The knee brace you choose will depend on your lifestyle needs. Dr. McGahee says that post-surgical braces are prescribed by a healthcare provider so they can determine the amount of movement necessary. The other types of knee brace can be purchased over-the-counter.
We researched dozens of knee braces and evaluated them for the following attributes: adjustability, cost, material, durability, sizing, and fit. Each of the knee braces chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.
Here are the best knee braces for arthritis on the market today.
Made of neoprene, nylon, and polyester, the brace is super easy to wash and wear. What’s more, it comes in three different sizes.
Price at time of publication: $36
It’s also made of antimicrobial material that works to eliminate odors, and it has an open back that won’t bunch up. It also has hinges on either side of the knee, which extend and support the knee to prevent hyperextension.
Price at time of publication: $30
This brace also has super grip tabs so that it’s easy to get on and fitted properly. It works to lift and compress the knee so that you experience improved blood flow. It’s also great for people with arthritis, hypertension, patella instability, meniscus injuries or minor alignment sprains.
Price at time of publication: $53
While there is an extensive sizing guide available, there are also adjustable straps that will help you personally tailor the amount of pressure that’s put on your knee and patella. The brace is made of neoprene, nylon, and spandex, and is specifically formulated with materials that are intended to reduce smell and bacteria buildup.
Price at time of publication: $35
Price at time of publication: $135
This brace is made of anti-slip silicone so you don’t have to worry about it moving around. It evenly distributes pressure in order to reduce swelling and inflammation while improving blood flow.
Price at time of publication: $30
Price at time of publication: $19
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These knee braces for arthritis are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great knee braces for arthritis, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These knee braces for arthritis are just average.
3.4 and below: We don’t recommend knee braces for arthritis with this rating; you won’t find any on our list.
Material
Some of the most common materials you’ll see in arthritis knee braces are neoprene, polyester, and nylon. If your knee brace has hinges, it may feature some metal components on the sides. Whichever fabric or material you choose entirely depends on what’s most comfortable for you. Traditional neoprene is not breathable, but it is thermal and helps provide extra insulation. Depending on how it feels on your skin or the weather outside, you may want to adjust the type of material you use. Some braces are made out of vented neoprene, which allows for more airflow and even moisture-wicking capabilities. Lightweight neoprene may also be a more breathable option. Consider your needs, the climate, and any allergies to materials before making your decision.
Fit
Most knee braces you can buy online come in different sizes or are sized to different genders. Compression “sleeve” knee braces, may have to be chosen to more exact sizing, whereas wrap-around type braces are able to be personally adjusted to your knee size.
Knee braces with hinges are typically worn post-surgery. “Knee braces are typically used for protective or stabilizing functions,” says Vikram Sathyendra, MD, a New Jersey-based orthopedic surgeon. He also specializes in orthopedics. “I typically use braces after a sprain of one of the collateral ligaments in the knee (the ligaments on the side of the knee) or post-surgery to protect a ligament repair. I also use patellofemoral braces to improve tracking of the patella (kneecap) and reduce anterior knee pain in patellofemoral syndrome.”
In rare cases, your doctor may suggest a custom knee brace that can suit your exact needs.
Potential Dangers
According to Dr. Sathyendra, “evidence is pretty mixed and inconclusive in terms of using a brace for arthritis in the knee.” If you find a knee brace does help alleviate your arthritis pain, make sure you let your doctor know you’ve decided to wear one, and closely monitor the usage together.
“Typically, knee arthritis affects the inside part of the knee,” says Dr. Sathyendra. “Logically, offloading this part of the joint and putting more pressure on the outside part of the knee should alleviate some of the pain and stress. However, there is no study which shows that offloading braces, designed to re-align the leg back into place and lessen the pressure on knee joints, actually work.”
Knee braces can actually make your knee stiffer, so if you notice the opposite effect that the brace is supposed to have—i.e. limited mobility—make sure to stop wearing it and consult with your doctor immediately. “By offloading one part of the knee joint, we are now putting more of a load onto another part of the knee joint. If there is already arthritis in the outside part of the knee, we can aggravate that part of the knee,” says Dr. Sathyendra.
Why Trust Verywell Health?
An experienced health writer, Brittany Loggins understands how important it is to have a comprehensive understanding of the products she’s recommending. All of the products found in her pieces have either been tested by her first hand or have been recommended by trusted medical professionals.
Additional reporting for this story by Brittany Leitner
As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won’t break the bank.
