The 10 Best Unloader Knee Braces Reviews And Buying Guide

The 10 Best Unloader Knee Braces

1. Best Lightweight:Orthomen OA Unloader Knee Brace

The Orthomen OA Unloader Knee Brace is specially designed for reducing knee pain caused by unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knees. The brace also helps in delaying the need for surgery. The unloader brace is comfortable, lightweight, and low-profile. It has three points of leverage for reducing pressure on the knee joint. The knee brace is universal and can be used by a wide variety of patients easily. The brace has a strapping system that allows for a complete adjustment of the braces. It also features quick snaps that allows for a quick and easy application. The brace comes with condyle pads that increase comfort, stability, and pain control. It also has optional flexion and extension stops for a range of motion control. Specifications

Weight: 6 pounds Size: Universal

Pros

Comfortable Provides good support Lightweight Has 3 point leverage to reduce pressure on knee joint Condyle pads increase comfort and stability

Cons None

2. Best For Knee Stabilization:Vive ROM Knee Brace

The Vive ROM Knee Brace provides complete rehabilitative knee support. It stabilizes the knee and also minimizes the risk of re-injury. The brace also aids in post-operative recovery. The product lets you control the range of motion of the knee through an adjustable locking dial, an extension, and flexion sliders. It has a bilateral range of motion dials that can be set from 30 degrees to open flexion, and 10 to 30 degrees of extension. The open ROM brace is fully adjustable for optimal support and comfort for the left and right knees. Each brace pad is adjustable for a total length ranging from 18 inches to 23.5 inches. The brace is made from durable aluminum alloy that makes it lightweight and provides exceptional support. The support discs in the knee brace are lightly padded for great comfort. The knee brace comes with a 2-year guarantee. Go through this YouTube video to know more about the product. Specifications

Weight: 2 pounds Size: Universal

Pros

Comfortable Sturdy Comes with adjustable locking dials Allows you to control the range of motion of knees Comes with a 2-year guarantee

Cons

May slide down

3. Best Innovative Web Design:Don Joy Reaction Web Knee Support Brace

The DonJoy Reaction Web Knee Brace has an innovative web design that absorbs shock, disperses energy, and shifts pain away from the knee. The knee brace is developed by the world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. William Nordt. The webbing design acts to dynamically stabilize the patella (kneecap) on all sides and brings it into a proper tracking position to reduce pain. The open framework of the elastomeric web with mesh backing creates a comfortable fit. It also gives a breathable solution for relief from anterior knee pain. The brace is lightweight as it weighs only 0.5 lbs. The knee brace comes with one undersleeve that is made from 85% nylon and 15% spandex. The knee brace can be used to prevent injuries like patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), chondromalacia patella (runner’s knee), quadriceps or patellar tendonitis/tendinosis (jumper’s knee), Osgood-Schlatter disease, general patellar tracking issues and instability, and mild knee osteoarthritis. The brace is a universal fit and can be worn in either the left or right leg. Specifications

Weight: 5 lbs Size: Universal

Pros

Lightweight Comfortable Stable Comes with an innovative web design that absorbs shock Undersleeve is made from 85% nylon and 15% spandex

Cons None

4. Best For Knee Joint:Superior Braces OA Unloader Knee Brace

The Superior Braces OA Unloader Knee Brace is a top-rated osteoarthritis knee brace. It has an easy functionality that promises proper knee unloading. The brace is made from an industrial grade plastic shell. It also has neoprene wrapped breathable padding that gives ultra support and comfort. The knee brace is available for both lateral and medial osteoarthritis knee issues. It is easily adjustable and comes with a screwdriver that can be used to unscrew two screws and set the positions you need. The knee brace has a low profile and is lightweight. It provides three points of leverage to reduce pressure inside the knee joint. It has valgus and varus adjustment that can be fitted to an individual’s alignment. For further information, check out this honest review. Specifications

Weight: 2 pounds Size: Universal

Pros

Adjustable Comfortable Lightweight Neoprene padding offers extra support Offers 3 points of leverage

Cons

Does not stay in place

5. Best Non-Slip Fabric:Comfyorthopaedic OA- Osteoarthritis Adjustable Knee Brace

3.3 BUY ON AMAZON | $129.99 The Comfyorthopaedic OA- Osteoarthritis Adjustable Knee Brace is specifically designed to help patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee and can be used both as a medial and lateral brace. It also helps with rheumatoid arthritis and supports repairing meniscal cartilage derangement, articular cartilage defects, avascular necrosis, recovery from tibial plateau fractures, and knee cartilage. This knee brace reduces pressure and relieves pain from the knees. The adjustable knee brace offers valgus and varus fit correction, limits lateral-knee movement, and ensures easy mobility. Additionally, the non-slip fabric helps keep the brace in one place, requiring little to no adjustments during use. The lightweight material is comfortable to wear, allowing the skin to breathe. Specifications

Weight: 45 pounds Size: Universal size up to 32 inches

Pros

Lightweight Adjustable Made with non-slip fabric

Cons None

6. Best Flexible Hinge:DR Medical OA Reliever Adjustable Osteoarthritis Relief Knee Brace

3.2 BUY ON AMAZON | $81.43 The DR Medical OA Reliever Adjustable Osteoarthritis Relief Knee Brace is designed for the medial unloading of the knee joint on a one-sided compartment. It also provides support for knee strains, sprains, and tears. The lateral vertical design has 3 points of leverage that reduce pain and stress on the medial compartment. The brace is made of lightweight material with soft silicone padding and straps that prevent migration or adjustment. It also has a hinge that is flexible to adjust to your knee size and shape comfortably. Specifications

