Because the anatomy of the knee is so complex, our pros suggest discussing the benefits of knee braces with a professional who can evaluate you firsthand. Wearing a knee brace with hinges or even a knee brace with support can keep you safe during this later portion of your recovery. This knee sleeve is a particularly soft option that’s comfortable enough to wear every day, making it an excellent pick for folks with arthritis.

The brace should be snug because if it’s not snug enough or feels loose it will slide down the leg eventually," says Lozada. It will strengthen lateral support and maintain joint stability, effectively disperse pressure, keep knees warm, and lubricate joints. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE— Overcome the defects of similar products, design of lots of ventilation holes and 4 Velcro straps. This two-pack of knee sleeves from Iron Bull Strength is ideal for weightlifters looking for a little extra support during intense workouts. One important feature for people who move a lot is this brace’s breathability and lightweight air knit fabric that fights excessive heat and sweat.

The TechWare Pro Knee is designed with a circular patella gel pad to offer support and gentle compression where you need it most. It offers comfy support and compressive protection to alleviate aches and pains without breaking the bank. Whether you’re suffering from chronic knee pain, were recently injured or have a condition like osteoarthritis, there are several reasons why you might benefit from a knee brace. This two-pack of compression knee sleeves from McDavid gives you the flexible support you need while you're on the court. The top of each sleeve is double-lined with silicone gel strips, which keep them securely in place as you lift.You can use a knee sleeve when compression of your knee joint is necessary to improve stability and reduce pain with activity, Minnis says. For instance, “knee braces that have metal on the side, as well as a couple of Velcro straps, are meant to control excessive motion in one of two directions: lateral motion [side to side] and rotational motion," explains Lozada. They are crafted from a lightweight blend of nylon, latex, and spandex, and they apply consistent compression across your knee that feels both warm and supportive. If compression is your goal, why not look to a company that outfits elite weightlifters with the goal of keeping their joints warm and safe? Having an upper and lower measurement will ensure that the support pieces of the brace you pick fit around your thigh and calf.

The open kneecap helps isolate the patella and reduce pressure, while the side stabilizers make you feel supported as you walk, hike, jog and more. If you sleep on your side, you may want to look into a small knee support pillow to promote hip and spinal alignment. Made from an innovative blend of lycra and nylon, the Gear Knee offers comfortable, compressive four-way stretch. It comes with a contoured patella gel pad, which surrounds the kneecap, and double-sided metal spring stabilizers to offer a tighter fit around the knee.The best knee brace overall is the Shock Doctor Compression Sleeve, which is made of vented neoprene with a silicone lining and lycra bindings. Hummer also adds that there are options on the market that feature rehab modalities and can aid in muscle recover, such as muscle stimulation units. If you become dependent on the brace, the muscles around the knee can start to atrophy and the natural knee brace diminishes.

Our tester, who recently had an ACL replacement surgery, wore this brace for extra support on days in which her knee pain flared up. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who have tried them.If you have knee pain, you, like many others, may be looking for relief and a way to improve your mobility.