How to Choose a Knee Brace: Ultimate Guides

Choosing the right knee brace can feel a little bit like navigating a maze – so many types, materials, and designs are available, how could you not get overwhelmed? But the right knee brace can make all the difference, so you decide to suck it up and mentally prepare for days upon days of scouring the web, reading reviews, comparing products… Whew, it’s a lot.

But ti doesn’t have to be like that! We came up with a guide that will make the entire process so much easier, simpler, and even fun because who doesn’t like shopping? We’ll walk you through the different types of braces, discuss their features, and help you make the right decision.

Let’s find you the perfect knee brace!

What Are Knee Braces?

Knee braces come in different shapes and sizes with various functional uses. A common feature between all types is that they help to support the knee and take pressure off the joint and surrounding muscles.

A knee brace is typically a medical device that stabilizes the knee, providing support and protection. Different braces provide varying levels of support and restrict certain movement patterns when worn around the knee joint.

Types of Knee Braces

With different knee injuries and issues causing varying levels of discomfort and movement restriction, multiple types of orthopedic knee braces are designed to prevent, heal, and manage the pain and mobility issues. Learn about the different knee brace types first before choosing a suitable type with the help of a medical professional.

1. Prophylactic Knee Braces

The main function of prophylactic knee braces is to protect the knee joint from ligament damage. They are most commonly used to prevent or reduce the severity of ligament damage injuries seen in high-contact sports, such as football and rugby.

Some studies show that the effectiveness of the brace may depend on the type of movement performed which is something to consider when choosing a suitable brace.

Prophylactic knee braces help protect the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and protect the knee joint from getting injured again. They can be used by athletes performing high-contact sports or those who have suffered previous MCL injuries and may have applications for osteoarthritis.

However, prophylactic knee braces should be used with caution as supportive evidence into the benefits of long term use is lacking and there is potential of weakening the muscles in the long term.

2. Functional Knee Braces

Functional knee braces provide support to the knee joint following an injury such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. They are flexible knee braces that are widely used for a range of injuries, offering support whilst allowing functional movement to still take place.

They are effective in helping you return to functional activity by providing stability and support whilst not being overly restrictive.

Our expert Jacek Szymanowski commented further:

“I’ve used a custom CTI knee brace after my knee injury and ACL tear among a few other tissues damaged. I used it specifically during water sports, hard enduro, and kickboxing to make sure I wouldn’t compromise the rehab process. This allows me to do what I love without the constant fear about my long knee rehab. Full rehab is now done, and I’ve never used it again. 🙂 Occasionally I wear my knee sleeves for grappling and BJJ to avoid patella tendon irritation. My advice: if you’re planning to train and participate in sports during the rehab process, don’t compromise — choose the best and most comfortable option!“

3. Patellofemoral Knee Braces

These are low-profile, lightweight braces that apply compressive forces around the patella and knee joint. They are typically used to offer support and compression or offer pain management for conditions related to patellofemoral pain syndrome (also known as runner’s knee).

Common in those who regularly run or play sports involving a lot of running and jumping, symptoms include knee pain when walking up and down stairs or sitting for long periods. 

4. Rehabilitative Knee Braces

Similar to functional knee braces, rehabilitative knee braces help protect and support the knee joint following injury or surgery. Rehabilitative knee braces help to improve knee mobility and movement whilst the joint is allowed to heal.

Patients using a rehabilitative knee brace may benefit from improved recovery time and reductions in pain by reducing associated movement patterns.

5. Unloader Knee Braces

Unloader knee braces help redistribute weight from the knee joint, reducing pressure and helping provide pain relief. They are commonly used for people with osteoarthritis, which is more common in older age. They may also prove useful for those who are looking for an alternative non-surgical option to improve their quality of life.

Unloader knee braces may be useful for patients who are experiencing pain on one side of the knee as it allows pressure to be redistributed. The use of an unloader brace should be considered after consultation with a healthcare professional.

