8 Best Knee Braces for Arthritis

Introduction:

Osteoarthritis braces may help with mobility, function, quality of life, and symptoms. There are several forms of osteoarthritis of the knees, wrists, shoulders, and back.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that can limit movement and cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

A medical expert may suggest an assistive device, such as a brace, based on the severity of your problem.

The Arthritis Foundation states that using a brace may have the following advantages:

• enhanced stability
• reduced swelling and joint pressure
• increased confidence

When is the right time to use a knee brace for osteoarthritis?

According to David C. Thut, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Mass General Brigham who treats patients at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, “the time to wear a knee brace is when engaging in activities that are likely to cause knee pain.” It is not recommended to use a knee brace when sleeping or sitting still.

Additionally, he points out that having knee arthritis does not automatically need wearing a brace. Wearing one should only be done if it improves your mobility and reduces pain while you move.

Can osteoarthritis be treated with knee braces?

Braces can lessen osteoarthritis knee pain, but they cannot stop knee arthritis from becoming worse.

If you have osteoarthritis, you will need to spend some time determining which knee brace is best for you. If you have a knee injury or other knee ailment, your healthcare professional can help you choose which kind is appropriate for you.

Types of knee braces for osteoarthritis:

In general, braces help lessen knee pain and support the knee in cases of osteoarthritis. Every kind of arthritic knee brace functions differently. Braces can transfer your weight, stabilize your knee, or apply compression (pressure) to your soft tissues.

Compression sleeves for arthritic knees

A stretchy brace that fits tightly over your knee is called a compression sleeve. To improve comfort and lessen swelling, the brace grips the region surrounding your knee. Enhancing your proprioception—the sense of where your knee is about the rest of your body—can also make you feel more solid.

Additionally, some compression sleeves have straps that may be adjusted. This function helps the brace remain up by letting you adjust the fit and tension. Compression is provided by the proper fit without being too tight or creating swelling behind the knee.

Hinged knee brace

A hinged knee brace resembles a compression sleeve, except it features one or both short hinges. Your knee’s bending and straightening causes the hinge, which might be made of metal or rubber, to move.

In addition to providing some compression and aiding in proprioception, hinge braces also provide some side-to-side stability.

Unloader knee brace

An unloader knee brace is a hinged brace that is longer and more stiff. An orthodontist is a professional who makes bespoke or semi-custom knee braces. Molded plastic and foam cushioning are used to make unloader bracing. Usually, they feature steel struts to prevent your knee from swaying. To lessen strain on the inside or outside part of your knee, they are frequently adjustable bespoke knee braces. They can be large and heavy.

8 Best knee braces for arthritis:

ACE Adjustable Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers

It is the Best for runners.

This brace has three Velcro straps for comfort adjustment and is sturdy enough to keep your knee joint in place as you move.

Side stabilizers on the brace stop you from moving side to side when you’re working out. The brace’s easy hand-washing feature is an extra convenience, especially if you plan to use it for jogging or other exercises.

Although this brace is strong and ought to endure for some time, don’t count on it to last forever.

Powerlix Knee Brace

It is the Best compression sleeve.

Knee braces that resemble compression sleeves provide support for your knee without restricting your range of motion. Reviewers like this brace’s breathability and user-friendliness. It’s perfect for exercising, participating in sports, and assisting with everyday tasks.

Because it is moisture-wicking and simple to put on, it remains in place even when you perspire. The brace is kept from rolling up and shifting on your knee by two silicone strips on either end.

Selecting the appropriate size at the time of purchase is crucial for the best compression level. To make sure you obtain the proper size, consult the product page’s sizing chart and read reviews.

Vive Hinged Knee Brace

It is the Best hinged knee brace.

A hinged brace could be suggested by an orthopaedist or physical therapist if you’re recuperating from an injury and experiencing arthritic pain. As you recover, the hinges create a more stable environment by restricting some of the knee’s motions.

When you want strong support, you may rejoin the hinges after removing them as needed. Your kneecap has room to breathe thanks to the open patella design. The brace is available in three colors and features Velcro straps that can be adjusted.

Several reviews express dissatisfaction over the brace’s bulk. After wearing anything for an entire day, some people complain of itching. If you want the brace to last, you could eventually need to replace the Velcro, as is the case with many goods that employ Velcro straps.

KARM Adjustable Knee Brace

It is the Best for people with more weight.

This brace will suit a wide range of body shapes and knee widths, is composed of moisture-wicking material, and offers a great deal of stability.

Many people find this adjustable knee brace more comfortable because of its open-face patella design and extra-long Velcro straps. To support your joint as you kneel, there is also some additional padding surrounding the kneecap area.

This brace limits mobility with its side stabilizers and additional cushioning. It’s okay to wear it for walking and housework, but it can be too constricting for sports and other activities.

MODVEL Knee Sleeve

It is the Best budget-friendly brace.

These compression knee braces, which wear tightly over your kneecaps, increase knee stability. This two-piece set is a cost-effective way to wear a brace on both legs if you have arthritis in both of your knees.

Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Brace

It is the Best for athletes.

The Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Brace costs a lot more than the other braces.

In addition, it is breathable and comfortable, features that alternative knee compression sleeves might not offer.

