Best Knee Brace For Working Out: The pain in your knee can limit your ability to work out and do the things you used to do. It can be quite scary, but with effective rehabilitation techniques, proper activity modification, good strength training, along with the use of the appropriate knee brace for working out, you can accelerate your healing process.
Our top pick for the best knee brace for working out is Neo G Knee Brace. It has aluminum hinges on both sides of the knee to offer lateral stability. Its open-patella design promotes optimal tracking and stabilizes the knee cap.
The best knee brace for working out will reduce pressure throughout your knee while enhancing strength to relieve pain and improve mobility for those people with injuries and knee arthritis.
Table of Contents
Best Knee Braces for Working Out – Comparision Table
- Sizes: Universal
- Gender: Men and Women
- Support Level: Moderate to Firm
- Straps: 3
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Gender: Men and Women
- Support Level: Moderate to High
- Straps: 2
- Sizes: 2XL, 3X-L, 4X-L, S, M, L, XL
- Gender: Men and Women
- Support Level: Moderate
- Straps: 2
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XX-L, XXX-L
- Gender: Men and Women
- Support Level: Moderate
- Straps:
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Gender: Men and Women
- Support Level: Adaptive
- Straps:
- Sizes: Universal
- Gender: Men and Women
- Support Level: Moderate
- Straps: 2
What are Knee Braces?
Knee braces are supports worn when you have knee pains to provide protection and support for the knee.
- They are typically made from a combination of foam, metal, elastic or plastic straps, and material.
- Braces come in many designs, colors, and sizes. They are case-specific, so they will work differently for different cases.
- Certain injuries will need certain knee braces types, and some activities will feel better with some types of knee braces.
- Braces help restrict some motions that can cause your pain and/or condition to exacerbate.
Does Wearing it Weaken the Knee?
Generally, wearing a knee brace shouldn’t exacerbate your symptoms or cause increased pain.
- However, if you have the wrong knee brace type or you wear it improperly, it may cause increased pain.
- Therefore, it is important to consult your healthcare practitioner when buying a knee brace.
- Also, it’s important to remember that tighter does not always mean better, and it’s important to ensure you’re not wearing the brace too tight.
- Additionally, we recommend wearing the brace only when needed. Wearing a knee brace at rest for mild knee pains will cause weaknesses of the musculature with time.
- Weakness can cause more complications, so it is important to remove the brace when you don’t need the support.
Advantages of Knee Braces
Knee injuries are one of the most debilitating injuries anyone can deal with.
- Whether you have been having persistent knee pain or you have a recent injury, you know how difficult it can be to move around with this injury.
- Although knee injuries are in different forms, there are certain things you can do to help you recover so you can get back on your feet.
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are surely recommended; however, if the pain is very intense, it may limit the protocols and exercises you can do.
- That is why lots of rehabilitation centers recommend patients wear knee braces.
- So whether you have patellar issues, a meniscus tear, a torn ligament (LCL, PCL, MCL, or ACL), there is a knee brace that is best suited for you. In this list, you can find the best knee brace for meniscus tear.
What to Look for?
A) Support Level
Knee injuries are typically classified in two (2): chronic or acute.
- Chronic injuries are usually characterized by prolonged pain, even if the injury has healed. In contrast, the acute injury involves a tear or fracture in the bone. The best knee brace for bone on bone should provide the optimal support.
- Based on the level of your injury or pain, your physiotherapist will diagnose the level of instability of your condition, then prescribe a brace type according to the evaluation’s results.
- The basic level is ideal for ongoing knee conditions that need a low support level. They provide some support, are easy to put on, and at low cost.
- Advanced support levels are ideal for moderate support levels and for reducing forces in the knee. They are long-lasting and adjustable for comfort and a good fit.
- Elite level offers maximum stability to prevent giving way. They are perfect for the knee after surgery or the knee that buckles repeatedly.
- Knee pads are ideal for reducing pain and offering protection when kneeling. It is great for those who spend a lot of time on the knees.
B) Specific Conditions
There are generally four (4) types of knee braces: patellofemoral, rehabilitative, functional, and prophylactic braces.
- Patellofemoral braces are used for patellofemoral pain syndrome to assist the kneecap move with flexibility over your joints.
- Rehabilitative braces are specially designed to limit the knees from dangerous movements after surgery or injury.
- Functional braces are used to support injured knees, while prophylactic braces protect the knees from injuries during intensive activities.
C) Compression
Optimal compression is needed to protect your joints and offer muscular endurance for extensive support during long workouts. This will reduce swelling and inflammation when an injury occurs and prevent damage.
Top 6 Best Knee Brace for Working Out
Here are the top 6 best knee braces for your workouts on the market today.
1. Bodyprox Knee Brace
The Bodyprox Knee Brace is an affordable knee brace that is designed with high-quality neoprene to provide thermal compression.
- The package includes side stabilizers, making it ideal for those who need lateral and medial stability.
- Thanks to its breathable and sweat absorption material, this brace eliminates potential skin irritation.
- The compression support will help restrain injuries during an intense workout.
- It has an open patella design that helps lessen pressure on the sore area.
- The Velcro strap allows you to adjust the brace to your desired tightness for optimal comfort.
