The best knee braces, according to physical therapists and orthopedists

CNN

2 days ago

Knee braces quick picks
Compression knee brace: Copper Fit Freedom Knee Compression Sleeve
Patella support knee brace: Bauerfiend GenuTrain Knee Support Brace
Wraparound knee brace: BioSkin Wraparound Patella Stabilizer
Hinged knee brace: DonJoy Performance Hinged Knit Knee Brace If you're recovering from an injury or just looking for a bit of stability during activity, the best knee brace for your needs should keep you feeling comfortable, supported and safe. But finding the right brace can be tricky depending on the type of support your joint needs.
Not to worry. We spoke to orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists about a range of knee brace designs and options so you can be on the mend quickly. While this list can certainly serve as a starting point for your quest for better joint support, you'll definitely want to consult your primary health care provider before making a decision on the right knee brace for you. Bonus: They'll also be able to offer some exercises to help with knee pain to maximize your recovery and ultimate comfort.
Copper Fit Freedom Knee Compression Sleeve
'​​This is a good brace for general support for daily activity or with aerobic activity,' Dr. Sudheer Reddy, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Shady Grove Orthopaedics, said. He recommends the sleeve since it's comfortable to wear and slim enough to fit under clothing. Since it features grippy bands around the top and bottom to make sure it stays in place while you move, it's an especially great option for active folks who tend to sweat. It's also a budget-friendly find, coming in under $15.
DonJoy Drytex Sport Hinged Knee Sleeve
Reddy likes this knee brace because of the stability its hinges provide and because it's made with DonJoy's Drytex fabric. He called the fabric 'an alternative to neoprene' (which some wearers may find causes hot spots) and noted that it allows for greater breathability, which is ideal for higher sweat activities like running. Its hinges on both sides create crucial stability, but you'll still experience flexibility without feeling restricted.
DonJoy Performance Hinged Knit Knee Brace
Alexandra D'Annibale, a physical therapist at Spear Center, recommends this brace because it's designed with a four-way stretch material that will accommodate your joints as you move throughout the day. It features removable plastic hinges, which promote both medial and lateral stability, but if you don't need them, you can always remove them for more of a sleeve-like fit. Its patella buttress is designed to support your kneecap, and the compressive design helps minimize swelling.
Breg Recover Knee Brace
'This is a hinged knee brace that features 'drop locks' that can help restrict motion and guide rehabilitation for individuals recovering from injury or surgery,' Reddy said. "It is very good at restricting side-to-side motion at the knee that can increase chances of injury.' This brace is bulkier than other options on the market, meaning it might not create a streamlined fit under tighter clothes. But it can be locked in five different positions and has a universal fit to suit both your right and left legs.
CVS Knee Support Sleeve
D'Annibale explained that compression sleeves are knee braces that offer mild support and can help reduce swelling without restricting your range of motion. She recommends this simple CVS brand support sleeve that's easy to wash after wear, offers flexible support and comes in four different sizes so you can find one that fits just right. Your kneecap should sit just under the lighter part of the fabric, which helps you guide the brace into the right spot.
Breg Hinged Knee Support Brace
'This is a good wraparound brace with cushioning around the patella and a breathable material,' Reddy said of this brace for mild ligament instabilities. He appreciates its adjustable straps that prevent it from sliding down and that the brace is overall easy to put on and fit around your joint. It's also washable thanks to its removable hinges.
Bauerfiend GenuTrain Knee Support Brace
'Most often, I recommend the open-kneecap sleeve to support patella tracking or one of the Bauerfeind Knee Supports, which come with a gel pad that sits around the patella,' Darcie Pervier, a physical therapist and owner of Newburyport Wellness in Massachusetts, told CNN Underscored contributor Marissa Miller for this story. 'The Bauerfeind supports are made with a knit fabric that is breathable, and when fitted well, they don't slide down as easily as many sleeves."
DonJoy Tru-Pull Lite Knee Brace
'Pain in the front of the knee, called patellofemoral pain, is a common problem encountered by patients,' Reddy said. 'Issues can range from arthritis of the patellofemoral joint to patellar instability ([when the] kneecap can slide out of place).' Reddy recommends this wraparound brace because of the lateral buttress strap that helps stabilize the patella during activity. The strap doesn't just secure the brace around your thigh and calf; it pulls the whole device to fit around the whole of your knee joint.
Breg Fusion OA Plus Knee Brace
If you're looking for something top-of-the-line, Reddy suggests this brace from Breg. 'Knee arthritis is very common in individuals. While this brace is bulkier and more expensive, it's helpful in reducing stress to the arthritic parts of the knee during activity,' he said. Reddy also likes that it has adjustable Velcro straps that help tailor fit to a person's knee and it features hinges on either side to help support the knee and allow freedom of movement during activity. Use it for low-impact activities such as walking, tennis and golf.
DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace
Pervier told us this brace is light enough to wear while you're fairly active, but it still offers more physical support than a sleeve due to its hinges, which provide lateral support. The brace also has anti-slip technology to keep it in place while you're moving, and adjustable straps for a customized fit. Pervier notes that even though it offers decent lateral stability, this brace isn't designed for major knee injuries.
BioSkin Wraparound Patella Stabilizer Knee Brace
