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Top 6 Best Knee Braces for Arthritis

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedJune 28, 2024

Arthritis is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints causing swelling, tenderness and whenever one is affected the movement becomes restricted. Stiffness of the knee is extremely troublesome especially if one has arthritis as basic activities such as walking, using stairs or even getting up from a chair could be a challenging task. Fortunately, knee braces are useful in minimizing the levels of pain and discomfort that would have been caused by arthritis.

Knee braces help to give the knee joint and surrounding ligaments and tendons extra support and it reduces the stress on the problematic area. They are many types, disparate from each other in an extent to which they are equipped with characteristics and advantages. However, not all knee braces that are available in the market a re of the same quality and this makes it very hard to choose the right one.

We devoted hours to find and try out different knee braces to determine the right knee brace for arthritis. The options included the kind of knee brace to be used, the degree of support provided by the brace and the material to be used in making the brace.

Top 3 Best Knee Braces for Arthritis

  1. Sparthos Hinged Knee Brace
  2. NEENCA Professional Knee Brace
  3. Modvel Compression Knee Brace for Women & Men

We understand the pain of living with arthritis and particularly when it strikes on the knees. This is why we’ve created the list of top knee braces for arthritis to help you get the needed relief and continue with joy your most beloved activities. The knee braces on the list have been reviewed based on comfort, sturdiness and a variety of other issues.

Sparthos Hinged Knee Brace

The Editor's Choice

The Sparthos Hinged Knee Brace is designed with open patella to ensure that it supports you as much as possible as well as double side metal stabilizers. Crafted from a highly breathable and soft material it is suitable for those who would be engaging in longer hours of training.

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The Sparthos Hinged Knee Brace offers a great feature for an open patella design which reduces pressure on the knee cap and a supporting feature. The metal side stabilizers mean that the bed does not shift in any direction it ought not to hence not worsening the existing conditions. This brace is made using high quality and selected, breathable fabrics that make the brace to be comfortable especially when used for long hours. It is sold in different sizes, in our case, we bought the large size.

The moment we wore on the Sparthos Knee Brace, we observed a lessened knee pain practically right away. The dual metal side stabilizers offered strong support especially during jogging and other physical activities. It also brought comfort and lightened the burden off our tendons as well due to the open patella design.

Pros

  • It comes with dual metal side stabilizers so that your knee will not shift from its position.
  • It is most effective for pain arising from injuries such as ACL, MCL and injuries arising from meniscus tear and arthritis pains.
  • It is comfortable to wear all day long.
  • The knee brace is ideal for both the male and female and for numerous activities.

Cons

  • The sizing may be inaccurate for some users.
  • Some users may find the brace a bit bulky under clothing.
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For knee arthritis, NEENCA Professional Knee Brace is one of the best braces that can help ease the pain and relief you.

Pros

  • It comes with side metal spring stabilizers for excellent side support and stability of the knee joint are other features of the product.
  • The new functional fabric enables the inhibition of stiffness and inflammation enhancing blood flow.
  • The high-elastic tight and breathable compression fabric hugs the knee’s curve and the brace effectively.

Cons

  • The brace may feel uncomfortable for some users.
  • The sizing may be inaccurate for some users.

As for the NEENCA Professional Knee Brace, we felt quite comfortable with its usage, owing to the product’s sophisticated elements and the properly aimed pressure relief. The brace has anatomically shaped patella gel pad and the double side metal spring on the medial/lateral will enhance side support and joint stability.

The functional fabric which has been incorporated in the designing of this clothing provides a means of accommodation of reduced stiffness and inflammation in the knee area promoting improved circulation hence protection from potential sports related injuries. The high elastic tight and breathability of the compression fabric can fit the curvature of your knee very well; moreover, our brace will not shift all day.

However, some users have complained of the brace shifting up and down when exercising and that it is slightly uncomfortable. Furthermore, there are issues with the sizing and; therefore, one must go through the size chart before placing an order.

All in all, if you need a knee brace for arthritis, it would be wise to take a close look at the NEENCA Professional Knee Brace. It offers local anesthesia as well as sophisticated technology instrumental in describing how to enhance the knee condition and its functioning.

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If you are in need of a good knee brace for arthritis, the Modvel Compression Knee Brace for Women & Men can be recommended to you.

Pros

  • The blend of nylon and latex makes it durable and lightweight.
  • Comes in seven sizes.
  • The knee brace is breathable and moisture-wicking.

