The best knee braces in 2022: 5 options to consider Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe 5 of the best knee braces to consider in 2022Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT, Physical Therapy — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on May 26, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Knee braces can provide support to the knee joint. People may find these products beneficial following surgery or injury. Share on Pinterest Quick linksBest functional knee brace McDavid ELITE Bio-Logix Knee BraceBest compression knee brace DonJoy Advantage Deluxe Elastic Knee BraceBest for knee pain McDavid Knee Support Double WrapBest for osteoarthritis Superior Braces OA Unloader Knee BraceBest hinged knee brace: Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace With Bilateral Hinges What are knee braces Knee braces are devices that provide support, stability, or pressure on or around the knee. Often, their purpose is to provide support during injury recovery or help prevent an injury from worsening. Learn about common knee injuries here. A person can find knee braces for sale online or in certain physical stores. Individuals may wish to speak with a doctor, physical therapist, or another healthcare professional before purchasing knee braces to ensure they have the correct support for their needs. What are the different types of knee braces There are many types of knee braces. Some may offer more support for a particular area of the knee. A 2019 study distinguishes four main types of knee braces:Functional braces: These reduce instability in the knee and protect and support the knee joint following an injury.Prophylactic braces: People can wear these braces to help prevent or reduce the severity of knee injuries during contact sports.Patellofemoral braces: These resist lateral displacement of the kneecap, decrease knee pain, and maintain alignment of the knee ligament.Rehabilitative braces: These allow a person to have protected movement following an injury to or a surgical repair of the knee. The authors of the study note that newer innovations in knee braces may add additional types and subtypes of braces that better describe their function. Therefore, people may wish to consult a physical therapist or another doctor to discuss which knee brace to use. When might a person use one Knee braces can be a helpful therapeutic tool to provide support and pain management. A person or a doctor may consider knee braces to help with one or more of the following issues:overuse injury to the kneeacute injury to the kneepost-surgery convalescencesupport for osteoarthritis (OA) Sometimes, people use knee braces to prevent injury. However, some evidence suggests that prophylactic braces that provide injury protection may not work. In an older 2010 review, the researchers found that the use of preventive knee braces lacked sufficient support. The authors also note that evidence supporting the use of preventive knee braces had biases and limited high level studies. More recent evidence also suggests little value in preventive knee bracing. The authors of a 2018 study tested how prophylactic braces protected the joints on human limbs. Their findings indicate that both rotational movements of the knee and anterior impacts may be safer for a person when they are not wearing a brace. How to choose A person can consult a doctor, physical therapist, or another healthcare professional about the best brace for their particular injury or condition before purchasing this type of product. Healthcare professionals may be able to direct people to the correct support for their individual needs. Some additional factors to consider when purchasing a knee brace include:Material: Some materials release moisture and are sturdier or feel better than others, all of which can affect comfort.Cost and insurance: Insurance may not cover all knee braces — most plans will require a prescription to cover at least some of the cost. Medicare Part B may help cover the costs of some medical equipment. If a person has insurance, they can check with their insurance provider before purchasing a knee brace to make sure it covers the desired brace.Type: Different types of knee braces may be more beneficial for certain injuries or conditions.Support: Knee braces may support the outside or middle of the knee. Some knee braces may specify which area they support.Size: Knee braces can come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different legs.Left or right knee: Some braces are only suitable for the right or left knee.Warranties and shipping: Companies may offer free shipping and warranties. How we chose Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Below, you can learn more about:MNT‘s product selection processhow MNT vets brands and productsMNT‘s editorial process Product list These knee braces may help with stabilizing the knee, relieving pain, and providing extra support. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Best functional knee brace McDavid ELITE Bio-Logix Knee Brace McDavid ELITE Bio-Logix Knee Brace is a functional brace. The company says the brace can help with pain relief and provide stability and support for most knee injuries. The brace has the following features:suitable for the right and left kneevarious size optionsadditional compression sleeve Materials include ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon, polyester, and Spandex. The company states it has a flexible returns policy and will consider returns and exchanges on a case-by-case basis. McDavid ELITE Bio-Logix Knee Brace is available to purchase online for around $170.SHOP NOW Best compression knee brace DonJoy Advantage Deluxe Elastic Knee Brace DonJoy Elastic Knee Brace is a compression sleeve. The company states that the sleeve is suitable for those with mild sprains, strains, arthritis, swelling, and patellofemoral syndrome. The sleeve comes in four sizes and two colors. Additional features include:suitability for both kneesexpansion panels for freedom of movementa slip-on designan elastic band hem to stop migration Materials include elastic and silicone. DonJoy offers a 30-day money back guarantee. However, customers need to pay for return shipping. DonJoy Advantage Deluxe Elastic Knee Brace is available to purchase online for around $26.SHOP NOW Best for knee pain McDavid Knee Support Double Wrap McDavid Knee Support/Double Wrap knee brace is lightweight and breathable. The company states this product may suit individuals with patellofemoral pain. The brace:fits either knee easilycomes with a strap for stabilization and a strap for compressionhas a lightweight design Materials include 100% latex-free neoprene. The company’s returns policy is flexible and operates on a case-by-case basis. McDavid Knee Support/Double Wrap is available to purchase online for around $38.SHOP NOW Best for osteoarthritis Superior Braces OA Unloader Knee