Weight: 2 ounces Size: Universal

Pros

Lightweight Flexible hinge Unisex 3 points of leverage Comfortable

Cons None

7. Best Skin-Friendly:Ossur Unloader One Knee Brace

The Ossur Unloader One Knee Brace is comfortable, lightweight, and low profile. It provides suspension and unloading leverage. The knee brace has clinically proven three points of leverage, and it can be used to tune the dual dynamic force straps. Recent research on the unloader knee brace shows that it reduces pain, improves function, and decreases the use of pain medication. The knee brace can be used for mild to severe unicompartmental osteoarthritis. The knee brace is specifically designed to improve comfort and reduce migration. It has color-coded quick fit buckles that simplify application and removal of the braces. This brace has thigh circumferences of 13.5” to 29” (34.3cm to 73.5cm) and calf circumferences of 9.8” to 24” (24.9cm to 61.5cm). To find out more about the benefits of this product, watch this YouTube video. Specifications

Weight: 6 ounces Size: Thigh circumferences of 13.5” to 29” (34.3cm to 73.5cm)

Pros

Lightweight Comfortable Protects skin and prevents rashes Has 3 points of leverage Quick fit buckles for easier application and removal

Cons None

8. Best Ergonomic Design:XMJESS Unilateral OA Unloader Knee Brace

The XMJESS Unilateral OA Unloader Knee Brace is made from strong aluminum alloy. The hinged knee support brace is lightweight and extremely low profile. The hinges are made from high quality stainless steel and have a lightweight frame. With this knee brace, you will be able to limit the amplitude of the flexion or extension movements. This can be done by placing the angle limiters provided at the knee joint. It has adjustable straps and is ergonomically comfortable. It comes in a universal size that fits all. This can also be used for mild to moderate OA knee users and helps to support the knee joint. The package of this knee brace contains 1 high knee brace, 1 screwdriver, 1 hex screwdriver, and other different angle limiters and screws. Specifications

Weight: 4 pounds Size: Universal size

Pros

Lightweight Comes with adjustable strap One size fits all

Cons

Slips easily

9. Best Durability:KGOI Osteofix Unloader Knee Brace

The KGOI Osteofix Unloader Knee Brace is a highly effective optimum relief knee brace. It is effective against osteoarthritis, arthritis, knee pain, swelling, stiffness, injuries, degeneration or any other knee joint issues. The unloader comes in four different size variations (S, M, L, and XL) to fit any knee size perfectly. The knee brace is ergonomically designed for added comfort. This knee brace is clinically proven to reduce inflammation, regain stability, and restore function and mobility. The brace is durable and sturdy. It is easy to put on and remove. Specifications

Weight: 4 pounds Size: S, M, L, and XL

Pros

Lightweight Come in 4 different sizes Sturdy Durable

Cons None

10. Best Angle Locking System:DDS OA Pro™ Decompression Knee Brace

The DDS OA Pro™ Decompression Knee Brace is a slimmer, lighter, and effective knee brace. It has a uniquely designed triangular LTS hinge that helps treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis. This is achieved by reducing the load on both the medial and lateral compartments in the knee joint. The LTS (leverage traction system) also decompresses the knee joint and provides stability. The innovative anti-migration silicone guard prevents the brace from slipping during use. The angle lock system allows to restrict leg movement if required. Specifications

Weight: 5 pounds Size: Universal

Pros

Lightweight Comes with angle locking system Has unique LTS hinge Sturdy Comfortable

Cons None In the following section, we will see how an unloaded knee brace works.

How Does An Unloader Knee Brace Work?

An unloader knee brace reduces knee pain by lowering the stress that is emerging from the affected area of the knee. It is highly recommended when you have osteoarthritis. The knee brace puts pressure on the thigh bone at three different points. This unloads the stress or pressure on the knee and transfers it from the inside of the knee to the outer part. As the knee braces are primarily made from foam, molded plastic, or steel, they limit the motion of the knee and facilitate movement. While purchasing an unloader knee brace, we should keep certain points in mind. The following buying guide can help.

Unloader Knee Brace Buying Guide

Brace Quality – The ultimate function of a knee brace is to provide comfort to your knees. Hence, a brace should be of good quality. The brace that you purchase must provide protection to your knee from the front, bottom, and the top. It should come with two straps that make sure it does not slip while in use. It should also contain a comfortable foam padding to give you a cushioned support.

Suitable Brace Size – The brace size is an essential factor to keep in mind. It is directly related to your comfort while using a knee brace. Pick the brace whose size suits you the best.

Unloader knee braces are bulky. Hence, you have to wear loose pants to be more comfortable. Also, check if your insurance covers them, as knee braces can be expensive. As there are various types of unloader knee braces available on the market, do thorough research to determine which one will be suitable for you.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

With a diploma in health and wellness, Aditi Naskar, the author of this article, is familiar with people’s different health issues and related needs. She has curated this list of the best unloader knee braces after consulting experts and scouring numerous product reviews. She understands that an ideal one should be lightweight, comfortable, and adjustable. Therefore, she has included details about each product’s factors for your convenience. The buying guide provided here will help you pick the best choice. How effective are unloader braces? Unloader braces are truly effective for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. They can potentially delay the need for knee surgeries and reduce pain or stiffness. What is the difference between an unloading and offloading knee brace? Unloading knee braces and offloading knee braces have no difference as such. They shift pressure and stress from the affected side of the joint to the healthy side. They practically unload pressure and redistribute stress. How long can you wear an unloader knee brace? You can wear an unloader knee brace for two hours per day. If you are in too much pain, you can also keep wearing it for four hours every day. However, it is recommended to not go beyond that extent.