The best knee braces are inexpensive and provide benefits when you have overworked the muscles, strained or sprained the knee area producing pain and possible swelling. Knee braces help to stabilize and support the knee to prevent unnecessary movement of the knee. A brace will provide warmth for healing to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and inflammation, including the skin if it is sore or tender. Knee braces are support to be worn when you have injured your knee or the knee is causing you pain. They are also used to prevent injuries during sports training and events. They are made from blends of metal, plastic, foam, elastic, and straps in a variety of sizes, color, patterns, and designs.
[h3line h3-text=”1. Knee Brace Types“]
Some knee braces have telescoping patella cups for more protection at the knee area and others have moisture wicking frame liners, condyle pads and strap pads for coolness and comfort. Others are available with wraparound thigh attachments for an even great fit and comfort.
- Stabilizers—have steel springs on both sides for cutting-edge support
- Sleeves—sized to slip over your knee; provides warmth and compression
- Supports—are adjustable and wrap around the knee providing warmth and compression
- Hinges—allow the knee to move naturally similar to the knee’s natural movement
Sleeves for compression are for mild to chronic arthritis and knee pain that can be minimized with this type brace. They distribute your weight-bearing load so you can perform at you peak during training and sports activities with lower pain levels. These fit under or over clothing.
Support/Wraparounds offer bracing for mild to moderate patellar instabilities, dislocation, and knee pain. You can customize the fit, and they are easy to take off and put on. Wear them during sports activities without being disturbed by pain and bulk of the brace.
Straps help those with runner’s knee, acute pain, or patellar tendonitis known as jumper’s knee, by using straps and band bracing. They put a comfortable pressure on your knee to relieve pain. They are easy to attach under clothing and can be worn during sports and other happenings.
Hinged braces are perfect for athletes needing the best protection and stabilization if they have had surgery. Athletes heal quickly with hinged braces. With a bad twist, inadequate knee to ankle alignment, or landing a wrong way are the methods injuries occur from ligament injuries. Hinged braces prevent over extension of the knee and provide stability and support being lightweight. They are rigid and soft hinged with these being useful for mild to moderate support. Another hinged model is rigid for moderate to maximum support for more stability and knee protection during sport activities.
[h3line h3-text=”2. Why Knee Braces are Crucial“]
A knee brace can sometimes be critically important and here are a few fundamental qualities to think about when selecting the correct knee brace for you. You want protection and features to feel better.
- Protect your knee in the front, top and bottom
- Protect your knee from impacts at the sides
- Two straps at the calf muscle preventing the brace from slipping
- Tension straps that adjust
- Extra comfortable foam padding inside
- Hinges that permit natural joint movement such as poly-axial
[h3line h3-text=”3. Different Types of Knee Braces and What They Do“]
- Prophylactic—designed to protect knees from being hurt such as contact sports
- Functional—give knee support to already injured knees
- Unloader/Offloader—provide pain relief for those having arthritis in their knees
The unloader/offloader reduces osteoarthritis pain significantly by unloading your stress to the remainder of the leg from the knee downward. By giving you concentrated support at the knee, you won’t be prevented from doing things because of its design and light weight.
The offloader has nothing to do with offloading a truck, but for those 27 million American adults suffering from osteoarthritis. The medial (middle) unloader or offloader knee brace is able to limit your side-to-side movement within the knee taking the weight off 3 pressure points on the femur—the upper leg bone and the largest in the body. It pushes the knee to bend away from its most painful part, shifting the weight to the outer part of the knee. This is called lateral and is the side of the knee. This happens back and forth from one side to the other.
[h3line h3-text=”4. Osteoarthritis“]
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis with a gradual loss of cartilage of the joints that wear away as we age. It is also common with athletes who have deterioration from use. Osteo means bone and that occurs when the cartilage in the knee wears away permitting the bones to rub one another causing terrible pain, inflammation, swelling and intense stiffness in the knee and surrounding area.
The symptoms of osteoarthrosis are stiffness in the knee when getting out of bed, a crunching feeling in the knee and you can hear it as well. When walking up the stairs, it will be difficult to keep your knees stable if you have been diagnosed with medial compartment osteoarthritis. Your knee will waver and wobble inward. A knee brace might be helpful rather than a knee replacement. You can always try a brace eliminating immediate surgery.
[h3line h3-text=”5. Do Knee Braces Work?“]
Generally, rehabilitative and functional braces are effective as well as the unloader knee braces. Knee braces help some and do not help others. Always have your doctor decide if a brace will help your condition. Some think that knee braces contribute to more athlete knee injuries, while others say they help prevent injuries.
[h3line h3-text=”6. Sizing“]
That depends on what brace you select. All braces let you know the measurements for a proper fit for you. Some will require a measurement around the knee, some 3-inches above or below the knee, while others require a thigh and calf measurement.
