.

When to seek a doctor?

You should consult a doctor if you experience the following symptoms after using offloading knee brace:

  • If you feel a sense of instability when wearing the brace, seek medical attention
  • If you experience redness, itching, or open sores on your skin while wearing the brace, seek medical attention
  • If your knee pain hasn't shown any improvement after several weeks of using the brace, seek medical attention
  • If the pain worsens or new swelling develops while using the brace, seek medical attention

Where can you buy the best offloading knee brace online?  

Rehab Store offers a huge collection of the best knee brace for osteoarthritis from top manufacturers that provide pain relief experience and prevent further injury in your knee joint during sports or physical activities. Place your order with us today!  

 

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