Unloader braces: Typically featuring metal rods in the sides of the braces for medial and lateral stability, Dr. Wu tells us unloader braces are a common option for unloading the joint after fractures in the joint or when dealing with arthritis. They work by creating space between the bones, which aids in pain reduction.

The adjustable straps are bi-directional and cross above and below the knee to offer added kneecap stability and keep the patella more stationary during movement. Plus, if you are looking to be active while wearing this brace, stabilizer springs are built into both the left and right sides to work with the natural movement patterns of the joint so that mobility isn’t inhibited. Sports: For general support during sports, Dr. Wu says a compression model knee brace is a great choice because it offers support as well as flexibility required for movement in sports. Charles Hummer III, MD, FAAOS, FACS, chief medical officer at Premier Orthopaedics, Philadelphia Union Another common use for knee braces is to rehabilitate the knee after a serious injury or surgery. If you’re recovering from an ACL injury, for example, then you’ll need a sturdier brace than those who are wearing one in the hope of nursing injuries through activities, because braces for rehab will be designed to limit the knee’s movement to protect it. Elbow supports can help prevent elbow injuries and provide support for those with weak elbows. They can also help with recovery after an elbow injury.It’s also important to get the right size of knee brace. Most will have a sizing guide, so grab a tape measure and make sure you get a snug, but not uncomfortable, fit. If your foot goes numb, it’s too snug. Some knee supports have adjustable velcro straps, but compression sleeves tend not to be adjustable.

We also appreciate that this brace is available in 11 color options and runs from extra S to XXXL. However, be aware that it tends to run small, and the side braces wear down easily with frequent use. If you’re someone who is injury prone, then you’ll probably benefit from our injury prevention equipment ; as the saying goes, ‘it’s better to be safe than sorry, but if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of already being injured, then we’ve got a great selection of joint supports to help like our: Arthritis: When dealing with arthritis, Dr. Wu notes that options with compression or unloader braces that work to reduce joint reaction forces during weight bearing are a good choice. Other common features include hard structures like plastic and polyethylene, but Dr. Hummer warns that you don’t want these materials impinging on the skin. He notes that most good braces will feature padding to prevent this problem, with many good options featuring a liner or sleeve to prevent injury.According to Karena Wu, PT, a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, knee braces work by providing compression and unloading the joint, while keeping it warm. This can result in lowering your perception of pain while increasing mobility and function. The first is to prevent and manage minor injuries, and stop them reoccurring during exercise. For instance if you have a history of patellar tendinopathy (runner’s knee), you could wear a supportive knee sleeve to stop it flaring up. This kind of knee support will offer a low level of support while maximising flexibility, so you can still move as normal. This type of brace will be made from a bandage-style material or elastic yarn.

Dr. Wu recommends Caresole’s Circa Knee Sleeve for its lower profile and straps that offer a snug fit while also compressing the quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament area. She notes that this can help to unload the tissues if someone has tendonitis in that area, which is why this option made our list as the best option for pain. The material a knee brace is made from needs to be lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods without getting hot or sweaty. The fabric should also be compressive and easy to clean if you’re going to wear it for long periods. Of course, nothing is perfect, and there are a few minor details that hinder this brace. For starters, it is much more expensive than most of the other options on our list, but as a highly recommended brand by doctors, it’s a worthwhile investment. Some people may also find the sizing to run small, and it doesn’t include an XXL option. We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen. The Wonder Knee Brace Knee Compression Sleeve comes recommended by Dr. Wu for its acupressure pads surrounding the knee to help alleviate pain. She also likes it for the side bolsters that she notes can unload the joint without inhibiting movement dramatically, making it ideal for runningThe third reason people might use a knee brace is to manage chronic conditions like arthritis, by helping to reduce pain and inflammation. These braces need to be comfortable to wear for long periods and also flexible enough to not unduly restrict movement, while being more supportive than a basic sleeve support. What type of knee support should I buy? Another common use for knee braces is to rehabilitate the knee after a serious injury or surgery. If you’re recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, for example, then you’ll need a relatively sturdy brace that protects the knee by limiting its movement. These more supportive types of brace may have foam, plastic and metal sections to keep the knee in place. A good knee brace can alleviate pain and make movement that was previously undoable a more realistic reality, restoring a level of higher quality to your life in the process. We particularly like Neenca’s Knee Brace for movement due to a few unique features. The brace’s even compression provides effective pain relief, allowing you to return to movements that previously caused pain. Other features that make this a good choice for people looking to move include elastic webbing on the inside and non-slip gel grips, which keep the brace in place through end ranges of motion. Choosing the proper knee brace for you will be determined by your needs as different problems require different solutions. Some common conditions to consider when selecting a knee brace include:

Do be aware that the brace runs a bit small, and be sure to follow washing instructions so it doesn’t shrink in the wash. Rigid Braces: Dr. Wu says rigid braces use strong structural supports that aid in keeping the tibia from moving too far ahead of the femur. She notes that the rigidity aids in absorbing force during high-impact exercise. Do be aware that the brace is only available in blue, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Fortunately, it’s available in XS through XXL and runs true to size. The brace is only sold individually, which isn’t uncommon on our list. However, if you plan to use it for exercise, we suggest purchasing two. Thin next to skin Lycra upper provides a barrier to aid with friction and irritation from knee braces To find the best knee braces available, we spoke with medical experts and diligently searched the internet for the best options. When conducting our search, we focused on a handful of features, including purpose, materials, type, and adjustability levels of the knee braces. We also paid attention to other details like price, size options, and whether the brace was compatible with both knees.

Find the best knee support with our top picks and advice on how to select the right one for you

You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways: You can also choose between open and closed knee supports. Open designs, which don’t cover the kneecap, are more common as they can be more comfortable to wear, but a closed brace offers more support to the kneecap area. How much should I spend on a knee support? We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons: If in doubt about the type of knee brace that’s right for you, or whether you should wear one at all, then chat to a health professional such as your GP, physio or pharmacist. A compression sleeve is unlikely to do much harm, but it’s always worth getting professional advice, especially if the injury was caused by twisting the knee or an impact to it. If there’s swelling in your knee, you can’t fully straighten your leg, or the pain gets worse during exercise, definitely consult an expert. At worst, a brace could mask a problem that could be fixed through other exercises. What else should I consider when choosing a knee support? Knee supports can help prevent knee injuries by providing extra support and stability to the joint. They can also help alleviate pain and aid in recovery after an injury. For minor scrapes, cuts and bruises, you’ll want to make sure you have one of our first aid kits to hand. The Best Joint Supports