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Home » Orthopedic Bracing & Support » Knee Brace » Page 2

Knee Brace

Choosing The Right Knee Brace

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A knee brace (or knee splint) can be used to relieve and heal a wide range of common causes of knee pain. Whether you are suffering from a case of patellar tendonitis, a torn meniscus or a torn ACL, you will find a great choice for pain relief below. Knee braces are also sometimes also called knee supports, although we prefer to reserve this term for a particular sub category, which we discuss below.

However, knee splints are not all the same – they come in a vast number of styles, types and sizes. To make the best choice, there are a number of important questions to consider, which we outline below.

Knee Brace Questions

Key questions for medical professionals to ask when selecting a knee brace include the following. Please read our post on general knee brace questions & answers for more information.

What type of brace is best for the condition I want to treat?

There are basically five types of knee brace that can be purchased “off the shelf”- hinged braces, knee stabilizers/supports, knee sleeves, knee straps, patella stabilizers and offloading knee braces. As an alternative to getting a knee brace “off the shelf”, you can also have one custom made.

Hinged Knee Braces

Hinged knee braces will offer the maximum lateral knee support (protection from tearing or overstretching of ligaments on either the inside or outside of the knee). They will also allow the patient to maintain the most natural knee movement possible. Hinged braces are most useful for severe knee instability problems such as those caused by torn knee ligaments or meniscus tear injuries. These types of injuries are unfortunately relatively common in contact sports or in sports requiring sharp changes in direction or speed of running.

Please read our post on hinged knee brace questions and answers if you need more information on this type of brace.

Knee Stabilizers/Supports

A knee stabilizer will be an appropriate choice to treat mild knee injuries such as moderate knee sprains (when the ligament has been overstretched and not torn). These braces don’t have hinges but are instead equipped with metal or plastic stays or metal springs along the sides to provide some lateral knee stability (although not as much as you would get from a hinged knee brace).

If you don’t have a severe knee instability problem but would just like to walk, run or play sports with increased confidence in your knee, you may find that a simple knee support or stabilizer is best suited for your needs.

Knee Sleeves

Knee sleeves come without either hinges or metal/plastic stays or springs, so they do not provide any lateral knee support. They are an appropriate choice if you are looking for warmth and compression to improve circulation and treat a mild knee injury. They should also be considered if you wish to reduce the risk of a knee injury while walking or running or if you are participating in an athletic event.

Knee Straps

Knee straps are used to apply pressure to specific areas of the knee joint. For example, if you are suffering from patellar tendinitis, you can use a knee strap to apply pressure to the patellar tendon situated just below your patella or knee cap. Alternatively you can wear a knee strap above your knee to apply pressure to your iliotibial band and reduce the friction as it moves across the bony protusion on your outer knee.

Patella Stabilizers

Patella stabilizers (also called patella braces) are designed to help prevent patella instability problems like subluxation and/or tilting. The main feature of these braces is usually a buttress around the knee cap that helps keep it properly seated in the knee’s trochlear groove. These braces can sometimes include other features as well, such as metal stays or springs to provide lateral joint stability.

Unloader Knee Braces

Unloader knee braces are useful in treating cases of knee osteoarthritis when the cartilage between the thigh and shin bones has deteriorated to the point at which the bones are making direct contact with each other. The result of this is considerable knee pain when walking or placing weight on the knee. An unloader brace is designed to shift the point of contact between these two bones from an area of cartilage deterioration to one with healthier cartilage, reducing pain in the process.

Using an unloader knee brace will help to defer the time at which a knee replacement operation may be needed. In fact it may actually eliminate the need for a knee replacement by deferring the time when one may be needed beyond the patient’s remaining life expectancy.

Please read our post on unloading knee braces if you would ike more detailed information on this type of brace.

Custom Made Knee Braces

As an alternative to an off the shelf brace, custom knee braces are also available, albeit at a significantly higher cost. Although these braces are not among those available on this site, they may be the appropriate choice if the medical professional treating the patient feels that his or her knee injury is untypical of those for which off the shelf braces are intended.

What type of knee brace closure should I get?

There are essentially two closure styles available – slip on and wraparound. The former is put on (as the name implies) by inserting your foot through the opening of the brace and pulling it up over your leg. This type of brace is normally sized since the fit must be precisely determined in order to get the best support.

Wraparound braces, on the other hand, can be placed either in front of or behind the knee. You then adjust this brace using its Velcro straps. This type of knee splint is well suited for individuals with compromised manual dexterity or strength. Individuals with certain neurological conditions are examples.

Wraparound (also called front closure) knee braces are also a good choice for individuals with unusual knee or leg shapes. They normally use Velcro enclosures that provide the versatility needed to adapt to such shapes.

Should my brace have an open or closed patella?

A closed patella brace will give your kneecap the same support as provided to the rest of your knee.

Open patella knee braces relieve the pressure on the knee cap and are generally more comfortable. They include knee splints with buttresses that provide maximum support for the patella to assist with patella tracking problems. The greater comfort level of these braces can be a great help with patient compliance (making it easier for the patient to wear the brace as much as he/she needs to for it to be effective).

