Are you wondering how to get rid of that persistent pain in your knees?
Your steps used to be lighter. You could dance for hours or play basketball. But the constant ache in your knees is now preventing you from walking pain-free, let alone engaging in more demanding activities.
Did you know that a knee brace could relieve the pain? This guide aims to help you pick the best knee brace for joint pain and enjoy being active again.
Comparison Chart
Neo G Knee Brace, Stabilized Open Patella – Support For Arthritis, Joint Pain, Meniscus Tear, ACL, Running, Basketball, Skiing – Adjustable Compression – Class 1 Medical Device – One Size – Blue
EzyFit Knee Brace Support Dual Stabilizers & Open Patella – Adjustable Breathable Neoprene for ACL Meniscus Tear Injury Recovery Comfort Fit-Black/Blue,Extra Large – 16″ – 24″
Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace Maximum Support Compression Knee Brace – for ACL/PCL Injuries, Patella Support, Sprains, Hypertension and More for Men and Women – (1 Knee Brace, XXXLarge)
Best Knee Brace for Joint Pain Reviews
Neo G Knee Brace
Neo G Knee Brace is a Class 1 medical device compliant with the most rigorous standards. It’s registered with authority bodies such as the FDA in the U.S. Here’s why we consider it one of the best products of this type.
Product Highlights
If you enjoy being active, you’ll undoubtedly love this knee brace. It provides a high level of support and comfort. Hence, it’s suitable for recreational activities such as sports, running, walking, etc. At the same time, it will provide relief during everyday activities that may put too much pressure on your knees.
As we mentioned, the product is registered with the regulatory bodies in the US, Canada, and the UK. It belongs to the Class 1 medical devices and is the official partner of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in the U.S.
This high-quality knee brace is designed to help with multiple joint issues. It can reduce strain and stress and relieve pain caused by different conditions. It may be a previous injury or a chronic health problem like arthritis. According to the manufacturer, it also contributes to recovery from ACL, meniscus tears, runner’s knee, or patella injury.
The knee stabilizers on the sides of the brace are interchangeable and made of metal. They allow your knees to move freely, but in a controlled fashion. Made of neoprene, the brace warms your joints and muscles, which has a therapeutic effect.
What We Like
The brace doesn’t slip thanks to its fantastic design. The adjustable compression gives you the ability to find the perfect fit for your knees without compromising the blood flow. As this is a one-size brace, you can adjust it to get the most out of it and ensure the necessary support from all sides.
What We Don’t Like
The company doesn’t accept returns. If you’re sure this is the right knee brace for you, you’re safe. But if you want to check it out before buying or you’re not sure if it’ll fit, ordering online may be risky.
Pros
- One size fits almost all
- Adjustable and safe
- Comfortable to wear
- Neoprene has a therapeutic heat effect
Cons
The middle strap might be too tight
EzyFit Knee Brace
If you’d like to get the best knee brace for joint pain that covers multiple related issues, the EzyFit could be the ideal choice. It provides the ultimate comfort for your knee, relieves pain, and comes at a reasonable price.
Product Highlights
The EzyFit knee brace allows you to get back to your workout routine before you know it. This easy-to-use brace is very comfortable and doesn’t keep your knee from being flexible while supporting its natural movement, due to the open patella.
At the same time, it won’t slip thanks to the silicone gel lines that help keep it in place. The reinforced double stitching and durable Velcro straps also contribute to your knee being adequately protected.
Everyone can find a suitable EzyFit brace as it comes in three sizes. Most knee braces feature a one-size-fits-all concept, but that’s not always possible. However, this model includes medium, large, and XL sizes, so all you need to do is measure your knee cap and order the appropriate size.
No matter what your favorite activity is, the brace will allow natural movement for your legs. It offers necessary support, whether you’re running around with your children or playing sports. Are you recovering from knee surgery? This brace can make your rehabilitation easier. If you have arthritis, meniscus tear, LCL, ACL, MCL, tendonitis, or other similar conditions, the EzyFit knee brace can relieve the pain and speed up your recovery.