Knee Brace	Applications
Prophylactic	Ligament damage MCL injuries Contact/ non-contact sport where rapid movement takes place
Functional	Add extra support for ACL injuries following surgery Medial collateral ligament damage (MCL) Lateral collateral ligament damage (LCL)
Patellofemoral	Patellofemoral pain syndrome High-impact movements Offer compression and support for pain management
Rehabilitative	Post surgery recovery Rehabilitation exercise aids Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) Medial collateral ligament damage (MCL)
Unloader	Knee pain on one side Osteoarthritis Relief pressure on one side of the knee May improve mobility and walking pattern

What Do Knee Braces Do?

Knee braces have several benefits and functional uses which depend mainly on the type and design. Consider the function you need the knee brace to perform before choosing a suitable option.

1. Injury Prevention

Wearing a compressive knee brace during sporting events and/or for daily activities requiring a large amount of movement and contact may protect from injuries or prevent previous ones from reoccurring.

Knee braces can help to keep the knee joint injury-free by stopping it from moving outside of the normal range of motion when changing direction or during impact.

If you’re recovering from a previous injury, a knee brace allows you to continue with the sport or activity without increasing the risk of injury. Prophylactic knee braces may help to reduce injuries during contact sports and would be the most suitable type for injury prevention.

However, over-reliance may weaken the muscles around the knee and therefore increase the risk of injury. Correct use should be based on the advice of a professional.

2. Compression

Compressive knee sleeves work by tightly wrapping around the knee joint and surrounding areas. Compressing these areas improves blood flow and nutrient delivery, which helps to decrease pain, reduce inflammation, and improve proprioception.

Compressive knee sleeves can be used for high-impact performance sports such as weightlifting and running as they may help to reduce pain and excessive load and promote recovery.

Knee sleeves tend to offer more movement compared to knee braces making them better suited for certain sports and activities that require more movement.

Building on this point, our expert Oleksiy Torokhity added:

“Yes, I use an athletic knee brace in my training. Its main task is to keep my knee joint warm and help with my performance. Sometimes I even add warming ointments to enhance the desired effect“

3. Support

All types of knee braces and sleeves offer stability and support to the knee joint and surrounding muscles. Different types offer varying levels of support and movement which is why it’s important to choose the right one.

4. Pain Relief

Wearing a knee brace can provide pain relief and comfort for certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, or when experiencing chronic pain from a previous injury.

Although a knee stabilizer brace won’t cure the cause of the pain, providing pain relief may help improve overall comfort and quality of life whilst you work on solving the underlying issue

5. Recovery

During the recovery phase from minor or major knee injuries, it’s important to keep the knee joint in the correct position and reduce the amount of bending and straightening whilst the healing process takes place.

Wearing a knee brace for working out and rehabilitation exercises can improve confidence, recovery time, and prevent further damage from taking place by reducing pressure on the knee.

When Should You Use a Knee Brace?

Knee braces are worn to provide stability and support when additional help is needed. Specific situations warrant the use of different knee brace types more than others and should be considered first when deciding how often and when to use one.

Situations that may benefit from the use of a knee brace include:

• Injury Recovery: ACL and PCL ruptures, ligament tears, and meniscus injuries warrant the use of knee braces to provide support, reduce pain, and promote recovery. It can help the knee joint to heal and either help with or restrict movement depending on the specific injury.
• Pain Management: Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that’s more common in older populations. Wearing a knee brace may help to relieve pressure on the surrounding areas and help with mobility.
• Sporting Events: Wearing a compression sleeve or prophylactic knee brace during high-contact and/or performance sports, such as football and weightlifting, can help to provide additional support and improve performance.
• General Movement and Stability: For those with mobility issues or weaker knee joints, wearing a knee brace at certain points in the day may help to improve movement and quality of life. However, note that long term effects of use are still not clearly established.

