Knee sleeves’ low profile also makes them easier to wear than traditional knee braces, according to Dr. Greg Minnis, a physical therapist at Excel Physical Therapy in New Jersey. The sleeve also features a ring of contoured padding that lines the center to surround the kneecap, providing ideal amounts of cushion and support as you move. This component makes it feel more like a knee brace without sacrificing the sleek flexibility you expect from a knee sleeve. While most experts agree that walking has numerous benefits, sometimes your knee just doesn’t agree. Whether you’re suffering from chronic knee pain, were recently injured or have a condition like osteoarthritis, there are several reasons why you might benefit from a knee brace. This brace is built with everything you need to support a vulnerable knee, such as hinges to prevent hyperextension and provide additional support as well as four straps to help protect the ACL. It’s an excellent choice for athletes or anyone who has suffered a knee injury, such as a ligament or tendon sprain and tear, and needs more stability beyond what a standard knee sleeve can provide. Choosing the proper knee brace for you will be determined by your needs as different problems require different solutions. Some common conditions to consider when selecting a knee brace include:

A 2017 study found that this type of support is an effective and immediate way to reduce pain, improve knee stability, and improve confidence during activity. If you’re experiencing pain while doing exercises that involve significant motion at your knees, you may benefit from wearing a knee sleeve. How long do knee sleeves last? Knee pain when squatting may be avoidable, or it may be a sign of an underlying condition. READ MORE The material is made to stretch slightly, so after time, the elastic properties may wear out or the stitching may begin to come apart,” Minnis says.

Rigid Braces: Dr. Wu says rigid braces use strong structural supports that aid in keeping the tibia from moving too far ahead of the femur. She notes that the rigidity aids in absorbing force during high-impact exercise. The short answer is yes. According to Dr. Wu, knee braces can help the joint feel supported, decrease compression, and maintain warmth, which can lower the sensation of pain while also increasing mobility. Lee H, Ha D, Kang YS, Park HS. Biomechanical Analysis of the Effects of Bilateral Hinged Knee Bracing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2016 Jun 16;4:50. doi:10.3389/fbioe.2016.00050 Most knee sleeves are washable, which Minnis says is important because they are worn mostly during exercise and activity. Can a knee sleeve give me enough support after a serious knee injury? This option also includes a patella gel pad to help prevent injury, as well as two medical-grade silicone strips and four adjustable straps to ensure that everything stays put during exercise. We also appreciate that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Keep in mind,that it might not do a great job of staying in place if you start to sweat, and the velcro could come undone with lots of activity.

This knee sleeve is for those who want extra support during their activities. It comes with a contoured patella gel pad, which surrounds the kneecap, and double-sided metal spring stabilizers to offer a tighter fit around the knee. Its breathable, nonslip fabric is designed to help keep it in place comfortably.If you sleep on your side, you may want to look into a small knee support pillow to promote hip and spinal alignment. Low impact exercise also helps strengthen the muscles around your knee, providing better support.