Cons

  • The top of the knee brace rolls down when moving.
  • The sizing chart might not be accurate for all customers.

We tried the Modvel Compression Knee Brace for Women & Men, and we are more than satisfied with the quality and comfort of this product. Though the product combines nylon and latex, it is thin and very strong, and the knee brace is friendly to skin and does not smell due to its breathability and moisture management to accommodate usage throughout the day. Possible uses include those with meniscus tear, ACL, arthritis, and post-surgery swelling to get the best support possible.

However, some users have complained that the part touching the knee of the knee brace rolls down each time one is in motion, which can be slightly uncomfortable. The material used above the knee may also be in rubber like feel and this may prove uncomfortable especially after using the product for some time. As well, for some customers the sizing chart may not always be convenient so it is better to measure knee carefully before going for the purchase.

In conclusion, one can conclude about the fact that the Modvel Compression Knee Brace for Women & Men is great knee brace to pick for arthritis.

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If you're seeking for a knee brace for arthritis, count on the Bracoo Adjustable Compression Knee Patellar Pad Tendon Support Sleeve Brace.

Pros

  • Customizable open-patella design of the shorts reduces pressure and stress on the knee joint when exercising.
  • The stabilizer ring is provided with more density so that during the flexion and extension of knee cap.
  • The premium-grade neoprene used is breathable, soft enough and allows for the increased circulation of blood hence quicker recovery time.

Cons

  • The stabilizer ring is not that substantial.
  • The brace is not that effective for severe arthritis pain.

We found that the Bracoo Adjustable Compression Knee Patellar Pad Tendon Support Sleeve Brace is a great option for those with mild to moderate arthritis pain. The open-patella selected design reduce stress and force on knee joint during the exercise and the incorporated reinforced stabilizer ring helps to maintain position of knee cap in flexion and extension thereby sharing equal stress on ACL, PCL, LCL & MCL ligaments. The quality is also breathable and skin-friendly thus enhancing circulation and in turn improving on the healing time of the body part.

However, the stabilizer ring is not according to the mark and the brace quality is not very high. Moreover, brace is relatively helpful for conditions that trigger severe arthritis pain. All in all, the Bracoo Adjustable Compression Knee Patellar Pad Tendon Support Sleeve Brace can be recommended as good to have for those whose arthritis is not a severe case but can cause mild to moderate pain.

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For anyone in need of a quality knee brace, Copper Knee Braces by Qishytio is the best knee brace that provides support and shield and is very comfortable.

Pros

  • The copper-infused 3D knitted fabric; enables good cushioning, skin-friendly compression, and support for mitigating knee pain and preventing injuries.
  • Anti-slip silicone allows for comfortable wearing during exercises without slippage or the knee brace rolling up.
  • Tight can be used while running, hiking, basketball, soccer, golfing, tennis and skiing among other sporting activities.

Cons

  • The sizing may not be perfect for everyone
  • Some users may be allergic to the latex

Copper Knee Braces from the Qishytio company make the list of the most comfortable braces in our case but, at the same time, offering the necessary support for people experiencing knee problems. This knitted fabric gives a good cushioning and compression apart from which nylon blended with copper ions gives better benefits like early blood circulation and less stiffer.

We also like the use of the anti-slip silicone which allows the knee brace to be anchored firmly in position during exercising. The knee sleeve can be used during any type of activity and that is perfect especially during workouts or sports.

However, the sizes tend to vary slightly; therefore, it is advisable to consult the size chart to avoid receiving improper fitting clothes. Also, one can blame it on the fact that there is always a possibility of individuals being sensitive to the fact that it contains a small amount of latex.

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If you're looking for a knee brace that provides optimal support and pain relief, count on the Fit Geno Hinged Knee Brace. The two aluminium hinges on the sides together with the side stabilizers makes it one of the best ACL knee braces for men as well as women.

Pros

  • The Fit Geno Hinged Knee Brace provides optimum knee support and relieve from injury and ailment concerning the knee joint.
  • The kneecap of the adjustable knee brace is designed to fit the leg perfectly while allowing the knee to move freely in case of a spill and in so doing shield the knee from any harm.
  • The breathable material offers compression and warm sensation, thus fits the bill of recovery and pain management techniques.

Cons

  • The brace may not fit all leg sizes.
  • May not be effective to those with severe knee injuries or conditions.