Whether the measurements are in inches or centimeters, you can compare the numbers on a sizing chart for your specific knee brace perfect fit. It is best for in-between sizes to purchase the largest of the 2 sizes.
[h3line h3-text=”7. Knee Brace Warnings for Parents“]
Knee braces for kids should be done with the care and diagnosis of your healthcare provider. Some are available without a prescription over the counter, but should not be purchased without the advice and supervision of your doctor. You will need a management plan for healthy results.
Youngsters seem to have more problems today with injuries from overuse. You do not want injuries to become worse, so it’s important to talk with your doctor regarding the knee joint, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Knee braces might be a solution in conjunction with a treatment plan. Both work together to repair an injury and to prevent future injuries.
[h2line h2-text=”Knee Brace Uses“]
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[h2line id=”top_rated” h2-text=”Top 5 Best Knee Braces for Running“]
[boxsph3 h3-text=”1. The WinZone Knee Brace Support“]
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WinZone is a family owned business providing quality health care braces. First-class materials are used in the manufacture of the braces for durability and long life. The WinZone knee brace is great for arthritis, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament in the knee), running, basketball, meniscus tears, sports, other athletics, bowling and anything you do physically involving the knee. The open patella protector wrap is neoprene, non-bulky, and relieves pain. Neoprene is a family of synthetic rubbers.
This knee support brace is not stiff and very comfortable on your skin and injury. Your knee will be supported the way you want it to be without restricting your moving about. The 2 side stabilizers give you plenty of protection and are adjustable for a good feel. It is affordable and will protect you. You will have no need for a chiropractor or therapist with this brace to relieve your pain. The brace fastens with attached Velcro®. Do not use with PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) without consulting your doctor. You can wear this all day, when sitting, and when sleeping.
The brace fits 12.4- to 21.7-inch knee circumference. One size fits all under or over your clothes. It will not slip and stays put! The WinZone is a best seller on Amazon.com®.
Be involved in sports, play with the kids, run, hike, and have a pain relieving experience with the WinZone knee brace. It is machine washable on gentle with line drying, and is easy on and off and stays on snuggly.
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Gift-wrapping is available for loved ones and friends. You will receive a free $10 money belt, instructions, and Warranty. If you are not happy with your knee brace, your money will be refunded with WinZone’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. The return policy does not apply to products purchased with discount codes.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”2. EXOUS BodyGear Knee Brace Support“]
[box-rate imgcode=”71C9XDmq%2BKL” imgalt=”The EXOUS model EX-701 knee brace” amzrate=”5″ edrate=”5″]
The EXOUS model EX-701 knee brace is a perfect brace to help you relieve patella issues at your knee, tendonitis, ligament and arthritis pain, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament in the knee), and LCL (lateral collateral ligament). It helps with MCL (medial collateral ligament). Its non-slip stay-in-place construction with Velcro® for attaching snugly will be a compression system just for you.
The creative design is comfortable and provides 4-way compression wrapping your knee from all angles providing lateral and medial support for those weak knee muscles and sore injured ligaments.
The brace will fit the calves to 16.5-inches and the upper thigh to 20-inches (3-inches above your knee). One size fits all men and women. It works as a patella band at the patella tendon. That will relieve inflammation and pain. It works well for jumper’s knee.
When you are doing sports activities or any active movement, the design will not slip and the 4 wraparound straps help secure this. Have fun playing basketball, volleyball, racket ball and all ball games, including simply sitting playing chess or checkers.
This brace will never scrunch up and the comfort gap zone at the back of the knee prevents this from happening with the 3mm neoprene material for warmth and comfort. Neoprene is a family of synthetic rubbers. You will be able to bend your knee a full 90-degrees with no limitation. You will have no irritation to your skin or sore area with the Jacquard Lycra® inner lining that stretches. It will protect your skin from perspiration that can feel yucky and stinky.
The brace is stable, lightweight, able to be worn under or over your clothing. The stabilizers that are built in provide the 4-way compression for lateral and medial support, relief from knees with osteoarthritis, and after surgery benefits. It will also provide help with misalignment issues. Hand washing is recommended with line drying.
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You will an instruction booklet and a free fitting guide. You will receive a Lifetime Warranty and it is made in China.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”3. EzyFit Knee Brace Support“]
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The EzyFit is exactly that—easy to fit to your knee and easy to remove. If you have knee joint pain or ligament tears, this will help you with those problems. The knee brace has 2 stabilizers on each side for a total of 4 with an open patella space making it breathable. The brace is made of 3.5 mm neoprene that is a warm and comfortable fabric for meniscus tear injuries, and stabilization. Neoprene is a family of synthetic rubbers. It includes nylon and polyester so it can be easily washed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The brace is adjustable, will not slip down, and has Velcro® bands to fasten for your comfort level. The bands are made of durable and tough silicone at the top and bottom offering you extreme lateral support.
