If in doubt about the type of knee brace that’s right for you, or whether you should wear one at all, then chat to a health professional such as your GP, physio or pharmacist. A compression sleeve is unlikely to do much harm, but it’s always worth getting professional advice, especially if the injury was caused by twisting the knee or an impact to it. If there’s swelling in your knee, you can’t fully straighten your leg, or the pain gets worse during exercise, definitely consult an expert. At worst, a brace could mask a problem that could be fixed through other exercises. What else should I consider when choosing a knee support? Soft braces: Soft braces, the easiest to buy and wear, have also been shown to relieve OA-related pain. The third reason people might use a knee brace is to manage chronic conditions like arthritis, by helping to reduce pain and inflammation. These braces need to be comfortable to wear for long periods and also flexible enough to not unduly restrict movement, while being more supportive than a basic sleeve support.

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. Cudejko T, et al. (2017). The immediate effect of a soft knee brace on pain, activity limitations, self-reported knee instability, and self-reported knee confidence in patients with knee osteoarthritis.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.

Hinged knee braces: Hinged knee braces, as well as general knee braces, may help improve functional outcomes, such as walking and exercise, for people with knee osteoarthritis. They can provide stability to the knee joint, making it easier for people to do their daily living activities and exercise. Sinclair JK, et al. (2016). Influence of a knee brace intervention on perceived pain and patellofemoral loading in recreational athletes. Wearing a poorly fitted brace can increase discomfort or pain. If you aren’t sure what type of brace to select or how to fit it properly, consider calling a doctor (particularly an orthopedist or rheumatologist) or physical therapist. A friend of mine told me about this knee brace ..I got this knee brace for the race, ran for 60 hours and never felt a single bit of pain on my knee..The new-and-improved GenuTrain provides secure support for mild instability and relieves knee pain and swelling. Paluska S, et al. (2000). Knee braces: Current evidence and clinical recommendations for their use. Alfatafta H, et al. (2021). Effect of using knee valgus brace on pain and activity level over different time intervals among patients with medial knee OA: Systematic review. If you have swelling in your knee, are unable to fully straighten your leg, or find that pain in the area doesn’t go away or even gets worse during exercise, you should definitely consult an expert. Even if your pain is mild and you find that using a support alleviates it, you should avoid using a brace for long periods, because you could be masking a problem in your body that could be fixed through other exercises so that you don’t have to rely on a brace.

They have numerous options for unloader braces, including custom braces. One of their top products is the Unloader One knee brace. It’s worth talking with a doctor about an Ossur unloader knee brace for active people with moderate to severe OA. Unloader knee braces: Some studies have suggested that knee braces, particularly unloader knee braces, can provide pain relief for people with knee osteoarthritis. Unloader (or offloading) braces work by redistributing the workload away from the damaged part of the knee joint. Research has shown that some people experience reduced pain and improved mobility when wearing these braces, although they are relatively cumbersome. 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.

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. Customized braces: Custom-fitted knee braces, particularly unloader braces, are often more effective than off-the-shelf braces. Customization allows for a more precise fit and load distribution, which can enhance the benefits of the brace and reduce the risk of injury or discomfort. Dessery Y, et al. (2014). Comparison of three knee braces in the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis. For products with Velcro® straps, pads or inserts, remove them if possible, or fasten them securely at the place provided on the brace. Machine wash your brace in cold water using the gentle or delicate cycle. Wash separately using laundry detergent with no additives (do not use fabric softener or Woolite). Lay your support flat and let it air dry; do not put it in the dryer. Proper washing and drying helps your knit support maintain elasticity and original fit.