Osteoarthritis Knee Braces
Unloader braces that take the load off the worn side of an arthritic knee.
About osteoarthritis knee braces
Osteoarthritis (OA) is wear of the cartilage that cushions the bones of the knee. It often wears one side of the knee more than the other, so every step presses on the worn side.
A brace made for osteoarthritis takes some of that load off. We look at your knee, help you choose the brace that matches how far the wear has gone, and fit and adjust it for you. Some of these braces we make to measure for your leg.
This page starts with a short guide to which brace suits which stage of arthritis. It then explains how an unloader brace works, and describes each brace, starting with the lightest.
Not sure which you need? Phone us on 011 782 7809 to book an assessment, and we’ll work it out with you. Read what happens at your first visit.
Which brace for which stage
Doctors often describe knee arthritis as mild, moderate or severe. Each brace below suits part of that range, and the two meet in the middle. Tap a brace to read about it.
If your knee is at the moderate stage, either brace may suit. We help you choose at your fitting.
How an unloader brace helps
Osteoarthritis often wears down one side of the knee more than the other: the inner side (the medial compartment) or the outer side (the lateral compartment). Every step then presses on the worn side, and that is where it hurts.
An unloader brace gently shifts your weight off the worn side and onto the healthier side of the knee, so there is less pressure where it hurts. Of all the braces we fit, it is the only one that really takes the load off the painful part of the knee.
- Thigh shellHolds the brace firmly on the thigh, above the knee.
- Calf shellHolds it on the calf, below the knee.
- Strap above the kneePulls against the two shells. Together the three points ease the knee a little towards its healthier side, so the worn side carries less of your weight.
Our osteoarthritis knee braces
From the lightest brace to the firmest.
Össur ProKnee OA
Suits: mild to moderate arthritis on one side of the knee
A soft knitted sleeve with straps, made for knees worn on one side. You pull it on like a knee support and tighten the straps to fit.
It is lighter and less bulky than a rigid brace, so it is a good place to start while the wear is still mild or moderate. If your knee needs more support later, the Unloader One® is the next step up.
Össur Unloader One® with SmartDosing®
Suits: moderate to severe arthritis on one side of the knee
This is the unloader brace described above: a thigh shell, a calf shell and straps that take the load off the worn side of the knee. It is light and slim enough to wear under your clothes.
SmartDosing lets the strength of the unloading be adjusted, so it can be set gently at first and firmed up as you get used to it.
It comes in two forms: custom-made, made to measure for your leg, or off the shelf in standard sizes that we adjust to fit you. It is also used for some other problems that affect one side of the knee, such as recovery after cartilage repair. We will tell you if it suits yours.
