How to Choose the Right Knee Brace

Sleeves vs open-patella braces

A sleeve gives light compression and warmth and is easy to wear all day. An open-patella brace adds a gel ring around the kneecap and straps above and below the joint, which suits people who feel unsteady on stairs or during sport.

Why springs matter

Side spring stabilisers resist sideways movement without stopping the knee from bending. They are the difference between a brace that feels supportive and one that merely feels tight.

Fit first, features second

Measure your thigh about three inches above the knee. A brace that is too small will roll down and cut circulation; one that is too large will slide. Fit matters more than the number of features on the box.