Does anyone know the difference between an offloader and a functional knee brace for osteoarthritis? I think I understand the principle behind the offloader, which is not suitable for me as there are no undamaged compartments for weight to be offloaded to, but I'm not sure my orthotist is giving me the right alternative. Certainly I don't feel the brace I'm testing is helping, at least not enough to notice. The only thing which makes my knee better is not to walk at all, and this is simply not on if I want to maintain what's left of my cardiovascular and brain health!
The knee brace I've been testing is Donjoy Nano, and I seem to be sensitive to the material it's made of (broke out in a rash) so have to wear it with an undersleeve, so it inevitably slips more quickly than without the sleeve, which may be why it isn't helping much if at all. It doesn't help that I'm underweight and most braces won't fit me.