What We Like
This brace is very easy to take care of. It’s enough to slip it into warm soapy water or simply hose it down whenever it needs washing. Air drying is recommended due to the materials it’s made of, which is mostly neoprene. This method of care will make the brace more durable.
What We Don’t Like
After a few months of use, the Velcro straps can start curling up. This may be due to improper washing, but the straps should be more durable in any event.
Pros
- Multiple sizes
- Helps with pain relief in many health conditions
- Open patella for better flexibility
- Easy to wash
Cons
Velcro straps could be more durable
Mueller Sports Medicine Knee Brace
The adjustable Mueller Sports Medicine brace is designed to provide support for any knee size. You don’t have to put too much effort into it – the straps are self-adjustable and provide maximum support for your joints.
Product Highlights
If you’ve ever tried to adjust a knee brace, you know that it sometimes can be demanding to strike the balance between flexibility and compression. The Mueller brace is self-adjustable, so you’ll immediately get excellent medial-lateral support that will keep adjusting to your knee during your activities.
The brace features crisscrossing elastic straps that go above and below your knee. The back is open, so you won’t experience any bunching. On the sides, two hinges protect your knee and keep it safely in place.
Many things can cause pain in your knees – surgery, different syndromes, ruptured ligaments, etc. The Mueller knee brace can help treat all of these issues and even prevent them. It’s available in one size, but thanks to the adjustable straps, it fits both knees and sizes from 13” to 21”.
What We Like
When you’re physically active, sweating is unavoidable. With the Mueller knee brace, you’re safe from unpleasant odors that can develop under the brace, thanks to the antimicrobial treatment. That makes your exercises more comfortable, and your skin is less likely to get irritated.
What We Don’t Like
Other than the brace not being eligible for return, we don’t like that the size may not fit everyone. The Mueller knee brace comes in one size that’s supposed to be universal, but it definitely won’t suit all.
Pros
- Metal hinges prevent hyperextension
- Elastic, self-adjustable straps
- Excellent support from all sides
- Antimicrobial effect
Cons
Comes in one size that may not fit everyone
Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace
It’s unisex, offers maximum support, and helps with numerous knee problems. The Shock Doctor Hinged knee brace is the right choice for those who want to invest in premium materials and excellent stability. What else makes this model the best knee brace for joint pain? Read on.
Product Highlights
This knee brace is meant for everyone who’s physically active. It helps relieve joint pain after an injury or if you suffer from a chronic condition, and it can contribute towards prevention. Some of the conditions where it alleviates the pain are ligament sprains, arthritis, meniscus injuries, hypertension, etc.
Feeling comfortable in your gear is one of the primary aspects of a good workout. Excessive moisture and unpleasant smells can make exercising less enjoyable, but the Shock Doctor knee brace helps eliminate the odor. It also has antimicrobial features and is breathable, so you won’t have to worry about sweating too much.
An excellent knee brace also allows you to move freely while keeping your knee stabilized. This model has two durable hinges that provide excellent support. On the other hand, the Lycra mesh and anatomical design allow natural movement and fit both knees. The materials are also latex-free and feature easy-grip tabs that enable the brace to fit your knee ideally.
What We Like
The therapeutic heat helps relieve joint and muscle pain, thanks to excellent compression and soft tissue support. You’ll experience an enhanced blood flow, contributing to a faster recovery and tendon and muscle healing.
What We Don’t Like
You need to be careful when selecting a size. As the brace is very close-fitting, ordering your size may turn out to be too small. Make sure you measure your leg correctly before placing your order.
Pros
- Breathable and antimicrobial vented neoprene
- A balance between flexibility and stability
- Muscle pain relief due to improved blood flow
- An adjustable x-fit strap system
- Helps in the prevention of knee pain
Cons
Not as affordable as some other models
VITAVRIO 2 Compression Knee Sleeve
Do you want to stay active despite knee pain you may be experiencing? A compression knee sleeve may be an ideal fit for your needs – stable pressure, durability, and a well-developed anti-slip system. This is what VITAVRIO offers if you opt for their knee braces.