Julie Landis, a physical therapist and certified professional ergonomist, told Miller she recommends this neoprene option from BioSkin. The fabric makes the brace easy to slide on, and Landis notes the compression can help reduce pain and swelling. In addition to adjustable straps at the top and bottom of the brace, this option has a patellar tracking strap that can be positioned medially or laterally. Landis said this feature can 'help properly guide and control its movement during bending and straightening.'
Mueller Sports Medicine Self-Adjusting Hinged Knee Brace
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, this pick from Mueller Sports Medicine is under $30. Lisa Chase, an orthopedic and sports physical therapist and owner of Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy, spoke with Miller and recommends this affordable option because it offers moderate stabilization but is still comfortable and versatile. It's made from a neoprene material that's comfortable for long wear, allowing for flexibility while you move. It's another hinged option to provide lateral stability.
Shock Doctor Ultra Knit Knee Support
Chase told CNN Underscored that she likes this brace for athletes who need both compression and stability. This compressive brace comes in four sizes and has been designed with a moisture-wicking material. This will help wick away sweat during a grueling workout. Its patella gel buttress helps provide support and cushioning to your patella (without a cumbersome wraparound strap) so it's easy to put on and remove.
Neenca Hinged Knee Brace
Landis told us that she recommends this hinged brace from Neenca. If you're healing from an injury, this brace is designed to block movement, restricting your joint to a safe range of motion or maintaining it in a fixed position. The sides of this brace have two-sided locking dials, which fix the brace in place and can be unlocked to adjust your range of motion.
Dr. Brace Professional Knee Brace
Four adjustable straps, patella gel pads and side stabilizers round out this brace. Pervier recommends a wraparound brace for clients who may be struggling with arthritis in their hands as well as their knees, since the brace is easier than others to slide on compared to a sleeve. This pick from Dr. Brace offers both light compression and stability for the joint. If your doctor has recommended a knee brace, chances are they have walked you through what to look for to best address your unique situation. But if you're dealing with an old injury or just looking for extra support, there are lots of options on the market that can help fast-track your healing.
Type of knee brace
There are two types of knee braces to consider. The first is a compression sleeve, which is designed to help with swelling and offer mild support. D'Annibale noted these types of braces typically don't restrict your joint movement. The other kind is a hinged brace, which D'Annibale said is used for joint stability and protection. Hinged braces don't provide compression.
Material
You'll also want to consider the material of the brace. If you're looking to wear a brace while playing sports, walking, running or participating in higher-impact activities that promote sweat production, look for something washable and sweat-wicking. While neoprene is a fabric our experts called out for its comfort and breathability, Lynn J. Berman, owner and physical therapist at Spring Forward PT, noted you'll also find knee sleeves made with copper-infused material and fabric sleeves. These materials can offer sweat-wicking properties or have a more thin, streamlined design for wearing under clothes.
Activity
For a knee brace best suited for your purposes, D'Annibale suggests identifying what type of activity you'll be wearing it for. She noted that the style of brace will vary whether you're using it for everyday activity or for post-operation support. If you're unsure, consult a physical therapist to determine what type of support you might need before you make your purchase.
The following FAQs were answered by Lynn J. Berman, owner and physical therapist at Spring Forward PT and Alexandra D'Annibale, a physical therapist at Spear Center.
Are knee braces considered compression?
Are knee braces considered compression?
The simple answer is no. Not all knee braces are considered compression braces. Specific knee braces offer compression, so you'll have to look for one that does if that's the type of support you require. D'Annibale breaks knee braces down into two categories: compression braces (also referred to as sleeves) and hinged braces. If you're looking for something compressive, you'll typically find that terminology listed in the brace's description.
Can you use a knee brace and a knee sleeve together?
Can you use a knee brace and a knee sleeve together?
'Yes, wearing a compression sleeve [also known as a knee sleeve] under a knee brace is common, particularly following surgery,' D'Annibale said. She noted that the sleeve can help manage swelling while a brace offers structural support during recovery. Structural support can help limit movement of the joint so you don't overexert it while healing.
How do you put on a knee brace?
How do you put on a knee brace?
D'Annibale said that you can put on a compression sleeve by sliding it over your foot and up your leg. She noted you'll want to position the brace so your kneecap is centered and the brace lies flat on your body without bunching anywhere. For hinged braces, she recommended beginning with straps open. Then, position the brace behind your knee, aligning the hinges with the joint. Fasten the straps in the recommended order — typically from bottom to top — ensuring a snug but comfortable fit.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Lynn J. Berman, owner and physical therapist at Spring Forward PT
Lisa Chase, an orthopedic and sports physical therapist and owner of Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy
Alexandra D'Annibale, a physical therapist with Spear Center
Julie Landis, a physical therapist and certified professional ergonomist
Darcie Pervier, a physical therapist and owner of Newburyport Wellness
Dr. Sudheer Reddy, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Shady Grove Orthopaedics
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, writer Ellen McAlpine and contributing editor Marissa Miller spoke with orthopedic doctors and physical therapists to learn more about expert-recommended knee braces. McAlpine compiled this list of braces to help you recover, heal and stay active.