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Advanced Knee Braces
Written By: Chloe Wilson, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed by: KPE Medical Review Board
Advanced knee braces provide moderate support and protection for the most common causes of knee pain.
They are really easy to use, either being simple pull up sleeves or fastening with Velcro straps to provide the right level of support and compression required.
They are perfect for providing moderate levels of support and ideal for:
- Short term use: after minor injuries
- Longer term use: with ongoing knee conditions causing mild to moderate pain.
Advanced knee braces are perfect for moderate knee pain, weakness and instability, and conditions such as ligament injuries, Runners Knee, Patellar Tendonitis and knee swelling.
These knee braces are not suitable for severe instability and pain – in those cases you will need an elite level brace. Any incidence of knee pain or instability should be evaluated by a doctor.
How Do They Work?
These advanced knee braces work in three ways:
- They fit snugly providing some compression to the knee which helps support the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments)
- They retain heat which increases the circulation to the knee which can help to promote healing
- They reduce the forces going through the patella by improving patellar tracking (how the kneecap moves)
How Do Advanced Knee Braces Vary?
Most knee braces in this category are a wrap-around style with adjustable Velcro straps allowing you to ensure an accurate fit, but there are a couple of pull up sleeves that offer advanced protection.
They all tend to have a hole at the front to help support the kneecap and improve patella tracking without putting pressure through the kneecap or knee bursa.
Knee straps also fall into the advanced protection category, and are particularly useful for conditions such as Chondromalacia Patella and Runners Knee. They are covered in depth in the knee straps section.
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STAR BUY: Neo G Stabilized Open Knee Support
Overview: The Neo G Stabilized Open Knee Support provides great moderate level support and compression, and has four metal spiral support stays to stabilise the knee whilst allowing controlled movement. It is particularly good for sports and skiing.
The open patella area helps reduce pain associated with patella tracking problems, and offers relief from bursitis, injuries and inflammation. This Neo G knee brace has three adjustable straps which allow variable compression and ensure a custom fit around the entire knee complex.
Our Verdict: The Neo G Stabilized Knee Support is one of the best advanced knee braces on the market offering intermediate support and protection. It is very reasonably priced and gives great support without being cumbersome. Average user rating 4.2/5. Find Out More >
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $40/£30/€40)
Star Buy: McDavid Patella Knee Support
Overview: The McDavid Patella Knee Support is one of the most popular advanced knee braces for ligament & cartilage injuries and also helps relieve the symptoms of chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and patellar tendonitis.
These McDavid knee braces have special supportive steel springs that strengthen the brace on either side of the knee joint to improve stability and support knee ligaments. The Neoprene material provides soothing heat and compression which relieves knee pain and swelling and promotes healing.
Our Verdict: The McDavid Patella Knee Brace is one our favourite advanced knee braces - it's a classic design and is rated highly by users. It is fully adjustable so you don't have to worry about buying the right size. If you are looking to get a bit more support than a classic pull up design, it is well worth the money. Average user rating 4.5/5. Find Out More >
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $45/£50/€50)
ACE Knee Brace with Side Stabilisers
Overview: The ACE Knee Brace With Stabilizers has flexible metal side stabilizers which provide medial and lateral stability, simulating the action of the knee ligaments. It is lightweight and allows full range of movement at the knee.
It helps to support the knee and reduce the risk of knee injuries, and is comfortable, even when worn for long periods. There are two versions available, one has an opening to reduce pressure on the kneecap, the other is a full sleeve.
Our Verdict: The ACE Knee Brace With Stabilizers is one of the only pull up sleeves on the market that has side stabilizers built in, providing that extra bit of support. It a extremely comfortable, easy to put on, provides a good level of support and gets excellent reviews. Average user rating 4.4/5. Find Out More >
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $16/£18/€20)
Mueller Adjustable Knee Support
Overview: The Mueller Adjustable Knee Support is a lightweight, adjustable support that provides firm, comfortable compression without restricting movement. It is perfect for weak, injured or arthritic knees. The pull up sleeve design also has four patented adjustable straps so you can ensure a perfect fit for your knee.
The open kneecap design helps stabilise the kneecap without putting any pressure through it. Its contoured design and Velcro cover minimises bunching and prevents friction behind the knee. The soft neoprene blend retains heat for soothing warmth to help relieve pain and promote healing.
Our Verdict: People find the Mueller Adjustable Knee Support really comfortable even when worn all day. It doesn’t cause any restriction behind the knee like some pull on sleeves do. Average user rating 4.2/5. Find Out More >
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $12/£20)
ACE Adjustable Brace with Stabilizers
Overview: The ACE Adjustable Brace With Stabilizers has flexible dual side stabilizers that provide support and medial/lateral stability when you walk, bend, run, jump or climb. It allows full range of movement whilst delivering comfortable support and protection.
It is open at the front to improve patella tracking whilst reducing pressure through the kneecap. Adjustable straps help to ensure optimum fit and prevent slipping. Comfort fit sleeve reduces irritation behind the leg, and breathable material keeps you cooler and drier. Antimicrobial treatment inhibits growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Our Verdict: On the whole the ACE Adjustable Brace With Stabilizers receives good reviews, but some people find that the middle strap behind the knee can be slightly uncomfortable. If this is the case, I would recommend the McDavid Adjustable Knee Support instead. Average user rating 4.2/5. Find Out More >
Read: User Reviews Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $16/£30/€44)
Other Knee Braces
Choosing a brace can be difficult, especially as there are so many different ones on the market.
If you are experiencing mild pain, or are looking for some gentle support following an injury such as a sprain, a Basic Level Brace should be perfectly adequate for you.
If you have had a serious injury and need maximum support, you will probably need an Elite Level Brace to provide you with adequate support and prevent further injury.
To find the best brace for you, visit the Knee Brace Guide to find out about the different styles of brace available, what conditions they are suitable, and which ones are my Star Buys, based on the opinions of people just like you.
Size Guides
Where knee braces come in more than one size, it is important to get the right one otherwise they won’t work effectively and may be very uncomfortable. Measure around the widest part of the knee and choose from the options below. If your size falls between two sizes, it is usually best to go for the larger size for a better fit.
You might also be interested in the following articles:
- Knee Pain & Popping
- Swollen Knee Treatment
- Front Knee Pain
- Side Knee Pain
- Burning Knee Pain
- Knee Range Of Motion
- Knee Pain On Stairs
Page Last Updated: 11/03/24
Next Review Due: 11/03/26
*Prices correct as of June 2024. All prices are subject to change. Please note we do not stock products directly and therefore have no control over price changes. See advertising policy for more information.
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