Health and Safety The 9 Best Knee Braces for Meniscus Tears of 2023 McDavid's 429X Brace has straps to direct compression around the knee cap By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 24, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT LinkedIn Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Fit / Lecia Landis A torn meniscus is a tear in the cartilages between the femur and tibia, often caused by movements like sudden twisting, pivoting, and stopping. While not a substitute for surgery or physical therapy, braces can support and stabilize the knee. It's helpful if a brace is not too loose or tight, according to Kevin D. Walter, MD, program director of Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine at Children's Wisconsin. When looking for a brace for a torn meniscus, look for one that offers compression. Braces that compress are usually made of neoprene or fabric, Dr. Walter says. Finally, look for brace types called “unloader braces.” They "can take pressure off the injured side, whether it’s the medial or the lateral side. That’s going to help with comfort and movement,” Dr. Walter says. We researched dozens of knee braces for meniscus tears and evaluated them for support, comfort, fit, and value. Each of the knee braces featured wins on one or more of these factors. A physical therapist from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy, how to use knee braces for a meniscus tears, types of braces, materials, and how to evaluate them. Our Top Picks Best Overall: McDavid 429X Knee Brace at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Bodyprox Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hinged: Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Guard Hinged Compression Knee Brace at Amazon Jump to Review Best Wraparound Brace: TechWare Pro Knee Brace at Amazon Jump to Review Best Compression Sleeve: PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve at Amazon Jump to Review Best Knee Wrap: Mava Sports Knee Wraps at Amazon Jump to Review Best Low-Profile: Pure Support Knee Brace Compression Sleeve at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Arthritis: Physix Gear Knee Support Brace at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Temperature Therapy: Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall McDavid 429X Knee Brace 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Academy.com Pros Prevents overheating Adjustable straps Moisture-wicking Cons Runs small May slip when in use We chose the McDavid’s 429X Knee Brace as our top pick, because it offers an optimal balance of stability and comfort. The brace boasts an open-patella design, which is engineered to direct compression around the kneecap. This will provide targeted support to your meniscus without leaving your kneecap feeling trapped or overheated. The brace’s adjustable cross straps will allow you to get the snug fit you’re looking for while providing an extra layer of support above and below your knee. And, perhaps most importantly, the brace comes reinforced with geared side hinges, which will leave your knee feeling stable and supported without overly restricting your range of motion. The knee brace is crafted from a compressive neoprene fabric that promises to keep your muscles feeling warm and relieved throughout wear. The brace also comes equipped with a breathable back panel designed to manage moisture, so you can rest assured knowing your knee will remain relatively cool, dry, and comfortable as you go about your favorite activities. Price at time of publication: $65 Key Specs:Style: Compression brace | Material: Neoprene | Adjustable: Yes Best Budget Bodyprox Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bodyprox.com Pros Moisture-wicking Offers compressive support Adjustable straps Cons Velcro straps are short May slip when in use Many knee sleeves are available at a budget price, but it’s rare to find a knee brace that's as affordable. Bodyprox’s Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers offers much of what you’d expect from a knee brace—an open-patella design, adjustable cross straps, and spring stabilizers—at a decidedly affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those looking for support and relief on a budget. The knee brace is crafted from a breathable neoprene fabric that promises to offer compressive support without limiting flexibility or comfort. We also love that the fabric absorbs sweat, so it promises to keep your knee dry and comfortable throughout wear. What the Experts Say: "Wearing a knee brace can make people feel more confident after a meniscus injury, but it shouldn't replace the importance of addressing any movement, strength, or neuromuscular deficits—that’s the real heart of the issue. Most meniscus tear patients could benefit from working with a physical therapist to craft an overall treatment and therapy plan. You should also always consult with your orthopedist before selecting a knee brace to help you cope with a meniscus tear." —Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, Chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy Because the brace is designed to wrap around the knee, you can adjust its flexible straps to get the snug fit you’re looking for. Like many knee braces, this one is reinforced with spring stabilizers, which frame the kneecap, offering support and stability. Price at time of publication: $25 Key Specs:Style: Compression, wraparound | Material: SBR, nylon, spandex | Adjustable: Yes Best Hinged Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Guard Hinged Compression Knee Brace Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's Pros Adjustable straps Moisture-wicking Prevents odor and bacteria Cons Bulky structure To those looking for a heavy-duty knee brace, we recommend Shock Doctor’s Ultra Knee Support. For starters, the brace comes equipped with flexible side stabilizers. These frame the knee—running along the left and right sides of the brace—offering stability while also keeping the brace firmly in place as you go about your favorite activities. The adjustable straps that run along the top and bottom of the brace will allow you to get the cozy fit you’re looking for while providing further support. And the heavy-duty bilateral hinges on either side of the knee will ensure that it feels thoroughly supported, without overly restricting your range of motion. Though this knee brace is decidedly bulky, it promises to be comfortable and relatively flexible. The brace’s pre-curved anatomical design offers a snug fit (and one that’ll feel just as comfortable on the left and right knee). The brace is crafted from a breathable, antimicrobial fabric that promises to increase airflow while cutting down on odor, bacteria, and moisture. Price at time of publication: $58 Key Specs:Style: Compression brace | Material: Neoprene | Adjustable: Yes The 10 Best Knee Support Products of 2023 Best Wraparound Brace TechWare Pro Knee Brace Amazon View On Amazon Pros Lightweight Adjustable straps Moisture-wicking Cons May slip when in use Velcro may wear over time TechWare’s Pro Knee Brace is a relatively lightweight way to get the support you crave from a knee brace. The brace boasts a wraparound design, giving you the flexibility to get the snug, cozy fit you’re looking for. Because the wraparound brace is made up of three straps (which fasten in opposite directions), it also ensures that pressure and stability are evenly distributed on and around your knee. Like many knee braces, this one comes reinforced with flexible spring stabilizers, which frame the knee to offer further protection and support. We like that the brace is crafted from a lightweight, breathable fabric that promises to wick moisture, keeping the knee dry and comfortable throughout wear. The brace also comes equipped with non-slip silicone strips, which run along the top and bottom of the brace to ensure it stays firmly in place as you complete the day’s activities. Price at time of publication: $19 Key Specs:Style: Compression brace | Material: Neoprene | Adjustable: Yes Best Compression Sleeve PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Power-lix.com Pros Offers compressive support Moisture-wicking Includes a warranty Cons No adjustable straps PowerLix’s Knee Compression Sleeve is crafted from a tight, breathable fabric that offers support and relief. The brace is designed to apply stable pressure across the knee without limiting mobility or range of motion. We think it’s an excellent choice for those who find traditional knee braces too restrictive. Because it’s a sleeve, it doesn’t come reinforced with the side stabilizers or hinges you’d expect to find in a heavier-duty knee brace. The compression sleeve promises to wick moisture during wear, keeping your leg relatively dry and comfortable, even when you’re working up a sweat. According to PowerLix, this should also keep the brace generally odor-free, and it should cut down on some of the irritation commonly associated with knee sleeves. Like many compression sleeves, this one comes equipped with silicone gel strips that run along the top and bottom of the sleeve, promising to keep it firmly in place as you move around. What’s nice? It also comes with a six-month, no-questions-asked guarantee. So if you don’t love the product, you can get 100 percent of your money back. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs:Style: Compression sleeve | Material: Compression fabric | Adjustable: No The 11 Best Calf Compression Sleeves of 2023 Best Knee Wrap Mava Sports Knee Wraps Amazon View On Amazon Pros Adjustable hook and loop closure Offers compressive support Non-slip grip Cons Tends to fray and snag Mava Sports’ Knee Wraps offer maximal flexibility, and each one is composed of a single, 72-inch strap that you can wrap around your knee to craft a brace that’s as long and as tight as you want it to be. The wrap is crafted from a stretchy, high-performance elastic fabric that offers compression without limiting the range of motion. This should give you some of the support and relief you’d expect from a more traditional knee brace while giving you the flexibility to craft a knee brace that meets your exact needs. In addition to being incredibly flexible, we also like that the knee wrap promises to be easy to use. Each wrap comes with an adjustable hook and loop closure, which makes it easy to fasten once you’ve crafted your perfect fit. Mava Knee Wraps promise to stay firmly in place during wear, so you shouldn’t have to worry about them slipping, unrolling, or falling off mid-activity. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs:Style: Compression wrap | Material: Elastic, polyester | Adjustable: Yes Best Low-Profile Pure Support Knee Brace Compression Sleeve Amazon View On Amazon Pros Offers compressive support Moisture-wicking Non-slip Cons Runs small May be hard to put on Pure Support’s Knee Brace Compression Sleeve boasts the sleek, low-profile design you’d expect from a compression sleeve. But it also comes equipped with the stabilizing, supportive straps you’d find in a knee brace. We love the result, which is a combination brace that’s both sleek and supportive—and discreet enough to wear during everyday activities. Pure Support’s Knee Brace Compression Sleeve is crafted from a stretchy compressive fabric that promises to apply targeted pressure across the knee joint without restricting your range of motion. Because the fabric is breathable and moisture wicking, it also promises to cut down on itching, bacteria, and other potential irritants. The sleeve comes equipped with a no-slip grip band that runs along the top of the brace to hold it firmly in place as you move around. And since the brace comes equipped with a series of stabilizing cross-straps, you can expect an added dose of support above and below your knee. Price at time of publication: $25 Key Specs:Style: Compression sleeve | Material: Elastic yarn | Adjustable: No Best for Arthritis Physix Gear Knee Support Brace Amazon View On Amazon Pros Offers compressive support Breathable fabric Easy to put on Cons No adjustable straps May slip when in use Physix Gear Sport’s Knee Support Brace is a compressive knee sleeve that promises to offer comfort, support, and relief in equal measure. The sleeve is crafted from a durable, flexible fabric that will contour to your knee, offering you a snug fit that moves with you as you go about the day’s activities. Like many compression sleeves, this one will give you support across the entire knee joint. And, according to Physix Gear Sport, the stability the sleeve offers makes it a great choice for those with osteoarthritis. The brace is designed to be lightweight and breathable. And we love that, given its low-profile silhouette, it can easily be worn underneath clothing. Whereas many knee sleeves can be hard to get on, this one is easy to put on. And because the sleeve comes equipped with no-slip silicone straps, it will stay firmly in place during use. Price at time of publication: $18 Key Specs:Style: Compression sleeve | Material: Nylon, lycra | Adjustable: No The 13 Best Pain Relief Creams of 2023 Best for Temperature Therapy Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap Amazon View On Amazon Pros Works as a cooling and heating pad Leakproof gel packs Machine-washable Cons Tends to fray and snag Vive’s Knee Ice Pack Wrap is a knee brace that doubles as an ice pack and triples as a heating pad. The soft, comfortable brace comes equipped with four adjustable straps. These will allow you to get a fit that’s as tight and compressive as you want it to be, offering you the exact balance of comfort and support you’re looking for. The brace comes with three built-in, removable gel packs that can be chilled in the freezer for cold therapy or warmed in the microwave for heat therapy. The brace is designed with three gel pack pockets—two at the front of the knee, and one at the back of the knee—so you can slip each gel pack into place to apply temperature therapy where you need it most. Each gel pack is leakproof and reusable. And we love that the brace is machine-washable for added convenience. Price at time of publication: $33 Key Specs:Style: Compression, hot or cold therapy | Material: Neoprene | Adjustable: Yes We Tested the Best Heating Pads—These 9 Actually Work How We Selected the Best Knee Braces for Meniscus Tears We began our research by consulting four experts—a sports medicine doctor, an orthopedic surgeon, and two physical therapists—about what to look for in a knee brace for a meniscus tear. Those we spoke with included: Jonathan Gelber, MD, Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon at Olmsted Medical Center in Minnesota Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, physical therapist and athletic trainer at Athletico Physical Therapy in the western suburbs of Chicago Rick Rutkowski, PT, DPT, former physical therapist in New Jersey Kevin D. Walter, MD, program director of Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine at Children's Wisconsin Then, we considered dozens of well-rated knee braces, assessing them for support, comfort, and value. When it comes to knee braces, support and comfort are often in competition with each other. You’ll find heavy-duty braces, stretchy braces, and everything in between. To accommodate a range of needs and preferences, we sought to feature best-in-class options at different points along this spectrum, favoring braces that excelled at stability, excelled at flexibility, or offered a little bit of both. We also considered whether braces were breathable, moisture-wicking, or adjustable (all positives in our book). And we weighed a brace’s strengths against its price point to assess overall value. What to Look for in Knee Braces for Meniscus Tears Brace Type There are a variety of knee braces to choose from, including wraparound options, compression sleeves, unloader braces, and hinged braces. “A simple knee sleeve may be enough for some people, whereas a brace with metal or plastic supports on both sides may be necessary for someone who is still working on regaining strength and mobility of the knee,” Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, says. If stability is the main concern, a sleeve will work best. We recommend the PowerLix Knee Compression Sleeve for a quality compression sleeve. If you need to displace weight from an injured knee, an unloader or