Best Knee Braces for Your Physical Health

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.