Knee braces can add stability to your posture and make walking and bending much easier instead of stunted limps. Whether it is senior citizens going through this issue, or athletes, these 12 best knee braces can totally reduce the pain in your knees.

12 Best Knee Braces For Osteoarthritis

1. Best Anti-Slip: TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support

This product is designed to support and strengthen your knees. It has alternating hook and loop straps that apply even support and compression to provide pain relief. The open patella design and four flexible spring stabilizers ensure better knee stability. It is made with breathable moisture-wicking neoprene that allows maximum comfort and has non-slip silicone strips to ensure that the brace stays in place during any physical activity. It is perfect for meniscus tears, arthritis, tendonitis, and exercising. Pros

Adjustable bi-directional support Open patella design Anti-slip silicone strips Available in multiple sizes Easy to adjust

Cons

Bending the knees with the brace on is tough

2. Best For Blood Circulation: Bracoo Knee Support

This product has an open patella design and claims to relieve pressure and reduce stress on the knee joint during intense physical activity. It is designed in a way to boost blood circulation around the joint and ensure stable recovery as it has extra padding around the knee cap. It has a reinforced stabilizer ring that keeps the knee cap in its proper position and distributes stress across the ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL ligaments. This lowers the risk of injury to the knee. The non-slip adjustable straps can properly brace knees of any shape and size. It is ideal for osteoarthritis, sprains, strains, minor tears in ligaments, and joint instability. Pros

Breathable neoprene sleeve Reinforced patella stabilizer Customizable and adjustable straps

Cons

Might bunch up above or below the knees

3. Best For Acute Pain: Winzone Knee Brace

This knee brace has an open patella design and provides support and compression to the kneecap and tendons while performing daily activities. It helps support your knees during twisting and side to side movements. It has special bevel two straps that effectively relieve acute and chronic knee pain caused by arthritis, strains, and sprains. It is fully adjustable and has velcro straps and is easy to put on and remove. Pros

Compact and slim Open patella design 12 months warranty Relieves stiffness Doesn’t restrict movement Eases the pain

Cons

Might get a bit sweaty

4. Best For Weak Knees: EXOUS Knee Brace

This knee brace has a unique 4-way compression system that ‘hugs’ your knee from every angle. Its unique design offers lateral and medial support to your knees, bringing in a sense of stability to the knees. This is especially beneficial for weak knees. It has two dedicated patella straps that support the patella and provide relief. The comfort gap allows heat to escape and creates less bunching behind the knee. This brace stays put and provides functional support throughout the day. Pros

4 functional straps Side stabilizers for extra support (double lateral and medial) Comfort gap for less bunching Anti-slip design Full knee bend (no restricted movement) Ideal for sports and exercises Available in multiple sizes

Cons

Velcro may not last long The top strap may curl if you have large legs

5. Best For All Day Use: EzyFit Knee Brace

The EzyFit Knee Brace has an open patella design. The reinforced double stitched design and strong velcro closures prevent scratching your skin and secure the brace around your knees. It is ideal for helping in recovery from knee surgery, arthritis, meniscus tears, tendonitis, and other knee issues. It has dual stabilizers, one on each side of the knee, that provide support and flexibility. The alternating bi-directional, anti-slip straps wrap the knee from all angles. This helps to stabilize the patella and reduces knee joint pain. The non-slip silicone gel ensures that the brace stays firmly in place. Pros

Open patella design for movement and flexibility Anti-slip bi-directional strap system Available in multiple sizes 4 dual coil twin stabilizers Comfortable to wear all day long Good fit for larger legs/knees/thighs

Cons

The brace might stretch after many uses The velcro might wear

6. Best Adjustability: Neo-G Knee Brace

This knee brace features a metal spiral that supports the knee and aids controlled and flexible movements. It has an open patella design with a stitched buttress that helps in patellar tracking and supports it for stability. It helps to distribute the weight evenly all over the joint, thus minimizing arthritic and meniscus pain. This knee brace is made of premium grade neoprene that helps warm the muscles and joints in the knee. It comes in a universal size and is fully adjustable to the desired level of compression. This premium-quality brace is registered as a Class 1 Medical Device with the FDA, Health Canada, and the MHRA. Pros

Variable compression system Made of premium grade neoprene Registered as a Class 1 Medical Device Official partner of The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Comfortable to wear