- The Bodyprox Knee Brace is well designed and aesthetically pleasing.
- This compression knee brace reduces inflammation, promotes healing and circulation.
- Adjustable stabilizers
- Can fit anyone because of its adjustable size.
- Patella silicone pads
- Absorbs excess sweat and heat.
- Its foam padding easily wears.
2. Braceability J Patella Knee Brace
Made from neoprene material, the Braceability J Patella Knee Brace is thin, soft, and latex-free.
- This best patella knee brace helps reduce swelling and minimize chronic pain in the knees.
- The C-shaped buttress provides customizable support on either the outside or inside of the knee.
- It is designed to protect against lateral or medial patella subluxation, improper patellar tracking, dislocations, and more.
- Since the brace is thin and lightweight, it can be worn comfortably and easily.
- Although it offers extra support and strength on your knees, the sleeve won’t limit your range of motion.
- The Braceability J Patella Knee Brace is specifically designed to promote proper patella movement and tracking, helping to prevent the kneecap from shifting out of place.
- Easy to put on.
- Comfortable fit
- Effectively reduces pain and swelling.
- Made from high-grade latex-free neoprene material.
- It can be expensive for some users.
3. FreezeSleeve Cold Therapy Compression Sleeve
The FreezeSleeve Cold Therapy Compression Sleeve is made of 4-way stretch fabric that promotes a secure fit.
- This sleeve conforms to your body and offers 360° of compression therapy and 100 percent coverage of the treatment area.
- Designed for men and women, this product comes in 6 different sizes.
- The edgeless design ensures no itching or scratching for an easy-to-use treatment.
- The FreezeSleeve Cold Therapy Compression Sleeve naturally contours to the body, allows a full range of movement, and won’t damage or burn your skin.
- It is even formulated with an antimicrobial gel that prevents odors.
- 4-way stretch and soft fabric for a secure fit.
- Antibacterial and antimicrobial technology.
- Leak-resistant, non-toxic, and latex-free.
- Aids in joint and muscular relief.
- Pricey
4. ActiveGear Knee Brace Support
With a range of five different sizes, the ActiveGear Knee Brace Support is the best for getting extra support and a perfect fit.
- Made from heavy-duty stretchable neoprene material, this brace support gives good support without being too constricting.
- The top and bottom bands are flexible enough to make putting on and taking off easy.
- Also, it is firm enough to make sure it stays in place during vigorous workouts.
- The unique contour design provides good warmth and compression, forming a soothing effect that can help ward off pain and warm up the muscles.
- The ActiveGear Knee Brace Support is quite popular with individuals recovering from knee replacement surgery, and most users say it is cool and comfortable.
- Eco-friendly, latex-free material
- 5 different sizes
- Great durability
- Heavy-duty support
- The smell of the material can be offensive to some.
5. Vive Hinged Knee Brace
The Vive Hinged Knee Brace is a one-size-fits-all that supports your knee effectively during a workout.
- The aluminum hinges help reduce the lateral movement of the knee, preventing injury during your daily activities.
- The straps are adjustable, so you can easily adjust it to find your preferred compression for maximum support and maximum.
- The top and bottom straps ensure a personalized fit.
- It is made of neoprene material that is breathable and lightweight.
- The neoprene offers thermal compression.
- The compression material offers support to muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments.
- Strong Velcro fastener
- Comfortable and breathable neoprene material.
- Easy to wear and take off.
- The metal hinges may press against the leg.
6. Neo G Knee Brace
The Neo G Knee Brace is chosen not only for its budget-friendly price tag but also because of its features.
- Neo G offers a wide range of medical-grade athletic and orthopedic supports, all of which meet the MHRA, FDA, and Health Canada requirements.
- Its open knee support offers thermal support and compression.
- It is breathable and offers superior support without putting pressure on it.
- It will help with strains, sprains, and stabilizes injured, weak, or arthritis knees.
- Many customers are satisfied with the stability and ease of putting this knee brace on.
- Also, it is unisex and designed for use on the left and right knee.
- We believe the Neo G Knee Brace will offer you a great deal of support.
- Its straps are a bit thin, which makes it less secure, but it is a universal size for everyone.
- Made from therapeutic heat neoprene.
- Open patella design
- Unisex and comfortable to wear.
- Universal size fits most.
- Fully adjustable straps for optimum fit.
- The Velcro could be stronger.
Our top recommendation for the best knee brace for working out is Neo G Knee Brace. This knee cap features aluminum hinges on both sides of the knee to provide lateral stability. The open-patella design enhances optimal tracking and stabilizes the knee cap.
Don’t let injury, inflammation, or arthritis slow down. The extra security you get from one of the knee braces on our list will let you go about your regular workout routine while still protecting the vulnerable or damaged area.
Key References
- “Best And Worst Exercises For Bad Knees”. Accessed April 28, 2020. Link.
- “How Do Knee Braces Work? | SportsRec”. Accessed April 28, 2020. Link.
- “Knee braces for osteoarthritis – Mayo Clinic”. Accessed April 28, 2020. Link.
- “Patellar Subluxation: Symptoms, Treatment, Recovery, and More”. Accessed April 28, 2020. Link.