Your Guide to the Types of Knee Braces and Which One is Best for You

Whether you’re dealing with an injury, recovering from surgery, or simply want to protect your knee joint during sports, you may be considering a knee brace to provide stability and help manage pain. There are several types of knee braces to consider, each offering different degrees of support, so it’s a good idea to consult with us about the best brace for your specific condition. 

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of knee braces and how they work, and address the conditions they’re used to treat and manage. 

If you’re experiencing knee pain or instability, we invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment. We can determine the cause of your pain and explore knee braces and other treatment options to help you recover and get back to doing the things you love.

Can Knee Braces Prevent Injuries Completely?

First, let’s clarify what a knee brace is. 

A knee brace is a medical device that stabilizes and supports the knee, helps keep it in alignment and takes pressure off the knee joint. These devices come in a range of shapes, sizes and types, depending on the condition they’re meant to manage.

While knee braces cannot prevent injuries completely, they can help reduce the risk of injury by providing support and stability to the knee joint and surrounding ligaments. They limit excessive movement during physical activity, making them especially helpful for athletes involved in high-impact sports that put lots of stress on the knees, such as football, basketball, soccer and tennis. 

We invite you to reach out to us if you have questions about braces, splints or casts and what types of injuries require them. We’ll help you determine which type of orthopaedic device is best for your specific needs. 

What Are the Different Types of Knee Braces and How Do They Work to Support the Knee?

Knee braces offer varying degrees of resistance and support and can be made from plastic or metal. They also feature foam, cushions and straps to help provide comfort and padding, and aid in compression, proper fit and targeted support.

Different types of knee braces include:

• Functional knee braces. This type of brace helps prevent your knee from moving excessively so you can safely use your knee. These braces are often used for support after knee injuries and are recommended to athletes who want to return to sports. 
• Knee immobilizer braces. This kind of brace is typically stiffer than other types and is designed to control or prevent knee movement after injury or surgery to help with the healing process. 
• Knee sleeves. Knee sleeves, sometimes called compression sleeves, are not technically braces. Rather, they’re made of tight elastic material that offers compression and mild support. Knee sleeves are frequently used to manage general knee pain or mild instability.
• Patellofemoral knee braces. This type of knee brace is designed to protect, stabilize and support the kneecap and the front of the knee. It helps manage conditions related to the patellofemoral joint, where your kneecap and your thigh bone connect at the front of the knee. 
• Prophylactic braces. This type of brace is usually worn by athletes to prevent injuries, especially in contact sports like football or rugby. They’re often used to provide extra stability and protect the MCL (medial collateral ligament), one of the four major ligaments that help stabilize the knee, from potential injury.
• Unloader knee braces. An unloader knee brace is designed to help absorb some of your weight and “unload” or shift pressure from the damaged part of the knee to other parts of your leg to reduce pain and improve mobility. They’re often used to help manage osteoarthritis.  

Some types of knee braces are available over-the-counter without a prescription. Others may require a prescription, especially if they are designed for serious injuries or post-surgical support and recovery, as these braces may need to be custom-fitted. 

Which type of knee brace is best for you will depend on the cause and severity of your knee pain or injury, your activity level and lifestyle and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. 

What Injuries Are Knee Braces Used to Treat or Manage?

Knee braces can be effective for treating or managing several types of knee injuries and conditions.

These include: 

• Meniscus tears
• Knee arthritis
• Knee sprains, strains or other ligament injuries 
• Post-surgical or injury recovery
• Patellar (kneecap) instability or dislocation
• Patellar tendinitis
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), also known as runner’s knee 

Knee braces can also be used as part of an overall injury prevention and management strategy.

Our orthopedic surgeons at The Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic are thoroughly trained in using braces and other non-surgical methods for treating orthopedic injuries whenever possible.

Knee Braces vs Knee Sleeves

Knee braces and knee sleeves are not the same. They differ in purpose and function and offer different levels of support. 

Knee braces are typically made from a combination of rigid and flexible materials including metal, plastic, foam and straps. They provide substantial support and stabilization and are often used for post-surgery or post-injury rehabilitation. The goal of a knee brace is to limit movement of the knee joint and provide support, stability, and pain relief, depending on the condition being treated.

Knee sleeves are made using neoprene, nylon or other elastic materials, and provide mild to moderate knee support through light compression. Knee sleeves can help improve blood circulation, reduce swelling and relieve pain from minor knee problems. They’re often used to help prevent injury during physical activity. 

Our Board-Certified Orthopedic Doctors at the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic Can Help You Get Relief from Knee Pain

If you’ve been sidelined by knee pain, you may be considering a knee brace, compression sleeve or other orthopedic device so you can get back to doing your normal daily activities. 

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, looking for a way to manage pain, or simply want extra support during athletic pursuits, our experts at the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic can guide you.

We’ll diagnose and treat your knee pain and recommend the ideal knee brace or other treatment option for your specific condition. We invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment today.