This brace is lightweight but compressive with a breathable material and open patella design, making it the best choice when it comes to relieving knee pain. Reviewers loved that it kept their knees feeling stable and secure, and that it didn't cut off their circulation after wearing for an extended period of time. It’s important to note that this product can impede mobility a bit should you want to move around a lot. It’s also a bit heavier than other braces on our list.

While you need to consult with a medical professional if you are facing an injury, knee braces can help with a wide variety of ailments. In particular, we like Bauerfeind’s GenuTrain S Knee Brace, which is designed to be able to help with arthritis, advanced meniscus tears, and knee sprains, as well as other injuries. There are many reasons that warrant investing in a knee brace, but it's important to get the right one for you. “Increasingly, people get knee braces on their own online," says Dr. Metzl. "Though you won’t hurt yourself by putting yourself in a knee brace, make sure you need it and are using it properly." Here are some tips to help you shop for the best knee brace:Whether you are recovering from a meniscus tear, ACL injury, or post-surgical procedure, the NEENCA Professional Knee Brace aids in your rehabilitation journey. It offers the necessary compression and support to protect and stabilize the injured joint, allowing for a speedy and successful recovery. Managing Arthritis Pain The ergonomic Neenca Professional Brace uses a blend of nylon and spandex to deliver breathable, chafe-free compression to the knee. This medical-grade sleeve also has comfy patella gel pads and metal spring stabilizers for added support.

And don’t worry about these sleeves slipping down your legs mid-workout. The top of each sleeve is double-lined with silicone gel strips, which keep them securely in place as you lift. The sleeves are currently available in sizes small through extra-extra-large. An added feature that we appreciate for support, particularly for people with patella issues, is the open patella with a padded buttress to help keep it in place. Do note, the brace runs a bit small, and the velcro may wear out over time.

Fit: A knee brace is meant to have a secure fit. “The brace should be snug because if it’s not snug enough or feels loose it will slide down the leg eventually," says Lozada. However, "it shouldn’t be so tight that it’s uncomfortable." Dr. Metzl points out that some patients may even get rashes if their knee braces are too tight, so it's important to find one that fits well. Breathable, flexible, and durable, the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve makes for a great addition to any running routine, offering those who wear running shoes for bad knees even more support. The sleeve is made from a blend of nylon mesh and spandex, which is lightweight yet durable. Its four-way stretch design also offers plenty of support and compression without limiting your range of motion. And since the interior is lined with wavy silicone grips, you won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you run.

When standing, your leg is not normally totally straight. Your knee should have a small bend that is about 30 degrees. When it comes to combatting knee pain and finding relief, the NEENCA Professional Knee Brace is a top contender worth considering. This adjustable hinged knee support is designed to provide strong stability and alleviate joint pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, meniscus tear, ACL injury, and PCL strain, making it an excellent choice for athletes, runners, and individuals suffering from knee discomfort. Scientific research and evidence support the effectiveness of knee braces in promoting pain relief and improving knee function, and the NEENCA Professional Knee Brace is no exception. Yes, knee sleeves can help support the knee, reduce pain, and improve overall functionality. “One way to determine whether a brace is helpful is to simply wear one and determine the response to pain and function,” says Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Keep in mind that wearing a knee sleeve should not be a substitute for an evaluation and treatment plan for knee pain from a doctor or physical therapist. For athletes, runners, and sports enthusiasts, the NEENCA Professional Knee Brace is a game-changer. It offers the necessary support and protection to prevent knee injuries during high-impact activities. By reducing the risk of strains and sprains, this knee brace enables individuals to perform at their best and push their limits. Everyday Knee Pain ReliefHowever, not all knee braces are made the same. Charles Hummer, MD, FAAOS, FACS, of Premier Orthopaedics says cheaper models may not provide proper cushioning and can lead to hard plastics impinging on your skin. With this in mind, he tells us comfort is important because patients are more likely to wear the brace if it isn’t a chore. A good knee brace can alleviate pain and make movement that was previously undoable a more realistic reality, restoring a level of higher quality to your life in the process. We particularly like Neenca’s Knee Brace for movement due to a few unique features. The brace’s even compression provides effective pain relief, allowing you to return to movements that previously caused pain. Other features that make this a good choice for people looking to move include elastic webbing on the inside and non-slip gel grips, which keep the brace in place through end ranges of motion. Choosing the proper knee brace for you will be determined by your needs as different problems require different solutions. Some common conditions to consider when selecting a knee brace include:

Dr. Wu says overreliance on a knee brace can bring about its own set of issues, noting that overuse can weaken the musculature surrounding the knee joint. Furthermore, the skin underneath can be irritated if the brace is too tight or if proper hygiene isn’t accounted for. Lastly, she tells us that if the brace is too tight, it can irritate your nerves. The inclusion of removable side stabilizers in this knee brace reinforces the joint and provides additional support during activities. These stabilizers can be easily inserted or removed depending on your needs, allowing for versatility and adaptability in various situations. Strong Stability and Joint Support Recovery/post-surgical knee braces: As the name implies, these braces are designed to aid in recovery. Dr. Wu says they are much more rigid, which limits motion for both straightening and bending the knee. While they will vary based on the condition, Dr. Wu notes that recovery braces generally work to reduce pressure in the joint and protect the knee from moving too much. Dr. Hummer also notes that rehab braces may inhibit range of motion and prevent further damage.Because of the fit and material, the sleeve is a good choice for someone who needs it for everyday relief, but it can also be worn to exercise since it allows for a full range of motion. The lower profile Dr. Wu mentions is a benefit should you wear the brace while out and about, since it can be worn under pants without being bulky and bulging through. The compression encourages blood flow, which can enhance lubrication and reduce pain, and it provides support to the kneecap to help keep the brace in place. The adjustable straps are bi-directional and cross above and below the knee to offer added kneecap stability and keep the patella more stationary during movement. Plus, if you are looking to be active while wearing this brace, stabilizer springs are built into both the left and right sides to work with the natural movement patterns of the joint so that mobility isn’t inhibited.