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Best Knee Braces for Your Physical Health

  1. Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Brace
  2. Exous Bodygear Knee Brace
  3. Shock Doctor Ice Recovery Knee Brace
  4. Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace
  5. DonJoy Reaction Knee Brace
  6. DonJoy Custom Defiance III Knee Brace
  7. Buyer's Guide

Knee braces are an item you hope you’ll never need, but if you do, you’ll want the best one possible. There are a ton of reasons why someone would need a knee brace, such as recovering from an injury or simply protecting yourself from one. When it comes to braces, price should be your last concern as a decent knee brace costs a lot less than actual knee surgery.

The best knee braces in 2022 on this list were chosen as the best because of their all-around support, including ACL and patellar support, comfortable wear, adjustability, a variety of materials, and durability. These can stand up to everyday use and many have the ability to be washed when necessary.

Comparing the Best Knee Braces of 2022

Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Brace - Best Knee Brace Overall

The GenuTrain knee brace has been around for over three decades and in that time Bauerfeind has done a lot to approve on its original knee brace design. The elastic material has many functions including flexibility, compression, and support as well as making it one size fits most. The material is breathable so there is less moisture build up from sweat and it’s also easy to put on without causing unneeded pain.

This brace also comes with specially designed edges which prevent the brace from constricting around your leg on either end. One of the many improvements made to the GenuTrain knee brace is the Omega pad which offers excellent patellar support and reduces pain and swelling around the knee cap. This knee brace is surprisingly durable when it comes to everyday use and there are no special instructions when it comes to cleaning it; all you do is just toss it in the washer.

Exous Bodygear Knee Brace - Most Convenient

The Exous Bodygear Knee Brace is undoubtedly one of the most convenient options you can possibly find on the market. It features a 4-way patented strap system that creates a 360° around your knee and offers outstanding support. The entire knee brace is incredibly easy to set up and doesn't require any skill whatsoever. You can use it for any kind of activity, including soccer, running, jogging, and many more. What's more interesting is that this model even features a silky smooth lining inside — providing you with great comfort and excellent breathability throughout the entire day. On top of everything mentioned above, this knee brace even comes in high-quality packaging as well.

Shock Doctor Ice Recovery Knee Brace - Runner Up

This knee brace by Shock Doctor offers neoprene fabric which is soft to the touch, yet durable and more importantly, washable. What sets the Shock Doctor Ice Recovery apart is the frozen gel packs that slip inside brace reducing inflammation and aiding in the healing process. These packs are reusable and they’re extremely easy to slide in and out of their designated pockets. This brace doesn’t offer a ton of patellar support but it still offers plenty of ACL support and compression to ensure overall knee stability. This brace has trademarked straps which help it to fit each individual perfectly and they add a certain level of support on their own.

Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Brace - Honorable Mention

This brace is built like a tank but soft and comfortable to the touch at the same time as it’s made from a combination of lycra and neoprene which is soft, elastic, hypoallergenic, and easy to wash. The material wicks away moisture but keeps the body’s natural body heat to aid in healing through warm and increased blood flow.

The padded patellar opening offers support for the knee cap while aluminum stays make sure your knee can stand up to side impact without faltering. The patent pending straps on this brace makes this a one size fits all brace that fits snuggly around the leg but doesn’t squeeze around the sensitive joint. It also comes with finger tabs to make it easier to pull on, but it’s much easier just to slide the brace up using your palms.

DonJoy Reaction Knee Brace - Consider

This brace offers a great deal of support, fits individuals of almost every size, and just looks cool. The elastometric webbing is soft and smooth, and even though it stretches it doesn’t pinch like other stretchy materials. The brace is backed with traditional mesh for comfort and the open webbing makes this the most breathable brace on the market.

The webbing isn’t just for looks either as it plays an important part in maintaining stability, especially patellar tracking. The webbing surrounds the knee cap, keeping it in place, absorbing shock, dispersing energy around the knee, and reducing pain. Because of its simple design and materials this brace is easy to clean by simply toss in the washer.

DonJoy Custom Defiance III Knee Brace - Best Knee Brace

This brace is specially designed with the athlete in mind, being made from super lightweight carbon fiber which won’t weigh you down while offering protection from all kinds of impacts. The open design doesn’t do much for patellar support but it does provide excellent ACL support and protection.

Strategically placed Velcro straps allow this brace to fit each individual perfectly without putting any undue stress on the knee. The carbon fiber frame means that this brace will stand the test of time, but it is a little bit more difficult to wash than some other picks. This brace also has the added benefit of adding a little flair to your support by choosing the color of your brace.