Knee Brace Application	Relevant Situations
Injury/Disease	Osteoarthritis ACL, MCL, PCL tears Ligament damage Meniscus issues Bursitis Arthritis Sprains and strains Muscle swelling and inflammation
Performance/ High-contact sports	Weightlifting Running Triathlon Football Rugby Racket Sports Basketball
Pain Management	Minor surgery Major surgery Surrounding limb pain Patellofemoral pain Osteoarthritis pain
Quality of Life	Mobility issues Lack of independence Confidence General well-being

When Shouldn’t You Use a Knee Brace?

It’s important to note that a knee brace should be used only in specific situations that warrant it. Here’s when not to use one:

• When sitting or sleeping (general times when your body is at full rest and not moving at all – 24 hour use may be warranted in certain situations following surgery if total movement restriction is needed).
• When you have arthritis but your movement isn’t impaired and you don’t feel any pain.
• When performing low-impact, non-weight bearing activities such as swimming, stretching, and yoga.
• If the knee brace is a bad fit or you experience harsh skin irritation when wearing one.
• In any situation that doesn’t require extra knee support

Possible Downsides of Using a Knee Brace

Wearing a knee brace for too long may be counterproductive. That’s why it’s important to consult with a professional first, who will be able to help with the type of brace needed and how to use it.

Possible limitations are important to consider, which may include the following:

❌ Over-reliance when worn if not required: Muscle atrophy may be seen if appropriate strength training isn’t performed when wearing the brace. Decreased stability may also be seen which can reduce joint functionality.
❌ Doesn’t address the underlying cause of knee pain/ instability: Knee braces should be used as an aid and are not designed to replace a proper rehabilitation plan.
❌ May be uncomfortable when worn for extended periods.
❌ Regular maintenance and cleaning may be needed for some types of brace so they continue to function normally.
❌ May be expensive and not covered by insurance

4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Knee Brace

When deciding our picks, we consulted with our in-house experts to come up with what we felt were the most important factors to consider when choosing. We paid particular attention to the injury type, compiling a list of knee support braces and sleeves that help to address a wide range of needs.

1. Injury Type

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a suitable knee brace is the type of injury and what you need the knee brace to achieve. As we’ve mentioned above, different types of knee braces offer varying levels of support and movement.

When dealing with arthritis, compression and unloader braces may help to reduce joint pressure during weight-bearing movements. Recovering from surgery after an ACL tear may require the use of a functional brace.

General performance sports are best suited to the use of a compression brace whilst rigid recovery braces limit movement and help recover from surgery. We’ve gone into more detail about this above in the “types of knee brace” section.

Assess the injury type with the help of a doctor and choose a brace based on the professional advice given.

2. Support and Stability

Once you’ve worked out the type of brace needed, consider the amount of support and stability you want. Think about the movements you’re performing that require the use of a knee brace. If you have pain on one side of the knee, an unloader knee brace might be the best option. 

As the amount of support and stability goes up, the degree of movement offered is likely to go down. If you need a knee brace for gym movements, a compressive knee sleeve is most likely the best option. Consult with a healthcare provider during this process to find the most suitable type of brace.

3. Adjustability

Adjustability is an important but often overlooked factor when determining the most suitable brace. If the brace isn’t tight enough, it won’t perform the function it’s designed to. A brace that is too tight against the skin may cause irritation and be uncomfortable to wear which may then limit performance or cause other issues.

A brace that can handle changes in leg size when recovering from injury can be more useful than a brace that will need to be replaced after a certain amount of time if the leg size change is present.

Consider the flexibility of the brace material and the range of adjustment options when purchasing.To avoid size changes once purchased, consult a physiotherapist to help with the measuring and fitting process.

4. Material and Comfort

Most fitness knee braces are made from lightweight, breathable neoprene material with moisture-wicking and insulating properties. Other common materials used include spandex, and nylon. Hard plastics and polyethylene may be used for added support in areas of the brace.

Consider the level of comfort you want and try to familiarize yourself with the different materials first. Some people may have adverse reactions to neoprene and therefore require a different material. The hard plastic and polyethylene supports can be hard on the skin, meaning added padding is often needed, which most good braces should feature.