What size of brace does the patient need?

Sizes can be measured in various ways but the correct size is essential if the brace is to function as intended. If the brace is too large, it may not provide the degree of compression and/or support the patient needs. On the other hand, if it is too tight and uncomfortable, the patient may not be able to wear it for extended periods. This would then compromise its therapeutic effectiveness.

One good rule of thumb if you find yourself between sizes is to use the larger size.

Please bear these questions in mind as you browse our selection of knee splints below. For more information, please consult our posts on choosing a knee brace for basket ball, choosing a knee support for running or on choosing the best knee brace for running. Other useful information may be found in our post on choosing a knee brace for a meniscus tear or on how an ACL brace aids recovery from ACL injury.

Suggested Knee Brace Products

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Type of Injury

Back Of Knee Pain(6)
Chondromalacia(9)
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness(1)
IT Band Syndrome(1)
Knee Arthritis(12)
Knee Bursitis(5)
Knee Hyperextension Injury(8)
Knee Joint Instability(32)
Knee Joint Swelling(11)
Knee Osteoarthritis(6)
Knee Pain(9)
Knee Popping Sound(10)
Knee Tendonitis(7)
LCL Tear(5)
Ligament Sprain(1)
MCL Tear(5)
Meniscus Tear(9)
Osgood Schlatter Disease(4)
Osteoarthritis(6)
Patella Tracking(9)
Patellar Subluxation(20)
Patellar Tendinitis(10)
Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis(4)
Patellofemoral Syndrome(3)
PCL Injury(2)
Runners Knee(1)
Sore Knees(1)
Sprained Knee(19)
Torn ACL(2)

Brand

BioSkin®(21)
LP® Support(8)
McDavid®(16)
Mueller® Sports Medicine(23)
ProBand®(1)

Product Category

Hinged Knee Brace(24)
Knee Sleeve(10)
Knee Stabilizer(26)
Knee Strap(6)
Patella Stabilizer(2)
Unloader Knee Brace(1)

Price Range

In Stock

ITB Strap
Knee Strap
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The Mueller Sports Medicine ITB Strap relieves the pain of iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome.
In Stock

Jumper’s Knee Strap
Knee Strap
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This popular knee strap applies pressure to the patellar tendon to reduce the pain of tendonitis. Available in seven colors and is a one size design.
Knee Brace With Dual Disk Hinges
Hinged Knee Brace
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The McDavid Knee Brace With Dual Disk Hinges has an open 360˚ padded buttress that isolates and supports the patella and bound edges prevent irritation. In addition, a perforated back panel provides heat and moisture management and all-around comfort.
Level 3: Maximum Protection – Moderate medial and lateral support for improving stability; aids in recovery
Knee Brace With Polycentric Hinges
Hinged Knee Brace
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The McDavid Knee Brace With Polycentric Hinges has bi-lateral geared polycentric hinges for stability and free movement. Its engineered top and bottom straps assure a personalized fit, which enhances user comfort.
Level 3: Maximum Protection – High-level support; improving medial and lateral stability, helping reduce injury and assist recovery
Knee Sleeve
Knee Sleeve
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The McDavid Knee Sleeve features their exclusive 5-needle stitch for a flatter, cleaner and stronger seam. It also has a seamless back of knee design for added comfort and outer heavy duty nylon fabric for added durability.
Level 1: Primary Protection – Minor support helping to relieve pain and promote healing of tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis and other non-specific knee conditions
In Stock

Knee Sleeve / 4-Way Elastic With Gel Buttress
Knee Sleeve
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The McDavid Knee Sleeve/4-Way Elastic With Gel Buttress has a 4-way stretch elastic material that allows for increased compression and fit without heat retention.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support and relief from pain associated with arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis
Knee Sleeve / 4-Way Elastic With Gel Buttresses & Stays
Knee Sleeve
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The McDavid Knee Sleeve / 4-Way Elastic With Gel Buttresses & Stays has a 4-way stretch elastic material that provides increased compression and a closer fit without heat retention.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support and relief from pain associated with arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis
Knee Sleeve / Elastic
Knee Sleeve
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The McDavid Knee Sleeve / Elastic provides compression and soft tissue support. Its elastic construction allows it to breathe for cool knees and is ideal for those with neoprene allergies. Its pull on design facilitates application.
Level 1: Primary Protection – Minor support and pain relief from arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis
Knee Stabilizer
Knee Stabilizer
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The LP Support Knee Stabilizer has bilateral stays for optimum joint support and a hook and loop closure design that facilitates compression adjustment when needed. This neoprene based knee support will also keep the joint warm, thus reducing stiffness and maintaining supple ligaments to reduce the risk of sprains.
Knee Strap / Patella
Knee Strap
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The McDavid Knee Strap / Patella has a tubular, non-slip buttress that applies constant uniform compression at the patellar tendon. It has an adjustable hook and loop closure for custom fit.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Reducing symptoms of patellar tendonitis (runner’s/jumper’s knee), Osgood-Schlatter disease and patella tracking
In Stock