Product Highlights
This knee brace model is available in four sizes: S, M, L, and XL, so there should be a suitable fit for everyone. Its design fits both males and females. When measuring your leg, make sure you do it correctly: five inches above the knee cap. The sleeve covers a wide area as it’s pretty long.
VITAVRIO uses a breathable, high-quality fabric to create this knee sleeve. Proper ventilation prevents unpleasant smells and excessive moisture while providing excellent compression that releases tension from your knees. At the same time, your knees will be protected while you’re working out or dealing with everyday errands and chores.
The two silicone gel strips on the inside prevent the sleeve from slipping, so it will stay in place. This adds to the knee support while you’re wearing these braces, so they’re great for any activity, like running, biking, weight lifting, etc. You’ll feel almost immediate pain relief, but not the braces! They’re so incredibly lightweight, you won’t even know they’re there.
What We Like
The VITAVRIO knee braces come in a pack of two individual sleeves. That’s great if you experience pain in both knees. Also, if you only need to wear one, you always have a backup when you need to wash them.
What We Don’t Like
You shouldn’t order your size without measuring your leg first. Your usual size may be too big or too small, so make sure you compare the measurements on the size chart.
Pros
- No straps or Velcro
- Covers a wide area of your leg
- Durable and breathable material
- Comes in pair
Cons
The top band may feel a bit tight for some
Buyer’s Guide
Joint pain in your knees is more than an inconvenience – it’s a health issue. That’s why it’s essential to look for a top-quality product that will help you and not make matters worse. Here’s how you’ll recognize the best knee brace for joint pain that will be an ideal fit for your needs.
Types of Knee Braces
The knee brace type can depend on the problem you’re dealing with. Do you just want to prevent potential issues and joint pain, or have a condition that needs treatment?
See your doctor if you’re not sure what type would be suitable for you.
These are different types of knee braces:
Knee Sleeves
Knee sleeves can help relieve some mild conditions and joint pain. The level of compression they offer is excellent, so the sleeve is a good option for keeping swelling under control. They’re also suitable for when you need to wear a brace underneath your clothes.
Hinged Braces
Hinged braces offer more stability for your knees. They feature hinges, usually made of metal, that make sure your knees are correctly aligned. That’s why many doctors recommend these after surgery. Professional athletes may also opt for these braces for increased support.
Dual-Wrap Braces
Dual-wrap braces offer a bit more stability than knee sleeves. They can help with joint and muscle pain. They’re attached to your knee with straps and are easy to put on and take off. Unlike the hinged braces, they’re lightweight and almost unnoticeable if you wear them underneath your training gear.
Knee straps can help you deal with different conditions, such as patella tracking or runner’s knee. Sometimes, they come with an open patella, and sometimes it’s closed.
The difference is in the level of compression. When the patella is open, the knee cap support is better, and the brace will help with knee pressure relief. If you’re looking for better compression at the knee cap and more support, a closed patella brace is a better choice.
There are also patella straps that you put just below your knee. They can prevent or relieve mild pain, and many professional sportspeople use them.
Sizing
When wearing a knee brace, you should feel a certain level of compression. However, you should still be able to move comfortably. If the brace is too small, it can cause even more pain and restrict your natural movement. If it’s too big, it will slip and offer little or no support.
When choosing the size, you should measure the circumference of your leg and the knee cap. Always take a look at the manufacturer’s size chart before you order a knee brace. The size may differ by manufacturer, so you shouldn’t just pick a size without taking the measurements first.
Flexibility
It may not be easy to strike the balance between compression and flexibility all the time. The right amount of flexibility allows you to naturally move your legs while running, walking, jumping, playing sports, etc. That’s why a brace with adjustable straps is the best knee brace for joint pain and increased flexibility at the same time.
