How to Compare Knee Braces

With so many types of knee braces on the market you may wonder how to choose one. Knee braces come in many styles and serve different purposes. Some are designed as protection during contact sports, while others provide support once injury has occurred. Some are for arthritic patients and used every day, while others only serve for a period of time. Some keep your knee warm, while others are designed to keep you cool. So whether you decide on a knee brace today or tomorrow, comparing the products is a good place to start.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at prophylactic knee braces; they generally offer good overall knee support to prevent sports injuries, providing full range of motion but preventing hyperextension. Criss-cross straps add extra support. Prophylactic braces are available in slip-on or hinged styles and range in prices from about $65 to $600. The slip-on styles are tight fitting and tend to take awhile to pull on and off. They may also stretch out as time goes on. You may need to try out different styles on the sports field before you can determine the right choice for yourself.

• 2

  Look at rehabilitative knee braces. They're designed to limit knee movement after knee surgery. Braces are designed to support specific anatomical knee parts like the patella, anterior, lateral, medial or posterior cruciate ligaments. Talk to your doctor about the type of support you need. Check packaging information on the braces to get the right support recommended for your type of injury. Look for criss-cross support for your injury type. Strap-ons with hinges prohibit lateral movement and may be easier to get on and off than slip-on styles. They cost $250 to $600. The more expensive lightweight braces tout new technologies, look really sleek and have adjustable hinges, so no lugging tools around.

• 3

  Look at off-loading braces. They're designed for people with osteoarthritis. These are the most expensive hinged-type braces. Because you'll probably be wearing this frequently, it's a good investment to get a style that offers the most comfortable features, such as lightweight and contoured with adjustable hinges that don't require tools. Expect to pay upwards of $600 to $800.

• 4

  Look at the types of materials used on the brace. Neoprene or ceramic fibers embedded in other synthetic materials provide therapeutic warmth for the knee by retaining body heat. Some people prefer the warmth, and other people can't take the heat. Adjustable or nonadjustable hinged styles offer more air exposure for the knee and are therefore cooler. Not much price difference is associated with material choice, and they all provide ease of movement and a level of comfort.

• 5

  Consider your comfort. Be sure to get the right size and fit. Because when all else is said and done, if it doesn't feel good, you'll be irritated and maybe won't wear your knee brace.