Cons

The velcro may wear out fast

7. Best For Large Knees: Nvorliy Plus Size Knee Brace

This is a heavy-duty knee brace specially designed for large-sized legs. It has a Double D Rings Hinged Locking Mechanism, along with six built-in steel springs that ensure maximum stability. It is made of high-quality materials and provides the right level of compression and support while ensuring breathability. The EVA pad in the brace helps disperse pressure on the patella and relieves shock. This knee brace is made with antibacterial and moisture-wicking neoprene that ensures comfort and breathability. The reinforced double stitching design and the adjustable straps provide uniform compression and keep the brace in place. Pros

Large-sized knee pad Adjustable straps to manage compression levels Integrated technology to reduce odor Breathable material Also suitable for post-surgery recovery Available in multiple sizes

Cons

A bit bulky Tends to slide

8. Best Unisex: Bodyprox Hinged Knee Brace

The Bodyprox Knee Brace can be used by both women and men. It is specially developed for those who have osteoarthritis (OA), meniscus injuries, and knee immobilization issues. It provides both lateral and medial stability and allows proper healing and patella stabilization. This knee brace has an open patella and back design that stabilizes the knee, prevents bunching, and ensures all-day comfort. It has dual bilateral polycentric support hinges that are made from the lightest aluminum. This helps to maintain the strength and stability of the injured knee. It is flexible and swiftly follows the full range motion of the knee. Pros

Adjustable for controlled support Open patella and back design Quick sweat absorption Rigid velcro closure Easy-to-wear wrap-around design Available in all sizes Easy fit Comfortable and supportive

Cons

Putting it on might involve some extra effort

9. Best Lightweight: DonJoy OA Reaction Web Knee Support Brace

DonJoy is one of the leading brands that have been producing world-class knee braces for more than three decades. This knee brace is made using silicone web technology. It is scientifically designed and provides shock absorption, ensuring pain relief in your anterior knee. This is especially helpful in reducing pain related to osteoarthritis of both the knee joint and the patella. It has an adjustable wraparound design and is extremely easy to wear. The unique web design accommodates legs of all sizes and does not slip. The pack includes an undersleeve that is made of a nylon-spandex blend. Pros

Lightweight Breathable open framework Soft silicone condyle pad Patented silicone web design Ample shock absorption Includes an undersleeve Available in different sizes

Cons

Picking the right size can be tricky Might slip The velcro might wear off

10. Best Flexible: Orthomen OA Unloading Knee Brace

This unloader knee brace is designed to reduce knee pain caused by unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee. Wearing this type of knee brace often helps delay the need for surgery. This unloader knee brace is a comfortable, lightweight, low-profile brace with three points of leverage. These three points help reduce the pressure inside (medial) the knee joint. The strapping system allows you to adjust the knee brace as per your comfort levels. The condyle pads promote comfort and stability and help in pain control. The quick-release buckles make it easy to put on and take off the knee brace. It also has optional flexion/extension stops that assist in controlling range of motion. This knee brace also comes with a unique varus/valgus angle adjustment that ensures to contour with the individual’s alignment and provide pain relief. Pros

Quick-release buckle Varus/valgus angle adjustment (for compartmental off-loading) Condyle pads for comfort, pain control, and stability Silicone gripped liners and strap pads Optional flexion/extension stops

Cons

The velcro might wear off

11. Best Moisture-Wicking: Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace

This knee brace is best for ACL and PCL injuries, medial and lateral instability, patella instability, meniscus injury, and ligament sprains. The braces have bilateral support hinges with hyperextension stops. They also have impact absorbing base pads for maximum support and comfort during any physical activity. It has an anatomical pre-curved design for enhanced fitting. The knee brace is made of N-tex vented neoprene that is antimicrobial and promotes airflow, reduces odor and bacteria, and wicks moisture away. The X-strap system and the integrated side stabilizers ensure to provide a comfortable fit and ensure that the brace stays in place. Pros

Made with tempered aluminum Four-way stretch spandex mesh Premium stitching Patella support finishing and spandex binding Finger tabs for easy gripping Vented and moisture-wicking neoprene

Cons

The size can be an issue for some

12. Best Antimicrobial: Mueller Sports Adjustable Hinged Knee Brace

This brace provides maximum medial-lateral support and is fully adjustable. It has criss-crossing elastic straps above and below the knee, which you can adjust as per your comfort level. It has side hinge pockets and an open back. The side hinge pockets ensure that the hinge is in the right position for your knee size, while the open back eliminates bunching. This knee brace is ideal for people with arthritic and weak knees and those who are physically active and indulge in sports. Pros

Open patella and open back design to prevent bunching One size fits most Maximum level of support Antimicrobial treated to eliminate odor No fitting issues Heavy-duty brace

Cons

Contains natural rubber latex (might cause irritation) A bit bulky

These are the top knee braces you can buy. You can use them to minimize pain and reduce swelling and inflammation around your knees. However, before buying any knee brace, it is important to consult the doctor. They will suggest the right type of knee brace for you, depending on the severity of your condition. If you have gone through the list, you might have realized that not all knee braces are the same. Below, we have listed the types of knee braces for you.