The EzyFit is unique in that it is offered in 3 sizes: medium 9-to 14-inches, large 14- to 17-inches, and X-large 16- to 24-inches. Select the size just for you and enjoy the relief you deserve. The double stitching gives the brace added reinforcement for the tension you give it. It fits either leg, and if both legs trouble you, get 2 for even more comfort.
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Experience knee support with less pain when you exercise, walk the dog, jog the park paths, hike the trails, golf, play ball sports, and other enjoyable times. You can wear the brace all day from some knee injuries but check with your doctor first. It will help with arthritis, and tendonitis and you can sleep in it. This brace is not a sleeve-type brace.
You will receive instructions and care booklet and a 30-day money back guarantee.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”4. NeotericBody Knee Brace“]
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The NeotericBody knee brace is about 25 to 35% thicker than the competitive models and is made of 4 mm neoprene for comfort and warmth. It is not recommended to wear it to bed, but it is wonderful for sports, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament in the knee), arthritis, meniscus, running, biking, jogging, and also provides relief from ligament issues. The knee wrap provides an open patella stabilizer for women and men. It will improve your mobility, flexibility, and strength in the knee area. It has angled flat spring coiled stainless steel stabilizers so that you can have the freedom to share in sports activities for a full range of motion.
The fabric breathes, will not cause soreness, chafing or discomfort to your skin and knee region. The material will not bunch up or slide down because it does not use straps. The knee brace is 12.5- to 18-inches fitting most people around their kneecaps. There are no silicone grips for holding it up. It will stabilize your ACL, LCL (lateral collateral ligament), PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), and MCL (medial collateral ligament) keeping your patella positioned correctly for full mobility. The effective EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) gasket keeps your knees mobile with the patella opening at the knee front and the brace increases blood circulation at the area.
The knee brace is washable following the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the brace.
Note: If you have a leg or knee injury or a preexisting condition, consult with your healthcare provider before you purchase this knee brace. The brace is not meant to be an alternative to treat conditions or health issues. If you have allergies or sensitivities to neoprene, a synthetic rubber product, do not buy or use this knee brace. The brace contains no latex.
You will receive an instruction booklet and Warranty to return the knee brace for any reason within 30 days of purchase.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”5. Compressions Knee Brace Support“]
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The Compressions black knee brace is one size to fit a 12- to 18-inch circumference above the knee. It fastens with 3 Velcro® fasteners for the tension you like best. It is made of breathable neoprene, a synthetic rubber, has no latex and is lightweight and durable. The brace is washable following the manufacturer’s instructions. Hand wash in cold water and air dry. Do not bleach and do not tumble dry. It will keep its features for support for many years using steel springs for side stays giving you more lateral support. The patella open hole feature provides you with better movement.
The straps are made of silicon and will not slip down or bunch never being bulky. It is lightweight and flexible. You will feel better preventing pain and future pain when doing strenuous movements. It is wonderful for knee injuries and some knee surgeries. You will be able to move, dance, play ballgames, run, and do other normal activities. Use it playing ping pong, using the treadmill, doing your workouts and other things you love to do. The sleeve is so comfortable giving you extreme supportive comfort and you can wear it to bed.
Note: Do not use this knee brace if you are allergic or have sensitivities to rubber or neoprene blend rubber fabrics. If you have a rash, redness, sores, or blisters do not use it and see your doctor. Additionally, consult your physician before undertaking exercise and/or using knee support.
You will receive an instruction booklet and a 1-year Warranty with no questions asked if you are dissatisfied. Customer service is excellent when you have a problem.
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FAQs
- You can keep doing leg exercises with a knee brace if you have no pain and the doctor tells you it’s okay.
- The best way to treat knee pain is with a brace always checking with your doctor first.
- Neoprene is not latex; it is a synthetic rubber.
- If you are sensitive to any of the materials in the knee brace, do not use it.
- If the Velcro® doesn’t stick anymore, check it for lint, string, or other things that become trapped in the loops. Pick out the material with tweezers or your fingers. Sometimes an old toothbrush works well. Then gently clean the loops that are plastic with dish detergent and warm water. If it still doesn’t close, contact the manufacturer.
- Do not wear the brace when you swim. The water and chlorine will shorten the life of your knee brace. If the brace becomes water logged, it might not support your knee area properly.
- For brace compression knee support, do not tighten to the point that it indents your skin at the edges or causes tingling. It should be snug yet comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Check with your healthcare provider about your condition before embarking on a knee brace that might not be right for you. You can always read customer reviews to learn of their experiences using knee braces. Be well and live comfortably and strong.