Adjustability is in important feature, though some circumstances make it more relevant than others. Dr. Wu says it’s a bit of a balancing act. A brace that is too loose won’t accomplish what it needs to. Conversely, one that is too tight can create irritation and cause its own set of problems. However, not all knee braces are made the same. Charles Hummer, MD, FAAOS, FACS, of Premier Orthopaedics says cheaper models may not provide proper cushioning and can lead to hard plastics impinging on your skin. With this in mind, he tells us comfort is important because patients are more likely to wear the brace if it isn’t a chore. Stand up. To measure correctly for a knee brace, you should be in your normal standing position. This allows the knee and leg to be easily measured and it gives an accurate reading. While most experts agree that walking has numerous benefits, sometimes your knee just doesn’t agree. 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. Affordability: Budget is key when planning how you’re going to support your activity. If you’re looking for a quality sleeve, it helps to have choices at various price points.

Most importantly, the sleeves are durable, holding up to wear and tear from your favorite game. They are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large, and they come in a one-size-fits-all youth size as well. Charles Hummer III, MD, FAAOS, FACS, chief medical officer at Premier Orthopaedics, Philadelphia UnionKnee sleeves’ low profile also makes them easier to wear than traditional knee braces, according to Dr. Greg Minnis, a physical therapist at Excel Physical Therapy in New Jersey.

For those on a budget, we recommend Equate's Adjustable Knee Brace. Boasting triple-strap contouring and a compressive design, you can count on comfortable support and protection for aching, weakened muscles. Knee pain when squatting may be avoidable, or it may be a sign of an underlying condition. READ MORE Yes, knee sleeves can help support the knee, reduce pain, and improve overall functionality. “One way to determine whether a brace is helpful is to simply wear one and determine the response to pain and function,” says Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Keep in mind that wearing a knee sleeve should not be a substitute for an evaluation and treatment plan for knee pain from a doctor or physical therapist.It’s important to note that this product can impede mobility a bit should you want to move around a lot. It’s also a bit heavier than other braces on our list. Dr. Hummer also cautions against poorly made knee braces, which he says can put harder materials like plastic directly against your knee, causing impingement on the skin.

If you've been sidelined by a common sports injury like an ACL tear, you're likely wondering how long it will take to heal. Here's what to expect from… READ MORE A brace is designed to heal injured ligaments by restricting movement and protecting the injured area by offering extra structural support and helping manage the stress and load applied to the knee. Other features we love include the ergonomic fit that keeps the brace in place so it won’t slide off during usage, as well as the ergolastic pad that provides cushioning around the kneecap. The brace is made with breathable, sweat-absorbing, machine-washable materials, which is vital to deal with the sweat volume produced by running. It also doesn’t hurt that the FDA approved this product as a natural alternative to surgery, shots, and medications. and we like that it also comes with a one-year warranty. Because of the fit and material, the sleeve is a good choice for someone who needs it for everyday relief, but it can also be worn to exercise since it allows for a full range of motion. The lower profile Dr. Wu mentions is a benefit should you wear the brace while out and about, since it can be worn under pants without being bulky and bulging through. The compression encourages blood flow, which can enhance lubrication and reduce pain, and it provides support to the kneecap to help keep the brace in place. Crafted from breathable materials, this knee brace allows for optimal air circulation, keeping you cool and comfortable even during prolonged wear. The fabric is also gentle on the skin, preventing irritation or rubbing.Dr. Wu says overreliance on a knee brace can bring about its own set of issues, noting that overuse can weaken the musculature surrounding the knee joint. Furthermore, the skin underneath can be irritated if the brace is too tight or if proper hygiene isn’t accounted for. Lastly, she tells us that if the brace is too tight, it can irritate your nerves. The inclusion of removable side stabilizers in this knee brace reinforces the joint and provides additional support during activities. These stabilizers can be easily inserted or removed depending on your needs, allowing for versatility and adaptability in various situations. Strong Stability and Joint Support This brace is lightweight but compressive with a breathable material and open patella design, making it the best choice when it comes to relieving knee pain. Reviewers loved that it kept their knees feeling stable and secure, and that it didn't cut off their circulation after wearing for an extended period of time. This brace is built with everything you need to support a vulnerable knee, such as hinges to prevent hyperextension and provide additional support as well as four straps to help protect the ACL. It’s an excellent choice for athletes or anyone who has suffered a knee injury, such as a ligament or tendon sprain and tear, and needs more stability beyond what a standard knee sleeve can provide. Medical Hinged Knee Orthosis, Professional Adjustable Range of Motion Knee Stabilizer Helps Knee Joint Pain, Class 1 Medical Device with FDA Registered — Doctor Recommended. — One Size Fits All, ACE-49.

Prepatellar bursitis is a common complaint of people who work on their knees or who engage in activities that risk blows to the knee. Home treatment… READ MORE A knee sleeve doesn’t limit the joint’s natural range of motion but protects the knee from damage through compression. When choosing a knee brace or knee sleeve for sports, factors like support and compression will be important, but other factors such as flexibility and breathability become even more imperative when you are using it while in motion and breaking a sweat. With these factors in mind, Cambivo’s Knee Brace stood out to us as a great option for anyone looking for support during sports. Whether you are recovering from a meniscus tear, ACL injury, or post-surgical procedure, the NEENCA Professional Knee Brace aids in your rehabilitation journey. It offers the necessary compression and support to protect and stabilize the injured joint, allowing for a speedy and successful recovery. Managing Arthritis Pain 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.For product recommendations and buying tips, we also spoke with two experts: Mark Russ, PT, DPT, at OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio, and Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical. They helped us determine what important features to look for in a knee support product and which to avoid. Finally, we used our research and expert input to generate this reliable list of recommendations. This article was co-authored by Jurdy Dugdale, RN. Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989. Fit: A knee brace is meant to have a secure fit. “The brace should be snug because if it’s not snug enough or feels loose it will slide down the leg eventually," says Lozada. However, "it shouldn’t be so tight that it’s uncomfortable." Dr. Metzl points out that some patients may even get rashes if their knee braces are too tight, so it's important to find one that fits well. It is always helpful to have additional straps while buying a knee brace as it provides extra support and stability to the knee. It helps in preventing the knee from moving out of place and also helps in providing extra comfort. Conclusion An added feature that we appreciate for support, particularly for people with patella issues, is the open patella with a padded buttress to help keep it in place. Do note, the brace runs a bit small, and the velcro may wear out over time.