Combination treatments: Research has also shown that knee braces can be more effective when combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy, exercise, and weight management. Combining these approaches can lead to better overall results in managing knee osteoarthritis.

Sinclair JK, et al. (2016). Influence of a knee brace intervention on perceived pain and patellofemoral loading in recreational athletes. This product is not suitable for knee injuries stand alone and should be complimented with a more suitable product. For any injured knees please refer to our Train Line of products that can be found here. This depends on the severity of your arthritis symptoms and your desired activity level. For moderate-to-severe arthritis in relatively active people, an unloader brace may be the best option. This can provide high-level support and pain relief and should be prescribed and fitted by a doctor. Ossur is a well-known company that has funded much of the research on the use and efficacy of valgus knee braces for osteoarthritis.Built for athletes on the move, the Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support NBA has integrated gripping strips designed to keep the brace in place during running, jumping, and shooting or dunking. Never worry about pulling up your brace during the game. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/when-joint-pain-means-its-time Paluska S, et al. (2000). Knee braces: Current evidence and clinical recommendations for their use. Kavitha R, et al. (2011). Efficacy of knee braces and foot orthoses in conservative management of knee osteoarthritis. 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.

The first is to prevent and manage minor injuries, and stop them reoccurring during exercise. For instance if you have a history of patellar tendinopathy (runner’s knee), you could wear a supportive knee sleeve to stop it flaring up. This kind of knee support will offer a low level of support while maximising flexibility, so you can still move as normal. This type of brace will be made from a bandage-style material or elastic yarn. With medical-grade compression provided by a comfortable knitted fabric, the GenuTrain knee brace produces intermittent massage during movement, relieving knee pain and stimulating the body’s metabolic response. This improves circulation to bring more oxygenated blood to the affected tissue and reduces pain and swelling in and around the knee. The new-and-improved GenuTrain provides secure support for mild instability and relieves knee pain and swelling. 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. Size options: Take measurements accurately for knee braces with several sizes to ensure the correct fit. For adjustable designs, make sure your size is within the range. Custom braces are also available.In that same study, a tight brace — defined by a measurement of the lower leg and thigh circumference — was found to help reduce walking time even more for study participants.