Knee Support
Knee Stabilizer
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The LP Knee Support is made from nylon to provide four way uniform compression allied to optimal comfort. The brace comes with an strap that can be optionally used for extra adjustability and user comfort.
Knee Support / Adjustable
Knee Stabilizer
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The McDavid Knee Support / Adjustable has movable padded buttresses for added compression and pain relief. There is also an adjustable hook and loop closure for custom fit. The flat-seam construction provides ultra comfort and contouring fit
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Reducing symptoms of patellar tendonitis (runner’s/jumper’s knee), Osgood-Schlatter disease and patella tracking
Knee Support With Open Patella
Knee Stabilizer
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The McDavid Knee Support With Open Patella has an open knee design for added comfort around the patella. This brace also features McDavid’s exclusive 5-needle stitch for a flatter, cleaner and stronger seam.
Level 1: Primary Protection – Minor support helping to relieve pain and promote healing of tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis and other non-specific knee conditions
Knee Support With Stays
Knee Stabilizer
Rated 5.00 out of 5
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The McDavid Knee Support With Stays has a padded buttress that supports the patella. Spring steel stays provide reinforced support and elastic hook and loop straps ensure an outstanding fit. There is an exterior layer of nylon fabric for durability.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support helping to relieve symptoms and aid recovery from chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and tendonitis
In Stock

Knee Support With Stays & Cross Straps
Knee Stabilizer
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The McDavid Knee Support With Stays & Cross Straps features reinforced spring steel stays offer enhanced medial-lateral confidence. Also included are elastic cross straps for enhanced compression and added rotational and collateral ligament support. The padded open buttress offers 360˚ support of the patella.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support helping to relieve symptoms and aid recovery from chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and tendonitis
In Stock

Kneed-It Knee Strap For Pain Relief
Knee Strap
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The Kneed-It Knee strap relieves minor knee pain commonly associated with arthritis, tendonitis and chondromalacia.
In Stock

OA Spiral Dynamic Unloading Knee Brace
Unloader Knee Brace
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Relieve your patients’ tibiofemoral and patellofemoral OA pain with the BioSkin OA Spiral Knee Brace. It provides clinically validated pain relief and is easy to fit, apply and use. Made in the USA.
In Stock

OmniForce Adjustable Knee Stabilizer AKS-500
Knee Stabilizer
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The Mueller OmniForce Knee Stabilizer AKS-500 aims to alleviate moderate knee pain and instability and features 3 coiled alloy stays and soft, comfortable and breathable fabric to provide superior moisture management. Replaces the MU4540 and MU230 knee supports.
In Stock

Open Patella Knee Sleeve
Knee Sleeve
Rated 5.00 out of 5
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Knee Sleeve – Open Patella provides soothing warmth and even compression. Open patella design relieves pressure on your kneecap. Fits either knee.
Open Patella Knee Support
Knee Stabilizer
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The Open Patella Knee Support from LP has a comfort oriented design thanks to its Velcro hook & loop closure and open patella design that helps to avoid excess knee warmth. The combination of neoprene and stretch nylon ensures that the knee gets optimal support where it is most needed without compromising the overall comfort level of the brace. One Size. Available for both “Chronic ” and “”Prevention” levels of protection.
In Stock

Patella Stabilizer
Patella Stabilizer
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Patella Stabilizer helps provide relief from chondromalacia (irritated kneecap) with a comfortable patella buttress. Fits either knee. Replaces the MU2313 Patella Stabilizer.
In Stock

Patella Stabilizer
Patella Stabilizer
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The Bio Skin Patella Stabilizer is an excellent choice to treat anterior knee pain and other knee problems. Constructed from Bio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the patella stabilizer gives excellent compression to control swelling and decrease pain in the knee. The donut shaped buttresses stabilize the patella and help keep swelling away from the knee joint. The brace is comfortable to wear and stays in place even during vigorous activity.
In Stock

Patella Stabilizer with Conforma Hinge
Hinged Knee Brace
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Relief and support for sore knees with performance foam patellar ring
The Bio Skin Patella Stabilizer with Conforma Hinge is an excellent choice to treat anterior knee pain and other knee problems. Constructed from Bio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the patella stabilizer gives excellent compression to control swelling and decrease pain in the knee. The donut shaped buttresses stabilize the patella and help keep swelling away from the knee joint. The brace is comfortable to wear and stays in place even during vigorous activity.
In Stock

Premium J
Knee Stabilizer
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Patella subluxation and patellofemoral pain treatment
The Bio Skin Premium J combines function, comfort and affordability. Constructed from Bio Skin`s breathable materials, the Premium J gives excellent compression without causing discomfort. A buttress on the outside of the patella prevents patella subluxation and knee dislocation. The two elastic straps that cross over the knee help seat the patella in the trochlear groove to increase surface contact area and decrease patellofemoral pain.

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