We've used the Fit Geno Hinged Knee Braceand we can recommend as one of the best for supporting knee and related injuries or conditions. The dual aluminum hinges as well as the side stabilizers provide maximum support to enhance medial and lateral stability and to re-establish from a meniscus tear runner’s knee sprains, athletic compression, sport injuries, mild osteoarthritis, PCL/MCL/LCL, and other ligament issues.

The knee designed is adjustable such that it wraps your leg perfectly, just in case of an accident, your knee will be safeguarded without rigidity. As for the dual aluminum hinges, they can be pulled out from the integrated sleeves; however, the side stabilizers will hold enough load as necessary. This soft, elastic, shock- proof medical grade Patella Gel Pad is stitched at the patella to safeguard against this element of injury.

The elasticity of the material helps in creating a compression and warm layer that is comfortable yet has better ventilation, so it does not cause skin rash; hence, it is an effective technique for recovery and pain management! The open patella and back with cushion do relieve the stress/pressure on the knee somewhat. This also helps in proper positioning of kneecap while staying secure when walking or running, while the open-back is aimed at maximum comfort and eliminates the problem of fabric folding in case of extended usage.

Buying Guide

When searching for the best knee brace for arthritis to purchase, here are the factors that you should always consider.

Comfort

One of the crucial factor to consider when using a knee brace is comfort. You don’t want to have brace that is uncomfortable and chaff your skin, you need to ensure the brace fits well. Choose a brace that will allow you to adjust it in such a way that there can be additional padding or cushioning to help in making the brace a little more comfortable.

Support

The amount of support offered by a knee brace is also something that one needs to look into when choosing a knee brace. Arthritis leads to instability of the knee joint; therefore, seeking a brace that offers suitable support to the joint to avoid more harm will be useful in this case.

Material

The material of the knee brace can affect its durability and effectiveness. Choose the brace that is made out of strongly built material and meshes well with the body. Neoprene is used in knee braces since it is a tough skin and which does not affect the comfort of the knee braces.

Type

There are several types of knee braces available, including sleeve, wraparound, and hinged ones. Each has its advantages and disadvantages so the choice of the type of brace should be made depending on the type of activity and its specifics.

Size

The size of the knee brace depends also on the customer’s needs while either too large or too small brace might not guarantee both comfort and efficiency. Ensure you get your knee size right to get a brace that hugs the knee but does not enclose it too tightly. As a rule, there are straps or some mechanisms that allow to change the size of the knee brace and make it as comfortable as possible.

Incorporating in these crucial factors, you will be able to find the best knee brace for arthritis that can cater the right support, comfort and adequate sturdiness which will enable you for more activities though you have arthritis knee pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of knee brace is recommended for bone-on-bone arthritis?

For bone-on-bone arthritis, an unloader knee brace is recommended. It assists in re-distributing the weight bearing load off the painful part of the knee joint thus providing relief to the patient.

Can a knee brace provide relief for arthritis and a meniscus tear simultaneously?

Yes, having a knee brace is actually helpful for having both arthritis and a meniscus tear in the knee area. In this case a hinged knee brace should be advised. That helps to support the structure of the knee joint and also helps to reduce the movement which can lead to more pain or further injuries.

What are the different types of knee braces available for managing osteoarthritis?

There are three main types of knee braces available for managing osteoarthritis:

  • Unloader knee braces, specially designed knee braces that do not allow the you to put much pressure on the specific area of the knee joint.
  • Prophylactic knee braces, which are manufactured to be used on healthy but at risk knees or on knees that previously endured some kind of injury.
  • Rehabilitative knee braces; are used after knee surgery or injury to support the joint.

How does an unloader knee brace benefit those with arthritis?

An unloader knee brace helps those with arthritis since it provides a decrease in the weight-bearing forces over the specific area of the knee joint. This can assist in the elimination of pains and stinging sensations, as well as the deceleration of the disease’s course.

What features should one look for in a knee brace for rheumatoid arthritis?

When seeking for a knee brace for rheumatoid arthritis, the brace should be one that gives support and compression on the affected knee joint. It should also be easy to wear comfortable and should be made to fit different size of knees.

Are there specific knee braces that doctors commonly recommend for arthritis sufferers?

Yes, there are knee braces that orthopaedic specialists recommend to clients with arthritis conditions. Some of the types of knee braces are unloader knee braces, hinged knee braces and neoprene knee sleeves. The kind of knee brace that is to be prescribed depends on the degree and the area of arthritis affecting the knee.

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