The Best Knee Braces
Whether you're recovering from ligament damage or trying to prevent it, a knee brace is a convenient and safe way to protect one of the most vulnerable joints in your body. Knee braces restrict your knee's range of movement or redistribute the weight to your knee more evenly, reducing the chance of inflammation in the major ligaments. Regardless of your level of activity, this versatile tool is also quite helpful when dealing with chronic issues such as arthritis. Below we've gathered a few of our favorite knee braces, encompassing a wide range of use cases and price points. From high-intensity athletics to relaxing gardening, our knee braces will reduce discomfort and provide much-needed support for years to come.
Powerlix Knee Compression Sleeve
Powerful Patella Protection
Recovering from an injury can be an arduous process that requires physical therapy, the right medical equipment, and most importantly, time. The Powerlix knee compression sleeve was designed so you don’t have to deal with joint and ligament problems nearly as frequently as you would without protection. The compression sleeve works by shifting the force from running more evenly around the muscles closest to the knee, thus relieving the strain on your ligaments. As a prophylactic, Powerlix’s products can prevent hyperextension and improve blood flow without making it impossible to navigate day-to-day tasks.
Pros:
- Silicone strips prevent slippage
- Sweat-proof fabric
- Comes in five sizes, assuring a fit for everyone
Cons:
- The sizing runs slightly small
UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
Running Reinforcement
While running is certainly one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise, it is also one of the worst culprits for long-term joint damage. Fortunately, by rotating your exercise schedule, using good running shoes, and owning a pack of UFlex Athletics’ knee compression sleeves, you’ll be hitting the trail for many years to come.
UFlex works similarly to other compression sleeves, but with some added caveats. The nylon-spandex mesh throughout is highly breathable and made to conform to your leg without a break-in period. The material is thick and firm close to your joints, and thinner on the patella, giving you nearly unrestricted movement while defending you from errant steps.
Pros:
- The sleeve provides warmth, keeping your joints flexible
- Incredible value for the price
- Silicone is woven throughout to prevent movement or bunching
- Fits easily under clothing
Cons:
- Could be tighter around the patella
Cambivo Knee Brace
Continuous Comfort and Compression
Knee compression sleeves can be a superb augmentation to any workout, as long as it stays attached to your knee, of course. Cambivo’s knee brace is supremely comfortable, remarkably breathable, and offers all-day support. Utilizing a process known as 3D knitting, the brace is free of seams and boasts a minimal number of lines, which increases the product’s longevity. In regards to the brace’s anti-slip properties, the inside top of the brace is double-lined with silicone, which will help keep the sleeve in place no matter how much you move.
Pros:
- Available in 11 color formats
- Not so tight that the brace decreases circulation
- 35% latex and spandex for superior maneuverability
Cons:
- Not machine-washable
Bodyprox Knee Brace
Perfect for a Knee in Need
When you’re more focused on coddling an old injury instead of preventing a new one, chances are your brace will call for added padding and stability. Decked with side stabilizers, this knee brace from Bodyprox is our top pick for a wrap-around brace because it provides top-tier comfort for the price without skimping on stability. The open-patella design and extra silicone padding lend unmatched support to the kneecap without being too constricting. The Velcro straps allow you to adjust pressure points and overall tightness to your preference, while the brace’s primarily synthetic rubber body does not irritate the skin.
Pros:
- Spring-loaded stabilizers on either side to reduce the load on ligaments
- Neoprene rubber is flexible and built to last
- Universal size and lightweight design
- The velcro has a firm hold
Cons:
- Thick kneecap padding makes it a bit less maneuverable
Nvorliy Hinged ROM Knee Brace
Brace For Impact
If your work keeps you on your feet when nagging injuries should see you on bed rest, you can’t do much better than the Nvorliy Hinged ROM Knee Brace. The hinged knee brace style is an absolute necessity post-surgery or after suffering major damage to the primary ligaments in your knee. The high-quality locking dial and namesake hinges are the main appeals of this brace, and it’s easy to see why. With the lock, you can adjust your range of mobility by 130 degrees to correspond with your progress in the healing process. The actual hinges, which extend half a foot up and down the leg, are made of high strength metal that’s guaranteed to give your ligaments the space and strength they need to come back better than ever.
Pros:
- Hinges, straps, and the lock can be completely disassembled and adjusted
- The ventilated lining makes for comfortable use throughout the day
- Can choose between full immobilization or restricted movement
Cons:
- Velcro seal is on the back of the leg, which can be irritating
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most common knee injuries?
The majority of knee injuries involve damage to one of the three primary ligaments: the anterior cruciate (ACL), medial collateral (MCL), or lateral collateral (LCL) ligament. In most cases, ligament damage occurs when hitting the ground after a jump or twisting the knee in an unnatural or overextended manner. If you experience any substantial damage to one of these three ligaments, you will most certainly know immediately. Athletes who have damaged their knees in this manner said they experienced a ‘popping’ noise or sensation during the inciting incident, followed by swelling near the patella and, in some cases, excruciating pain.
Can a knee brace be harmful in some situations?
As is the case with braces of any nature, there are only specific scenarios where they will be beneficial. When you scroll through some knee brace listings, you may see claims that a certain brace will aid muscle growth. While not false, the statement alone is dubious; a brace will allow damaged muscle and/or ligaments to focus on rebuilding damaged areas without causing undue stress on your knees. However, when your knee is considered “healed,” a brace is essentially preventing your primary leg muscles from doing their job, which can lead to atrophy over time. While compression sleeve-style braces are slightly more acceptable to wear frequently, reinforced knee braces will prevent a healthy muscle from doing its job, and thus should be saved for recovery only.
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