hinged brace might be better. Pereira notes that, while a brace may help, no single brace will provide full support for everyone, and she encourages people to speak with their physical therapist or doctor to determine what’s best for them. Materials A knee brace can be made with one or multiple types of materials. Some, like sleeves, are crafted with fabric, while unloaders often feature plastic and metal supports, aiding in lateral support. “Breathable materials such as mesh and moisture-wicking fabrics increase comfort,” Pereira says. She adds that neoprene is used to create a tight and comfortable fit, while velcro straps can assist in providing a more stable structure. It’s important to be aware of comfort because an uncomfortable brace won’t be worn as often. Size Most over-the-counter braces include a simple sizing guide that relies on calf, thigh, and knee circumference. Depending on the severity of your meniscus tear or the type of support you wish to achieve, a custom brace—fitted by a doctor, physical therapist, or specialist—may be more beneficial. Pereira notes that a well-fitted brace shouldn’t slip down your leg during normal activity. “It also shouldn’t cut off circulation or cause numbness or tingling in your leg, or it may be too small.” Stability The stability of your brace should directly correlate with your injury or activity level. Pereira says that if your knee is weak and you’re worried about stability in your day-to-day activities, a more supportive brace, physical therapy, or surgery might be necessary. The TechWare Pro Knee Brace is a great high-support option. “If it’s pretty stable and you just want a little support, then don’t go for the big brace with supports, perhaps just a sleeve for compression will do,” she says. Frequently Asked Questions How long do you wear a knee brace for a torn meniscus? The amount of time you should wear a knee brace really depends on what type of tear you have and the treatment protocol. If you’ve had surgery, you may be in a brace that locks for about six weeks, according to Rick Rutkowski, PT, DPT, physical therapist in New Jersey.However, if it’s a chronic, degenerative meniscal tear, then you may not need one at all. “If you have swelling but have had no surgery, then a soft neoprene type brace may help you feel and function better,” he says. In that case, consult your doctor or physical therapist on when and how long you should wear a brace. How long do knee braces last before they need to be replaced? There is no rule of thumb for how long you can wear a knee brace before it needs to be replaced. So instead of looking for a timeframe, pay attention to what your knee brace looks like—and whether it’s still offering the support you need. “Braces should be replaced if there is excessive wear and tear where the lining is, or if other features are beginning to lose their usefulness,” Jonathan Gelber, MD, Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon at Olmsted Medical Center, says.He notes that you may also want to check with your insurance provider to see when they will cover a new knee brace for you. Should I wear a knee brace for any meniscus tear? According to Dr. Gelber, you can use a knee brace for a lateral meniscus tear or a medial meniscus tear. And he specifically recommends using a knee brace for a meniscus tear after surgery (rather than as a preventative measure). “Where I use knee braces the most in relation to the meniscus is after surgery, where we can use braces to limit weight bearing bending to less than 90 degrees,” he says. “This can help prevent additional shear forces across the healing meniscus.” How much does a quality knee brace cost? You can expect to pay between $10-$100 on a quality knee brace that will stabilize and support the knee while battling meniscus tears. How much you spend will depend on the type of support you're looking for, so it's important to analyze the different options and consult with your doctor when needed. The most budget-friendly brace on our list, Physix Gear Knee Support Brace at Amazon, is often available for just $11. Whereas our top recommendation, the McDavid 429X Knee Brace, was $80 when we published this list. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a seasoned health writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. 4 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kalra M, Bakker R, Tomescu SS, Polak AM, Nicholls M, Chandrashekar N. The effect of unloader knee braces on medial meniscal strain. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2019 Apr;43(2):132-139. doi: 10.1177/0309364618798173 Schween R, Gehring D, Gollhofer A. Immediate effects of an elastic knee sleeve on frontal plane gait biomechanics in knee osteoarthritis. PLoS One. 2015;10(1):e0115782. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0115782 Ochi A, Ohko H, Ota S, Shimoichi N, Takemoto T, Mitsuke K. Custom-made hinged knee braces with extension support can improve dynamic balance. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2018 Dec;16(3):94-98. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2018.08.002 Mistry DA, Chandratreya A, Lee PYF. An update on unloading knee braces in the treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis from the last 10 years: A literature review. Surg J (N Y). 2018 Jul 2;4(3):e110-e118. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1661382. PMID: 29978048; PMCID: PMC6028281. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit