Quick look at the best knee braces for arthritis

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.

Quick refresh on types of knee braces

Healthline’s picks of the best knee braces for arthritis

Knee braces for arthritis compared

How we chose the best knee braces

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

• Verified customer reviews: We read hundreds of customer reviews to get a feel for what people love about these products and the red flags to look out for.
• Peer-reviewed literature: Dozens of published, peer-reviewed studies have investigated whether knee braces help with arthritis pain and other symptoms. We used these studies to determine what was most important in a knee brace for arthritis (see below for more information).
• Materials and construction: We looked for durable and, wherever possible, washable products so they’ll last you a long time.
• Brand reputation: We looked at each company’s reputation to ensure customers can confidently trust the product’s safety, quality, and effectiveness. We also favored companies with excellent customer service policies.

Types of knee braces

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:

1. Hinged knee braces: Hinged knee braces typically have adjustable hinges, which can also be locked or even removed, to change the range of motion for the knee joint. This can be particularly helpful when recovering from surgery, an injury, or for certain types of arthritis.
2. Unloader knee braces: Unloader knee braces, also known as offloader knee braces, are the best for osteoarthritis pain. They redistribute the workload of the knee from the more painful side of the joint to the less painful side.
3. Soft knee braces: These flexible, sleeve-type braces offer general support to the whole knee. They are most helpful for day-to-day use, mild arthritis pain, and support while exercising or doing daily activities.

Customized braces

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

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.

How a knee brace can help with arthritis pain

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.

How to choose the best knee brace for OA

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

• Type: Consider discussing with your doctor whether a compression brace, hinged brace, or unloader brace is most suitable for you.
• Features: Decide if you prefer a pull-on sleeve or wraparound design. Some braces feature hinges, an open patella, and a padded knee ring.
• 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.
• Comfort and fit: Choose a lightweight, breathable, supportive, yet comfortable fabric. If you have sensitive skin, look for moisture-wicking fabric and a nonirritating design. Consider the bulkiness and if you can get it on and off easily.
• Size options: Take measurements accurately for arthritis 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.
• Customer reviews: Read online reviews, paying attention to those that mention your needs, such as athletic support, injury recovery, and pain relief.
• Price: If you want a durable, high-support brace, plan to spend more. You may have to replace inexpensive designs more frequently. If you aren’t sure whether a brace is something you’ll use regularly, starting with an inexpensive options to test it out may be a good idea before you get a more expensive option.

When to contact a doctor about knee arthritis

• difficulty moving your knee during daily activities
• stiffness and tenderness in your knee
• knees or other joints that appear flushed or feel warm to the touch
• Sudden or acute worsening of chronic knee symptoms (can occur with meniscus tears)

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.

Frequently asked questions about knee braces for arthritis

The bottom line

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.