Which Knee Brace is Right For Me?

There are many things to consider when choosing a knee brace. It’s a question I get asked a lot in my specialist knee clinic. In this post I’ll try to help you decide which knee brace is right for you, or indeed if you need a knee brace at all.

What do I need a knee brace for?

This is the question to ask yourself? Is the knee brace for support, is it for pain relief, is it for protection or indeed is it for a combination of all of these reasons.
Knee braces can provide different levels of support, they come in different materials, shape and size and can vary hugely in price. It can be really hard to choose the right one.

Knee brace for support

Some people find a simple sleeve that they pull across the knee can give enough support to allow them to continue with their normal activities with less pain and more confidence. These knee supports are often inexpensive easy to put on and comfortable to wear. Some come with simple short metal or plastic hinges which offer more support for those engaging in more vigourous activities.

Knee brace for arthritis

These knee braces are sometimes called knee orthotics. They reduce the forces going through the arthritic parts of your joint, provide support, stability and reduce pain. They can delay the need for major surgery.

ACL Knee brace

These knee braces provide maximum stability and protection. People use these after ligament tears, reconstruction surgery or to prevent knee injury. Many people will invest in one of these knee braces if they are returning to sports such as skiing after a knee ligament injury.

Do I need a knee brace at all?

Whilst knee braces can help people get control of their symptoms. It’s always better to combine this with appropriate treatment such as physiotherapy and exercise. It’s always good to get the right advice before investing in a particular knee brace. Getting the right diagnosis will help you get the right treatment, give you the best chance of recovery and relief from your symptoms.

 Disclaimer:  This information is for your education and should not be considered medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Some links on this page may be affiliate links.