It costs a third of what medical-grade compression alternatives do. An additional benefit is that it is composed of resilient, medical-grade materials.

Ultra Knee Support with Bilateral Hinges for Shock Doctor

It is the Best for pain relief.

If you must stand for extended periods, its cushioned, ventilated design is ideal. It is robust enough to endure exertion and offer support when flare-ups of arthritic pain occur.

The hinges’ support is intended to keep you from overextending your knee and causing more damage. When your knee needs a rest, the compression may feel comforting.

The hinge system may only be suitable for some people’s needs, and this brace is more expensive.

Although the straps may be adjusted to some extent, proper size is essential for comfort and use.

Ossur Unloader One

It is the Best unloader knee brace.

Most clinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of unloader-style knee braces in alleviating arthritic pain. As previously said, some research even suggests that they could postpone knee surgery.

Much of the research on the use and effectiveness of valgus knee braces in individuals with osteoarthritis has been supported by the well-known business Ossur. These braces lessen knee joint tension and promote healthy leg alignment.

Custom braces are among the several unloader brace solutions available from Ossur. The Unloader One knee brace has been one of their best-selling items for a long time. It is worthwhile to discuss an Ossur unloader knee brace with a physician if you have moderate to severe OA and are an active person.

How to purchase knee braces:

The following factors can be taken into account while looking for a knee brace:

Sizing: During use, the knee brace has to remain in place. To make sure they get the correct size, they should always refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart.

Type: To reduce knee pressure and increase flexibility, some people might like an open patella sleeve. Others, on the other hand, could need a closed compression sleeve, which will compress the kneecap and provide additional support there.

Material: Someone would want to think about searching for a product made of breathable and lightweight materials. People should keep in mind that they could be wearing something for a while, thus comfort is crucial. Furthermore, certain items could include latex, to which some people may be sensitive or allergic.

Support level: There are many levels of support available with knee braces. For instance, those that provide the greatest support could restrict mobility more than those that permit greater flexibility. A person must think about how much help they need.

Cost: When buying a knee brace, people must take their budget into account.

Can arthritic pain be relieved with a knee brace?

An orthosis, which is a device that fits a person’s body and helps them perform one of numerous things depending on their condition, is what a knee brace is.

• correct a deformity
• control alignment
• protect an injury from further damage

Although there isn’t much thorough research on the subject, a knee brace could be beneficial for arthritis. According to those who have done so, knee braces may not offer many advantages.

What are a custom-fit brace’s advantages and drawbacks?

A medical expert can suggest a custom-fit brace if you want to use it for extended periods.

Benefits

A 2021 study assessed the efficacy of a custom-fit unloader knee brace for osteoarthritis symptoms.

Along with conventional osteoarthritis treatments including medicine and physical therapy, one set of patients wore a custom-fit knee brace five days a week. Only the other treatments were administered to the other group.

After a year, there were more noticeable improvements in knee pain and function as well as general quality of life for the group using custom-fit knee braces.

The advantages of store-bought braces may be outweighed by those of custom-fit knee braces.

Custom-fit hinged knee braces, for instance, were found to improve balance during dynamic activities in 2018 research. In other studies, though, the researchers discovered that both kinds of knee braces fared similarly.

The drawbacks

Because a custom-fit brace is built just for you, it can be the most comfortable and effective brace available.

They may, however, be quite costly, occasionally coming in at almost $1,500.

Ask your insurance company if they would pay for all or part of the cost of a custom-fit knee brace if you’re thinking about obtaining one. Call the doctor’s office to find out whether they have payment plans or discounted prices for self-payers if you don’t have insurance.

What are the restrictions associated with using a brace for osteoarthritis?

Braces might not be for everyone, even though they can help with osteoarthritis symptoms and support the joint.

A 2011 review claims that because individuals wouldn’t wear braces, their usefulness is restricted. They discontinued using the brace for the following reasons:

• Pain
• Skin breakdown, redness, and irritation
• Increased swelling

Consult a medical expert to determine if a brace is appropriate for you.

When to consult a physician for arthritis in the knee:

• Have trouble moving your knee while performing normal tasks?
• Pain and stiffness in your knee.
• Knees or other joints that feel warm to the touch or seem flushed.
• Acute or sudden exacerbation of persistent knee pain (may be caused by meniscus tears).

Additionally, a prescription unloader brace may be helpful if you just have arthritis on one side of your knee. The appropriate brace for you may depend on the details of your osteoarthritis, which you may discuss with your doctor.

Summary

Although the AF indicates the devices can be helpful, research on the usefulness of knee braces for those with arthritis is ambiguous.

People need to seek their doctor for particular advice if they want to utilize a knee brace for arthritis. There is no one-size-fits-all sort of brace that works for everyone, although they can aid with walking and exercise and lessen pain.

FAQs

References

• West, M. (2023b, May 30). Knee braces for arthritis: What to know. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/knee-brace-for-arthritis
• Knee braces for osteoarthritis | Mass General Brigham. (2022, December 28). https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/knee-brace-for-osteoarthritis-what-to-look-for
• Cronkleton, E. (2024, September 24). 8 Best knee braces for arthritis. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/best-knee-braces-for-arthritis
• Crna, R. N. M. (2024c, May 14). Types of braces to treat osteoarthritis pain. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-osteoarthritis-braces