The NEENCA Professional Knee Brace is our recomendation of the knee brace, offering excellent support and adjustability with removable copper side stabilizers and adjustable velcro closure straps at the top and bottom.

They feature an anatomically contoured patella gel pad that surrounds and supports the knee cap. The copper side stabilizers provide lateral knee support by reducing pressure on the knee joint and can be removed if you’re looking for more movement freedom.

The open patella front and back design helps to relieve pressure without taking support away from the joint itself. The knee brace features breathable holes throughout the fabric, allowing moisture to escape, with the inner memory foam lining responding to the shape and structure of your knee joint for a snug fit.

How to Use a Knee Brace?

Getting the proper fit when using a knee brace is crucial to its overall effectiveness. Here’s how to use them correctly:

1. Consult a healthcare professional first who will assess your injury and help you choose the right type of knee brace. They should also measure knee circumference and recommend an appropriate brace size.
2. Adjust the straps or fastening devices if required to loosen or tighten the brace until you achieve the desired fit. The brace should provide additional support and stability without feeling overly uncomfortable to wear. At first, it may feel a little strange and take some getting used to.
3. Once fitted, check your range of motion according to your rehabilitation plan, sports event, or general requirements. Ensure the brace functions normally for what you need without it moving around or causing pain. Monitor the fit accordingly.
4. Follow up with a healthcare professional when required to check for any adjustments and changes needed to the type of brace of adjustment mechanism.
5. Perform any routine maintenance to the fastening mechanisms and clean the material when needed.

Knee Brace Alternatives

Despite the popularity and use of knee braces, alternatives exist for those who find them too uncomfortable and restrictive. Some people may also simply prefer alternative devices and find them to be a more suitable treatment aid.

1. Knee Sleeves

These go around the knee joint and surrounding muscles to provide compression to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and improve proprioception.

On this point, Sergiy Putsov added commented:

“In my training experience, I’ve found it best to use knee sleeves during heavy squat sessions. Also, I put them on my shins during all of my pulling exercises to protect my shins from aggressive knurling“

2. Patella Braces

This is a sleeve or brace worn around the knee to help treat patella conditions. Unlike knee sleeves and braces, it is much smaller and provides more specific support.

3. Compression garments

Compression garments are pieces of clothing that fit tightly around the skin to provide added support to muscles and surrounding joints. They are commonly used for cycling, running, and triathlons.

4. Kinesiology Tape

This involves wrapping the knee joint with medical tape to limit unwanted movement and provide support. The tape needs to be reapplied after each activity bout, which may become cumbersome.

FAQ

Do Knee Braces Really Work?

Yes, definitely! Knee braces work by providing support, stability, and compression to the knee joint and surrounding areas. However, it’s important to choose the right knee brace for your injury to get the intended effect.

Is a Knee Strap or Knee Brace Better?

A knee strap is designed to help with patellofemoral pain and mild aches under the knee whilst braces deal with more severe pain where more support is needed. In terms of which one is better, both work well but should be used for different injuries. The better option depends on the injury as discussed above.

Is It Okay to Wear a Knee Brace Everyday?

The correct amount of usage depends on the severity of the injury and daily lifestyle habits. Some knee braces may need to be worn all the time and tapered down as the injury improves, while others may be used for certain situations such as sporting events and high-impact exercise as a workout knee brace.

Note that it’s important to consult with your doctor to develop a suitable treatment plan.

Conclusion

Knee braces provide support and stability to the knee joint as a rehabilitation aid, pain management tool, and performance enhancer. Different types feature varying levels of support and movement freedom which informs their most suitable uses.

We highly recommend the NEENCA Professional Knee Brace, providing multifunctional knee support for a range of knee injuries and sporting events. It’s comfortable to wear, easy to use, and provides decent lateral support when needed.