Types Of Knee Braces For Osteoarthritis

People often confuse knee sleeves with knee braces. Technically, a knee sleeve is not a knee brace. A knee sleeve is designed to support, and a knee brace is designed to protect. A knee sleeve compresses the knees, limits the patella movement, and helps improve blood flow to relieve pain. On the other hand, a knee brace protects the knee from any injury and often limits the mobility of your knee. It is made of metal, foam, plastic, and elastic. There are mainly three types of knee braces for osteoarthritis:

1. Open Patella Knee Brace

These knee braces have a small opening at the knee cap. Open patella knee braces are ideal for those who have mild pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis. This type of knee brace relieves knee pressure, provides compression, and relieves stiffness and swelling. These braces also support the knee as they have a hinge on their sides.

2. Web Knee Brace

This is an advanced knee brace with a silicone web-like structure. When you move your knees while wearing this type of brace, it tightens in certain areas to provide extra support to your knees. It is designed to absorb shock and disperse it. This helps in reducing pressure from your knees. It also protects the knee cap and regulates its movement. This type of knee brace is beneficial for those who have osteoarthritis beneath their knee caps.

3. Unloader Knee Brace

If arthritis is severe and has affected the bone structure between the femur and tibia, you might need an unloader knee brace. These braces have metal bands that go around your thigh and calf and are connected by a hinged bar. They create a framework that enables you to shift pressure from one side of the knee to the other. Those were the types of knee braces available for osteoarthritis. Generally, the doctor recommends what type of knee brace you might need. They may also suggest brands. However, if you are picking a knee brace, you need to consider a few points before finalizing one.

How To Choose The Best Knee Brace For Osteoarthritis

Know The Types: Before you pick one, you need to know what type of knee brace will meet your needs.

Check The Size: If the size is not right, you won’t feel comfortable, and it will end up hurting your knees.

The Material: Check if it has a non-bulky design and is made of flexible material. Also, check if it is too stiff or whether it allows free joint movement or not.

Above all, what type of brace you need to pick depends mostly on where your arthritis is located in your knee and how bad it is. Hence, get your knee evaluated by a doctor and follow the doctor’s recommendation. Wearing a knee brace can help you in many ways.

Benefits Of Using A Knee Brace For Osteoarthritis

You will have the flexibility to move around. Osteoarthritis tends to restrict your movement. Wearing a knee brace protects the knee and supports your movement.

It feels comfortable. As the padding of your knees is damaged, you will feel uncomfortable while moving around. A knee brace will prevent further damage and reduce pain and inflammation.

It provides pain relief and reduces discomfort. Flare-ups can be extremely painful. Wearing a knee brace can help reduce the pain significantly. It also reduces the number of drugs you take as compared to those you took during flare-ups without braces.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Aditi Naskar, has a diploma in health and wellness. She is dedicated to researching and curating products list that help her readers lead a healthy lifestyle. She read numerous online reviews and research articles to compile this list of the best knee braces for osteoarthritis. She considered the user requirements and quality parameters to select products that are easy to use, portable, and affordable. When to use a knee brace? You should wear a knee brace if you have knee pain (any painful knee condition) or any injury and want to prevent any further injury to your knees. Should I wear a knee brace all day? Yes, you can. However, it is better to consult a doctor and understand whether you need to wear it all day long or for a particular period. How to wear a knee brace? Place the inside of the knee brace against your knee. Wind the straps around your knees to secure it. Does a knee brace actually help? Yes. Knee braces limit knee movement, relieve excessive knee pressure, and reduce osteoarthritis-related pains. What is the difference between a knee brace and knee support? Knee braces protect the anterior knee and patella while reducing knee pain. On the other hand, knee support only takes the pressure off your knee area and reduces the pain. How do you walk with a knee brace on? Slide the knee brace up your leg and place it above your knee. Then, walk normally as you do. Do compression sleeves work for knee pain? Yes. Compression sleeves stimulate blood circulation in your knee area, reduce swelling, and relieve knee pain. Is it okay to sleep with a knee brace? Yes. It is fine to sleep with a knee brace on. How tight should a knee brace be? Slide two fingers under your strap when it is already on your knees. It is the right fit if you can comfortably place your fingers underneath the brace.

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