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Oct 15, 2024

8 Best Knee Braces for Arthritis for 2024

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

When you have osteoarthritis in your knees, even daily activities like walking can cause pain. Research shows a knee brace may help. We rounded up some options that can help support you while you move.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that can affect any of your joints.

In OA, the protective cartilage that cushions your joints gradually deteriorates, causing friction between the bones. This friction contributes to pain and stiffness, which can limit your range of motion.

If you have osteoarthritis in your knees, a brace may help. A knee brace can support the joint as you walk, possibly reducing the amount of friction and subsequent pain. It may also help you feel more stable in everyday activities.

Many knee braces are available, but not all of them work well for arthritis. In this article, we share options that may help for a range of activities if you have osteoarthritis in your knees.

Here’s a guide to the general prices of recommendations in this article.

This brace is supportive enough to hold your knee joint in place while you move, but it’s also adjustable for comfort with three Velcro straps. Reviewers say the material has the right amount of rigidity to provide support and comfort.

The brace features side stabilizers that prevent side-to-side movement while exercising. As an added convenience, the brace can be hand washed easily (which is useful if you are wearing the brace for running or other workouts).

While this brace is durable and should last a while, don’t expect it to last forever. Some customers note that the Velcro adjustable straps wear out over time.

Compression sleeve-style knee braces support your knee without limiting mobility. This brace gets high marks from reviewers for breathability and ease of use. It’s ideal for working out, playing sports, and supporting activities of daily living.

Customers say it’s easy to put on and moisture-wicking, so it stays put even when you get sweaty. Two silicone strips on both ends of the brace keep it from rolling up and moving around on your knee.

For the optimal compression level, it’s essential to choose the correct size when purchasing. Check out the sizing guide on the product page, and read reviews to ensure you get the sizing right.

If you’re recovering from an injury and have arthritis pain, an orthopedist or physical therapist may recommend a hinged brace. The hinges limit certain movements of the knee, providing a more stable environment as you heal.

You can remove the hinges when needed and reattach them when you need heavy-duty support. The open patella design leaves space for your kneecap to breathe. The brace also has adjustable Velcro straps and comes in three colors.

Several reviewers complain about the bulkiness of this brace. Some people report itching after a full day of wear. As with many products that use Velcro straps, you may need to replace the Velcro at some point if you want the brace to last.

This brace has a great amount of stability, is made from moisture-wicking material, and will fit the needs of many knee widths and body types.

This adjustable knee brace features Velcro straps that are extra long, as well as an open-face patella design that many find more comfortable. There’s also a bit of extra padding around the kneecap area to support your joint when you kneel.

With side stabilizers and extra padding, this brace doesn’t allow much movement. Wearing it to walk and do household chores is fine, but you might find it too restrictive for sports and other activities.

This brace is available in three sizes that aim to cover XS–6XL. Review the brand’s size chart on the product page when in doubt.

These compression sleeve-style knee braces improve knee stability and fit snugly over your kneecaps. If you have arthritis in both knees, this two-pack is an affordable solution that allows you to wear a brace on both legs for a very low price.

Although many reviewers mention the sleeve fits nicely at first, the material may become uncomfortable after a few hours. Be careful of fit and sizing to prevent the possibility of bunching and chafing in the back of your knee.

The Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Brace is significantly more expensive than the other braces on this list. But many customers say it offers a high level of support without bulkiness.

It’s also breathable and easy to move in, which you might not find in other knee compression sleeves.

Reviewers who like this brace say it’s comparable to medical-grade compression options at a third of the price. It’s also made with durable, medical-grade materials, which is a plus. The GenuTrain is the most recent version of our original pick, the Bauerfeind Sports Knee Brace.

While some people find the fabric of the original version of this brace to be a bit uncomfortable, this newer version has positive reviews for comfort. Some customers do still report occasional chafing, especially after wearing the brace for extended periods or during sweat-heavy activities.

This breathable, padded design works well if you need to stand for long hours. It’s durable enough to withstand activity and provide stability during arthritis pain flare-ups.

The support of the hinges is meant to prevent you from hyperextending your knee and injuring it further. The compression can feel soothing on days when your knee needs a break.

This brace is pricier, and the hinge system may only work well for some people’s needs. Sizing can be tricky, so read through the instructions and reviews on the product page.

While the straps are somewhat adjustable, correct sizing is critical for ease of use and comfort while wearing.

Unloader-style knee braces undoubtedly have the most clinical research supporting their effectiveness in treating arthritis pain. As mentioned, some studies even indicate they may delay knee surgery.