Before using a suitable knee brace, consult a healthcare professional and physiotherapist to make the best decision. Bear in mind that the use of a knee brace shouldn’t replace a proper rehabilitation plan and should be used alongside as an aid.

Have you worn a knee brace before? What type have you used and why? Share your experiences below!

References:

1. Bernard P. Kemker 3rd, Roma Kankaria, Nirav Patel, Gregory Golladay, “Hip And Knee Bracing: Categorization, Treatment Algorithm, And Systematic Review,” JJAAOS Global Research & Reviews 5, no. 6 (2021):e20.00181-12, doi:10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-20-00181
2. Bhaveen H. Kapadia, Jeffrey J. Cherian, Roland Starr, Morad Chughtai, Michael A. Mont, Stephen F. Harwin, Anil Bhave, “Gait Using Pneumatic Brace For End-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis,” The Journal of Knee Surgery 29, no.3 (2016): 218-223, doi:10.1055/s-0036-1579790
3. Blake M. Bodendorfer, Nicolas R. Arnold, Henry T. Shu, Emily V. Leary, James L. Cook, Aaron D. Gray, Trent M. Guess, Seth L Sherman, “Do Neoprene Sleeves And Prophylactic Knee Braces Affect Neuromuscular Control And Cutting Agility?” Physical Therapy in Sport 39, (2019): 23-31. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2019.05.007
4. Chetan Gohal, Ajaykumar Shanmugaraj, Patrick Tate, Nolan S. Horner, Asheesh Bedi, Anthony Adili, Moin Kahn, “Effectiveness of Valgus Offloading Knee Braces in the Treatment of Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review,” Sports Health 10, no. 6 (2010): 500-514, doi:10.1177/1941738118763913
5. Christopher M. Powers, Samuel R. Ward, Li D. Chan, Yu J. Chen, Michael R. Terk, “The Effect of Bracing on Patella Alignment and Patellofemoral Joint Contact Area,” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 36, no. 7 (2004): 1226-1232, doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000132376.50984.27
6. D. Giotis, N. K. Paschos, F. Zampeli, E. Pappas, G. Mitsionis, A. D. Georgoulis, “Bracing Can Partially Limit Tibial Rotation During Stressful Activities After Anterior Crucial Ligament Reconstruction with a Hamstring Graft,” Orthopedics and Traumatology: Surgery and Research 102, no. 5 (2016): 601-606, doi:10.1016/j.otsr.2016.04.005
7. Eun H. Choi, Keon K. Kim, Ah Y. Jun, Eun H. Choi, Sung W. Choi, Ka Y. Shin, “Effects of the Off-Loading Brace on the Activation of Femoral Muscles – A Preliminary Study,” Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 35, no.6 (2011): 887-896, doi:10.5535/arm.2011.35.6.887
8. Francesco M. Uboldi, Paola Ferrua, Daniele Tradati, Pietro Zedde, Jim Richards, Andrea Manunta, Massimo Berutto, “Use of an Elastomeric Knee Brace in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Short-Term Results,” Joints 6, no.2 (2018): 85-89, doi:10.1055/s-0038-1661339
9. Jacobo Zamporri, Arnel Aguinaldo, “The Effects Of A Compression Garment On Lower Body Kinematics And Kinetics During A Drop Vertical Jump In Female Collegiate Athletes,” Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine 6, no.8 (2018), doi:10.1177/2325967118789955
10. 10. Jim Hewlett, John Kenney, “Innovations in Functional and Rehabilitative Knee Bracing,” Annals of Translational Medicine 7, suppl 7 (2013): S248, doi:10.21037/atm.2019.03.34
11. Hjortur F. Hjartarson, Soren Toksvig-Larsen, “The Clinical Effect of an Unloader Brace on Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee, a Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial with One Year Follow Up,” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 19, no. 1 (2018), doi:10.1186/s12891-018-2256-7
