What is a good / the best knee brace for you?

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There are many types of knee problems, and just as many types of knee braces available. Knee pain can be localized on the inner or outer side of the knee Shutterstock Tutki and be felt, for example, while running or bending the knee. An irritated or injured knee needs support, protection, and pain relief. You can find a wide variety of knee supports online. The best and most suitable knee brace for you can be found by considering the few factors below before making a purchasing decision. After this, it will be easier to choose from the comprehensive selection in our online store.

Intended Use

It is good to consider the intended use of the support before purchasing an orthosis. Do you want to use the brace preventatively, during sports, or in everyday use, or do you need support before or after knee surgery? A compressive knee sleeve stabilizes the knee, which can, for example, improve performance, while a hyperextension brace can also limit the range of motion if necessary, such as in the event of a ligament injury. In our online store, choosing a support based on its intended use is a step easier: using the top and side menus or filters, you can display not only supports intended for a specific body part but also those for several common diagnoses or other intended uses.

In some braces, the kneecap area is open, while in others, the patella is hidden under the support. Open patella braces relieve pressure on the kneecap, making the support more suitable for daily use. Knee braces with a closed patella area compress the entire knee region, including the patella area. A closed knee brace can provide relief if the pain point is difficult to pinpoint or if there is swelling in the knee.

Price Range

The price of a knee brace is determined by the material used, the manufacturing method, and the user's selection criteria. The prices of the most affordable knee braces, intended for mild support and sports use, typically start at around 15 euros, while hinged orthoses equipped with range-of-motion limiters can be worth several hundred euros. In between these extremes are many types of supports designed for various intended uses.

Choosing the Right Size

To find the right size, you should check the product's size chart, and if you are between two sizes, it is generally advisable to choose the larger size so that the support feels comfortable and does not restrict blood circulation. The brace should compress the supported area but still feel comfortable to wear. Adjustable braces also have a tightening feature, allowing you to adjust the fit if the brace feels slightly loose.

Types of Knee Braces

In our online store, knee braces are divided into six different groups, the first of which is elastic knee supports. As the name suggests, elastic knee supports provide flexible support to the knee, and their material can be, for example, compressive knitwear that follows the contours of the knee or warming neoprene. Elastic or so-called pharmacy knee braces are mostly quite lightweight and fit well under clothes, and models are available with both closed and open patella designs. Elastic supports can be used for many purposes, which you can easily filter in our online store using the Features filter. In addition to elastic supports, our online store also offers slightly sturdier flexible braced knee supports.

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Hinged knee braces with lateral supports stabilize the knee laterally. A hinged knee brace is an excellent choice especially when the knee is unstable and you want to increase its lateral support. Knee osteoarthritis, a meniscus tear, or other instability of the knee ligaments can be reasons to choose a laterally supported knee brace.  Anatomically shaped supports also serve as stabilization during the recovery period following knee ligament operations.

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Patella supports provide support for the kneecap, and many of them are particularly suitable for sports use. Patella supports are available in both strap and sleeve models. Wraparound supports are also available to choose from. A fully openable brace makes it easier to put on, among other things.  A patellar strap compresses the patellar tendon, thereby reducing pressure on the kneecap. There are also specific models for contact sports, post-operative use, or patellar subluxations. A patella support relieves symptoms if you are suffering from conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter disease, runner's knee, or jumper's knee.

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Knee hyperextension braces prevent hyperextension of the knee, and some can also limit flexion. Supports are available in many different price ranges depending on the intended use and the user's requirements. Lighter hyperextension braces are designed for sports use, for example. Braces intended for more demanding use feature gradually adjustable extension and flexion limiters, and the brace is often fitted and adjusted with a professional. A separate children's model is available for hyperextension braces.

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In our online store, you will also find a separate group of rigid frame knee braces equipped with adjustable extension and flexion limiters. These are the most robust knee braces that offer 4-point support to the knee and are almost always recommended to be adjusted and fitted with the assistance of a professional before use. These knee braces are intended for the aftercare of, for example, knee trauma, cruciate ligament injuries (ACL/PCL), meniscus tears, or knee ligament surgery. Some models are also suitable for daily sports use.

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