Brace Superior Braces OA Unloader Knee Brace offers support for arthritis pain. The brace features:a universal fitsuitability for the left and right legleft leg support on the outside of the kneeright leg support in the middle of the kneesingle strap adjustment The brace is also lightweight. Materials include industrial-grade plastic and neoprene padding. Returns are per Amazon rules. Superior Braces OA Unloader Knee Brace is available to purchase online for around $75.SHOP NOW Best hinged knee brace Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace with Bilateral Hinges Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace with Bilateral Hinges may provide pain relief, stability, and injury prevention. It also comes in several adult sizes. The brace’s features include:shock absorptionsupport for either kneeadjustable strapssupport for conditions such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, patella instability, hyperextension, and ligament sprains Materials include tempered aluminum, Hypalon sleeves, and Spandex. The company’s returns policy is flexible — Shock Doctor states it will approach returns and exchanges on a case-by-case basis. Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace with Bilateral Hinges is available to purchase online for around $75.SHOP NOW Comparison The table below compares the products featured in this article.McDavid ELITE Bio-Logix Knee BraceDonJoy Advantage Deluxe Elastic Knee BraceMcDavid Knee Support/Double WrapSuperior Braces OA Unloader Knee BraceShock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace with Bilateral HingesBest forfunctionalitycompressionknee painOAhinged optionsPricearound $170around $26around $38around $75around $75Material• EVA• nylon• polyester• Spandex• elastic• silicone100% latex-free neoprene• industrial-grade plastic• neoprene padding• tempered aluminum• Hypalon sleeves• SpandexReturns acceptedyesyesyesyes — per Amazon rulesyes Knee injuries and health The knee plays an important role in movement and supporting the body. It is also prone to injury due to overuse and accidents. The most common types of knee injuries include:ligament tearsfracturessprainsdislocations In a 2019 study, the researchers found that rehabilitative functional knee braces helped improve outcomes and protect the knee during the healing process. The researchers note that newer innovations in functional knee braces provided an improvement over older, static models. However, a 2020 study investigating the effects of knee braces on ACL injuries found that both soft and rigid braces can lead to increased internal rotation, which has links to instability and unnatural cartilage loading. Another study from 2019 also recommends against the use of knee braces for ACL injuries. The researchers note that the braces did not help improve the clinical outcomes of people with ACL-reconstructed knees. Arthritis support The Arthritis Foundation states that both rheumatoid arthritis and OA can affect a person’s knees. Knee braces can help support an individual with arthritis in this joint. Knee braces may provide the following benefits:helping relieve kneecap painsupporting proper knee alignmenthelping ligaments healimproving confidence in the joint A 2017 study examined the effectiveness of a soft knee brace on arthritis in the knee. The researchers report that the brace improved self-reported pain levels, activity restrictions, confidence in the knee, and knee stability. Here, learn about arthritis in the knee. When to contact a doctor A person should not self-diagnose knee pain or discomfort. When experiencing new or different pain, an individual should consult a doctor. A healthcare professional may be able to determine the cause of the knee pain and offer recommendations for the best brace to buy. If knee pain worsens or does not improve, people can revisit a doctor or physical therapist. Healthcare professionals may recommend further treatment. Frequently asked questions The following are some frequently asked questions about knee braces. Can a person wear knee braces all day A person should follow a healthcare professional’s instructions about how long they should wear a brace. Individuals should also adhere to all instructions when putting the knee brace on to ensure proper fit. Do knee braces weaken knees While knee braces usually aim to provide support and alignment, they can also help with pain relief by offering slight pressure. Knee braces do not cause a person’s knees or legs to weaken and can encourage healing and rehabilitation. Summary Knee braces can offer support and symptom relief for people with knee injuries or arthritis. A person may seek guidance from a doctor or physical therapist to determine which type of brace will work best for their needs. Individuals should immediately contact a doctor if their knee pain does not get better or worsens when using a knee brace. Last medically reviewed on May 26, 2022Uncategorized 9 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.4 ways a knee brace can help knee arthritis. (n.d.).https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/joint-protection/4-ways-a-knee-brace-can-help-knee-arthritisCommon knee injuries. (2022).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/common-knee-injuries/Cudejko, T., et al. (2017). The immediate effect of a soft knee brace on pain, activity limitations, self-reported knee instability, and self-reported knee confidence in patients with knee osteoarthritis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5709997/Focke, A., et al. (2020). Effect of different knee braces in ACL-deficient patients.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2020.00964/fullHacker, S. P., et al. (2018). Do prophylactic knee braces protect the knee against impacts or tibial moments? An in vitro multisensory study.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2325967118805399Hewlett, J., et al. (2019). Innovations in functional and rehabilitative knee bracing.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6829004/Salata, M. J., et al. (2010). The effectiveness of prophylactic knee bracing in American football: A systematic review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445064/Will Medicare cover knee braces? (n.d.).https://www.medicare.org/articles/will-medicare-cover-knee-braces/Yang, X.-G., et al. (2019). The effect of knee bracing on the knee function and stability following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877056819301756FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT, Physical Therapy — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on May 26, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageTen common knee injuries and treatmentMedically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. The knee is one of the body's more complicated joints and is susceptible to various injuries. 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