12. Huda Alfatafta, David Onchonga, Mahmoud Alfatafta, Lu Zhang, Imre Boncz, Szimonetta Lohner, Balint Molics, “Effect of Using Knee Valgus Brace on Pain and Activity Level Over Different Time Intervals among Patients with Medial Knee OA: Systematic Review,” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 22, no.1 (2021): 687, doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04513-0
13. Laura C. Dickerson, Alexander T. Peebles, Joseph T. Moskal, Thomas K. Miller, Robin M. Queen, “Physical Performance Improves With Time and a Functional Knee Brace in Athletes After ACL Reconstruction,” Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine 8, no.8 (2020), doi:10.1177/2325967120944255
14. Lucie Brosseau, K A. Yonge, Vivian Welsh, S Marchand, Maria Judd, George A. Wells, Peter Tugwell, “Thermotherapy For Treatment Of Osteoarthritis,” Cochrane Database System Review 2003, no.4 (2003). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004522
15. Nadatul A. Sharif, Siew-li Goh, Juliana Usman, Wan Kamarul Wan Safwani, “Biomechanical and functional efficacy of knee sleeves: A literature review,” Physical Therapy in Sport 28 (2017): 44-52, doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2017.05.001
16. Patrick W. Cawley, Paul E. France, Lonnie E. Paulos, “Comparison of Rehabilitative Knee Braces. A Biomechanical Investigation,” American Journal of Sports Medicine 17, no. 2 (1989): 141-146, doi:10.1177/036354658901700201
17. Richard Ma, Chirag Sheth, Blake Fenkell, Abdul F. Buyuk, “The Role of Bracing in ACL Injuries: The Current Evidentiary State of Play,” Journal of Knee Surgery 35, no. 3 (2022): 255-265, doi:10.1055/s-0042-1742304
18. Scott A. Paluska, Douglas B. McKeag, “Knee Braces: Current Evidence and Clinical Recommendations for Their Use,” American Family Physician 61, no. 2 (2000): 411-424, PMID: 10670507
19. Scott W. Cheatham, Russel T. Baker, Thomas E. Abdenour, “Kinesiology Tape: A Descriptive Survey of Healthcare Professionals in the United States,” International Journal of Sports and Physical Therapy 16, no.3 (2021): 778-796. doi:10.26603/001c.22136
20. Stephan P. Hacker, Florian Schall, Frank Niemeyer, Nicolas Wol , Anita Ignatius, Lutz Dürselen, “Do Prophylactic Knee Braces Protect the Knee Against Impacts or Tibial Moments? An In Vitro Multisensory Study,” Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine 6, no.11 (2018), doi:10.1177/2325967118805399
21. Soheil Najibi, John P. Albright, “The Use of Knee Braces, Part 1: Prophylactic Knee Braces in Contact Sports,” American Journal of Sports Medicine 33, no.4 (2005): 602-611, doi:10.1177/0363546505275128
22. Tariq A. Kwaees, Jim Richards, Gill Rawlinson, Charalambos P. Charalambous, Ambreen Chohan, “Can the Use of Proprioceptive Knee Braces Have Implications in the Management of Osteoarthritic Knees: An Exploratory Study,” Prosthetics and Orthotics International 43, no. 2 (2019): 140-147, doi:10.1177/0309364618796852
23. Thierry P. C. Franke, Frank J. G Backx, Bionka M. A. Huisstede, “Lower Extremity Compression Garments Use By Athletes: Why, How Often, And Perceived Benefit,” BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation 13, no.1 (2021), doi:10.1186/s13102-020-00230-8
24. Tyler Welch, Thomas Keller, Ruben Maldonado, Melodie Metzger, Karen Mohr, Ronald Kvitne, “The Effect of a Dynamic PCL Brace on Patellofemoral Compartment Pressures in Pcl-And Pcl/Plc-Deficient Knees,” Journal of Experimental Orthopedics 4, no.1 (2017), doi:10.1186/s40634-017-0085-5
25. Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media Team, Bauerfeind.com, Bodyprox.com, Neenca.com, Donjoystore.com, Fxquadro on Freepik, and Freepik.