Buyer's Guide

Our knees play a very crucial role in our mobility and leg movements. Any injury to the patella or inflammations in the surrounding tendons/ligaments will restrict your movement and cause plenty of pain. That’s why you need a proper knee brace that can protect the joint from trauma and injuries or alleviate pain from an existing problem. This item is immensely common amongst elders, athletes, sportspeople, and osteoarthritis patients, so there are many varieties to choose from. Hence, picking the best product from a variety of braces is quite overwhelming. That’s why we have crafted this guide that will help you make the best buying decision.

What Are the Types of Knee Braces?

The knee braces can be divided into three types based on their structures and designs. Here, we have briefly explained these types.

1. Dual wrap braces are soft and can be easily worn or pulled off. For tightening, you will have to secure both straps properly.

2. The hinged knee braces also have straps, but their frame is not soft. Besides, they have metallic hinges on both sides that will help in easy knee bending.

3. A closed patella knee brace will compress your kneecap with the exact amount of pressure needed to reduce the pain.

Important Factors to Consider in the Best Knee Brace

Size

Just like any wearable item, the knee braces also come in various sizes ranging from extra small to extra large and more. A brace will be effective only when it has a snug fit around your knees, lower portion of the thighs, and upper part of your calves. If it wraps around the thighs loosely or constricts the muscles in the calves, you won’t be able to walk properly or bend your knees. There can also be an issue with the knee brace automatically sliding down your leg due to improper fitness. Hence, choosing a proper size is extremely important. To do so, take a measuring tape and measure your thigh’s width at a distance of 7 inches at maximum from the center of your knee bone.

Material

Besides size, a brace’s performance and efficiency vary according to the material with which it has been manufactured. Each material plays a unique role in ensuring that the chosen brace is appropriate for your knees' health. For example, a product made from spandex is highly elastic and can be worn easily. If you want support for the bone joint and full-range mobility, this material choice is ideal. Some braces are also made from neoprene, which is known for its softness and durability. Sometimes, lycra is added to neoprene to make the product hypoallergenic and gentle for the skin.

Breathability

As the braces fit around the knees tightly, your skin will sweat due to the trapped heat. Hence, you will feel uncomfortable and might develop skin problems like rashes or itching. Moreover, the inner layer of a knee brace will absorb sweat that can damage the material. That's why choosing a brace with a highly-breathable material is crucial. It will allow air to flow through the fabric easily and distribute the heat evenly. Also, make sure the product you choose can wick away the moisture quickly, thereby keeping your skin dry.

Protection layers

The main function of the knee braces is to relieve the constant pain and prevent any trauma or shock from causing injuries. In humans, the knee joint serves a great purpose in maintaining mobility. So, if any of these parts is injured badly, you won’t be able to move or bend your leg. That’s why you should check the protection layers available in the product you pick. A brace’s protection ability can be determined based on hinge supports, tightness and compression, extra foam padding, and so on.

Why is Having a Knee Brace Beneficial?

A knee brace not only relieves the pain after injury but also maintains mobility, reduces inflammation, and adds support. To have more clarification about its benefits, have a look at the below points.

  • For people suffering from osteoarthritis or any other deformation in the knees, wearing a brace will help them stay active and easily move from one place to another.
  • Athletes may need a brace to make sure their knees stay protected during exercises and practice matches. Even if they hit the ground with huge force, the closed patella knee braces will prevent the shock from causing any damage.
  • The braces help in recovery treatments for knee injuries. When wrapped around the knee joint, they will help you walk properly without putting too much pressure on the bones, ligaments, and tendons.

How Should a Knee Brace Be Worn?

  • Pull the brace up along your leg till the central pad sits right atop your patella or the knee cap. You can adjust the position if you feel that you have worn the brace the wrong way.
  • Make sure its upper and lower circumference snugly fits around your thighs and calves, respectively. Subsequently, attach the straps to secure the brace.
  • Insert two fingers right under the strap and check whether they can slide or not. If you face difficulty in sliding your finger, the straps are too tight. Similarly, if you can add a third finger also, it means that the brace is too loose.

Best Knee Brace FAQ

Q. Can I wear the knee braces throughout the day?

A. If the knee braces are breathable and are made of soft material, you can wear them throughout the day. However, make sure to loosen the straps after every three to four hours so that your skin and muscles won't become numb or irritated.

Q. Will a knee brace heal injured cartilage in my knees?

A. A knee brace is merely a support accessory that will restrict any improper movement of your knees and further damage to the cartilage— it cannot necessarily heal it.

Q. Some knee braces are quite thick. Won’t they be visible even if I wear pants?

A. If the brace is pretty thick, its silhouette will be visible. Depending on the pants, you may have to wear the brace on the exterior of your pants, especially if they are tight.

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