On the other hand, to relieve pain and enhance blood flow through your muscles, there needs to be enough compression. Also, especially if you have weak knees or are recovering from surgery, your knee needs to be stable to avoid dislocation or severe injury.
Note that knee braces with hinges may limit your range of motion. They’re typically used after surgery, so they may prevent you from moving too much.
Durability
Look for durable, easy-care materials. Most of today’s models are made of neoprene, which you can easily wash by hand and let air dry. You shouldn’t toss these braces into the washing machine because they may lose their shape.
If you’re buying a knee brace with hinges, metal ones are a better option than plastic as they’re sturdier.
Comfort
Choosing the right size and type of knee brace will add to the overall feeling of comfort. Flexible braces and sleeves are usually lightweight, and you won’t have any trouble moving around.
Neoprene braces keep your knees warm and provide compression, which is necessary for pain relief. The heat will feel comfortable and allow you to move your legs with flexibility. If you pick a knee brace with hinges, you’ll have more support, but bear in mind these are not as lightweight as fabric-only braces. Also, make sure the hinges are appropriately padded to avoid discomfort.
Compression and Support
For more severe conditions or post-op periods, hinged knee braces are a better choice because they offer better support to your knee ligaments. In most models, they provide excellent lateral and medial support. On the other hand, braces without hinges can be used to prevent or alleviate mild knee pain.
If you’re dealing with swelling and muscle pain, you need more compression for your knee. In this case, a knee sleeve is a better choice than a hinged brace. Knee sleeves are typically tight and made of neoprene foam, which warms up your knee and improves the blood flow. This alleviates the pain and reduces swelling.
FAQs
How Will a Knee Brace Help Relieve My Pain?
Depending on the type, a knee brace can relieve your pain in different ways.
For instance, a patella strap, usually worn by athletes, reduces the slack on your knee and puts tension on the IP tendon. This provides more comfort while you’re in motion.
Hinged knee braces relieve pain by keeping your knee in place and providing extra stability. That’s why they’re the right choice for those recovering from an injury – they prevent fresh injuries caused by falling or making sudden movements. The metal stays also support knee ligaments, which need to deal with less pressure when you’re wearing a brace.
Sleeves apply compression to your knee and relieve your pain by warming it up. This also affects swelling, which is reduced along with the pain because it enables a better blood flow.
When Should I Wear a Knee Brace?
If you’ve started experiencing pain in your knees, lots of swelling, or you’ve had an injury in the past, it may be necessary for you to wear a knee brace. This is especially important if you want to keep being physically active.
In cases of surgery or injury, a doctor may recommend a knee brace during the recovery period. If you’ve decided to wear one on your own, you should still consult a professional to choose the right brace type.
Sometimes, you can wear a brace to prevent possible injury, especially if you know you have weak knees. A doctor can also suggest wearing a knee brace if you suffer from a chronic condition and want something to relieve your pain.
How Tight Should My Knee Brace Be?
The knee brace shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. The first step to striking the balance is picking the right size of brace or sleeve. If it has adjustable straps, try experimenting until you feel entirely comfortable with the brace on. You shouldn’t lose circulation or experience any squeezing.
You should be able to move your knee naturally and not feel limited. Try walking, running, jumping, and making other moves to see if the brace is flexible enough. On the other hand, you should keep it tight enough to have compression if you want the brace to do its job and help with pain relief.
Final Verdict
There may not be a single best knee brace for joint pain; it all depends on why you need a brace and what kind of activities you need it for.
However, we’ve decided to recommend the Shock Doctor hinged knee brace. It provides maximum support for your knee and an excellent level of flexibility at the same time. Also, it’s made of a breathable material that prevents unpleasant odors and excessive moisture. This brace is a great choice for injury prevention, as well.
However, if you can’t fit this brace into your budget, another excellent choice would be the EzyFit brace with an open patella for increased flexibility. It’s also easy to wash and comes in multiple sizes, so you’ll find a good fit without a doubt.