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Joint support is key when you’re experiencing pain. See why we have pegged ACE, Powerlix, Vive, KARM, MODVEL, Bauerfeind, and Shock Doctor as the best providers of knee braces for arthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is an extremely common condition that can affect any of your joints. When you have OA, it’s not unusual to experience pain and stiffness in your knees. Some people with arthritis have found that a knee brace can help.
A knee brace can help with arthritis pain and stiffness by providing support to the joint as you walk. A brace may also give you more confidence in your stability as you complete your daily activities.
Many knee braces are available, but not all of them will work well for arthritis. We did the work of narrowing down which knee braces work best for arthritis. Read on to find out which one might be a good fit for you.
We selected the knee braces on this list based on the following criteria:
Verified customer reviews: We read through hundreds of customer reviews to get a feel for what people love about these products, as well as red flags to look out for.
Peer-reviewed literature: Dozens of published, peer-reviewed studies have investigated whether or not knee braces actually work to help with arthritis pain and other symptoms. We used these studies to figure out what was most important in a knee brace for arthritis.
Materials and construction: We looked for products that were durable and, wherever possible, washable so that they’ll last you a long time.
Brand reputation: We looked at each company’s reputation to ensure customers can confidently trust the product’s safety, quality, and effectiveness. We also favored companies with excellent customer service policies.
All knee braces basically serve the same function. Their job is to help the tendons and ligaments in your leg stabilize your knee joint. Most braces stabilize by compression or through straps that tighten around your knee. When your joint is stabilized, it may minimize the pain you feel as you go about your day.
In a 2017 study of people with osteoarthritis, participants who wore a soft knee brace had lower pain levels while walking and took less time to complete a 10-kilometer walk.
In that same study, a tight brace — which was defined by a measurement of the lower leg and thigh circumference and a size smaller than the soft brace — was found to help reduce walking time even more for study participants.
For people with rheumatoid arthritis, some rheumatologists prescribe medical-grade braces as a first-line treatment for pain in the knee.
Even if you don’t have a prescription for this type of medical device, you can get one:
To choose the best knee brace for your needs, consider the following:
Type: Decide if you prefer a sleeve or wraparound design. Some braces feature hinges, an open patella, and a padded knee ring.
Support level: Decide how much support you want, which may vary during different activities. High support braces may restrict mobility, and low support options offer more flexibility.
Comfort and fit: Choose a lightweight, breathable fabric that’s supportive yet comfortable. If you have sensitive skin, look for moisture-wicking fabric and a nonirritating design. Consider the bulkiness and if you can get it on and off easily.
Size options: For knee braces that offer several sizes, take your measurements accurately to ensure the correct fit. For adjustable designs, make sure your size is within the range. Custom braces are also available.
Customer reviews: Read online reviews, paying attention to those that mention your needs, such as athletic support, injury recovery, and pain relief.
Price: Plan to spend more if you want a durable high support brace. You may have to replace inexpensive designs more frequently.
difficulty moving your knee during daily activities
stiffness and tenderness in your knee
knees or other joints that are red or warm to the touch
Additionally, if you have unilateral arthritis, you might benefit from a prescription unloader brace. Talking with your doctor about the specifics of your osteoarthritis can help you decide which brace might be best for your needs.
Knee compression sleeves, also known as soft braces, can be good for arthritis, especially if you run or play sports. They’re not so good at stabilizing your knee or keeping the joint in place if you’re recovering from an injury.
How do you put on a knee brace?
It depends on what type of brace you buy. Be sure to read package directions carefully. Generally, braces can be either pulled on and adjusted around your kneecap — like a compression sleeve — or strapped on using Velcro straps. Some braces will need a bit of fiddling as you figure out how tightly to pull each strap.
How do you measure your knee for a knee brace?
Every knee brace has different measurement specifications, and you should check product descriptions carefully to figure out what the right size is for you. Some braces are one-size-fits-most, while others require more precise measurement.
Knee braces may help keep your knee joint in proper alignment or simply provide a feeling of support as you go about your day-to-day activities. These braces can help you feel more empowered to do the things you want to do while managing arthritis pain. Speak with your doctor if you’re having frequent joint pain that’s limiting your mobility.
Last medically reviewed on May 24, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Cudejko T, et al. (2017). The immediate effect of a soft knee brace on pain, activity limitations, self-reported knee instability, and self-reported knee confidence in patients with knee osteoarthritis. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5709997/
