hi

I had to wear an unloader brace, pretty much up the thigh and down to the top of my shin for about a year.  But the unloader was to demonstrate how my leg may feel after an osteotomy to correct the leg not to help it heal.

Only real tip i would give you is watch real close where they fit the brace and ask any questions you need to.  I found it hard to get the brace back into the same position once i had taken it off for anything! Plus if some days it gets a bit tight in a certain place just wedge a bit of tissue in, i ended up with a couple of sores to start with in a couple of areas.

The brace should stabilize your leg pretty much only thing i had was i kept catching the clips on things, although i did do manual work (not sure whether you do or not). You may have to remove it to do any sport you are capable of and it does get quite hot and sweaty if the weather is warm.. i had to wipe mine down regularly to stop it getting a bit smelly!!

Your leg will get used to it after time and hopefully should heal quite quickly!! p.s you shouldn't have to wear it at night.

hope this helps a bit and gud luck!