Ossur is a well-known company that has funded much of the research on the use and efficacy of valgus knee braces in people with osteoarthritis. These braces support proper leg alignment and decrease stress on the knee joint.

Ossur has numerous options for unloader braces, including custom braces. One of their long-time top products is the Unloader One knee brace. If you’re an active person with moderate to severe OA, it’s worth talking with a doctor about an Ossur unloader knee brace.

Though you can generally order unloader braces online, they’re challenging to use off the shelf. They typically work best if you customize them with the help of a doctor or physical therapist.

Unloader braces also usually have a hefty price tag, so it’s worth working with a healthcare professional to see whether insurance can help cover the cost.

Note that Ossur’s braces are available only through a healthcare professional.

We selected the knee braces for arthritis on this list based on the following criteria:

While knee braces may provide considerable relief and symptom improvement for arthritis, several factors influence their effectiveness, including the specific type of brace.

There are three major types of braces available:

Customized braces allow for a more precise fit and load distribution, which can give you the most benefit from wearing a brace. Custom-fitted knee braces, particularly unloader braces, are often more effective than off-the-shelf braces. In fact, if you have moderate to severe osteoarthritis, you are most likely to get good results by working with a doctor or physical therapist to have an unloader brace designed specifically for your knee.

Compression sleeves are also a good brace to use for swelling and pain that occurs in your knee area. They’re especially useful for immediate relief while exercising or doing your physical therapy routine. If your arthritis pain makes stairs, walking, and running errands difficult, a compression sleeve may provide some relief and support.

All knee braces on this list aim to help stabilize or support the knee joint, minimizing the pain you experience during your daily activities. Additionally, they may enhance the comfort of certain movements and prevent potentially harmful ones.

Different types of braces work for different people. Some people with OA find a lot of relief and improvement of their symptoms with braces, while studies show that others may not.

Hinged knee braces, as well as general knee braces for arthritis, may help improve functional outcomes, such as walking and exercise, for people with knee osteoarthritis.

In a 2017 study of people with osteoarthritis, participants wearing a soft knee brace had lower pain levels while walking and took less time to complete a 10-kilometer walk than when not wearing a knee brace. Wearing a tight brace was found to help reduce walking time even more, showing that the extra support was beneficial.

For people with rheumatoid arthritis, some rheumatologists prescribe medical-grade braces as a first-line treatment for pain in the knee.

Research has also shown that knee braces can be more effective in managing knee osteoarthritis when combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy, exercise, and weight management. On the flip side, knee braces may help you begin to achieve your exercise and weight management goals.

Notably, there is limited long-term research on the benefits of knee braces for osteoarthritis. It’s essential to discuss with your healthcare professional whether using a knee brace for arthritis is appropriate for your long-term management plan.

To choose the best knee brace for your needs, consider the following:

Also, if you have arthritis on one side of your knee only, you might benefit from a prescription unloader brace. Talking with a doctor about the specifics of your osteoarthritis can help you decide which brace might be best for your needs.

If you have arthritis, wearing a well-fitting knee brace can help support and stabilize your knee, reducing pain and improving movement.

Many studies show pain relief and better knee function when people wear knee braces.

More research is needed on the long-term benefits of knee braces and comparing the different types of knee braces. Factors such as the type and severity of osteoarthritis, age, body weight, activity level, and overall joint health can influence the outcomes.

However, while a knee brace can help alleviate symptoms, it’s unknown whether wearing a knee brace will slow the progression of OA.

If you have arthritis, wearing a well-fitting knee brace can help support and stabilize your knee, reducing pain and improving movement.

Many studies show pain relief and better knee function when people wear knee braces.

More research is needed on the long-term benefits of knee braces and comparing the different types of knee braces. Factors such as the type and severity of osteoarthritis, age, body weight, activity level, and overall joint health can influence the outcomes.

However, while a knee brace can help alleviate symptoms, it’s unknown whether wearing a knee brace will slow the progression of OA.

To determine the most suitable knee brace for your situation, healthcare professionals consider your needs as well as the nature and severity of your knee issue, the level of support required, and your overall health.

To determine the most suitable knee brace for your situation, healthcare professionals consider your needs as well as the nature and severity of your knee issue, the level of support required, and your overall health.

Wearing a well-fitted knee brace can help manage knee pain and enhance stability. However, it’s essential to address the root cause of the pain.

Wearing a well-fitted knee brace can help manage knee pain and enhance stability. However, it’s essential to address the root cause of the pain.

Knee braces may help keep your knee joint in proper alignment or provide support throughout your day-to-day activities. These braces can help you feel more empowered to do what you want while managing arthritis pain. You can speak with a doctor if you have frequent joint pain that limits your mobility.