Anyone wear one of these while playing ball? If so, are you able to run well with it on? Im trying to put knee replacement off for a few years and heard this was a temp alternative.

I have tried the unloader braces and did not notice very much difference. Slightly less pain. had to keep adjusting them when it was hot out. Tried a sleeve under them and same thing. Check into stem cell injections to the knees. We have had some progress doing this for employees on workers compensation rather than surgery. I am waiting on the insurance company to cover the cost around $5,000, but you are walking out of the clinic that day. The guys that have had it done so far said that the arthritic pain condition was not there anymore. The ultra-sound after 6 weeks has shown growth in the cushioning area of the knee. Could be something to it! Looks promising to me.

i wear them on both knees to play. cuts down a little on mobility left & right & can't jump up quickly after a dive. pain is reduced a small amount while on the field, but more so AFTER play. I also have orthotics to correct a severe bow legged condition. I am currently looking into the stem cell therapy, as I had it in my heart 4 years ago. Anything to keep us on the field!!

I started to wear one last year. I am in the same boat as you, lefty bob. I am trying to delay knee replacement after 2 ACL surgeries on my left knee. I have painful arthritis. The loader brace definitely reduces the pain. I find I can run in it, although the quick movements, side-to-side, for example, are a little tougher. I play the outfield and seem to be okay running straight ahead, but when a quick change of direction is needed I feel a little cumbersome due to the brace. I met another guy with the same issues and he has been wearing the brace and playing for 10 years. He's over 60 so the game is a little slower there.
Good luck with it. Hope this helps.

Three+ years ago I was told that I needed surgery because I had bone-on-bone on the medial side (inside) but cartilage on the lateral side (outside). I could barely walk with all the pain, but wasn't ready to take months off from softball.

I went for a second opinion and was told to try the un-loader brace. Now, at age 76, the pain is almost at zero and I'm still using the brace. The brace, which costs about $1,000-$1,500, was covered by Medicare.

Good luck leftybob.

Thanks for the feedback. Anyone else have any history regarding this brace?

I've been wearing one since 2005, when I was told I needed knee replacement. Along with the Ortho-Visc shots I'm still going on the knee. Have worn out 3 DonJoys and currently using a Bledsloe. Like the Bledsloe much better than the DonJoys. Just takes some getting used to running but much better than a knee replacement. Never have pain when wearing the brace, have even started wearing it for golf. Make sure you get a good fit, I had one that took a lot of adjusting and it never did as good as the others. I would have had many knee injuries without it or just one career ending.