6 Best Knee Braces for Arthritis in Older Adults

It depends where the arthritis is. For general aching and a knee that feels unsteady, a hinged brace such as our ProCare Reddie pick. For arthritis worse on the inner or outer side of the knee, an unloader brace. For pain around the kneecap, a patellofemoral brace like the DonJoy Reaction Web. For mild aching and swelling, a compression sleeve such as the Bauerfeind GenuTrain.

They can. The American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation's 2019 osteoarthritis guideline strongly recommends knee braces for people whose arthritis affects walking, stability or pain, provided they can tolerate wearing one, and conditionally recommends kneecap braces for arthritis behind the kneecap. A brace works best alongside strengthening exercise.

A brace for arthritis that is worse on one side of the knee. It uses a rigid frame and adjustable straps to shift some of the load away from the worn side, usually the inner side. Unloaders cost more and need careful adjustment, so it is worth asking a doctor or physical therapist whether your knee suits one.

For severe arthritis on one side of the knee, an unloader brace is the type designed to take load off the worn side. If both sides or the whole knee are affected, a hinged brace gives support, but a brace cannot replace cartilage; talk to the doctor about the full range of treatments.

A wrap-around brace that fastens with straps, like our ProCare Reddie and McDavid VOW picks. Push-button buckles, like those on the Ovation Game Changer, are also easier than threading straps. Pull-on sleeves are the hardest with stiff hands or a stiff knee. Always put a brace on sitting down.

Wear it for the activities that make the knee hurt or feel unsteady, such as walking, stairs and housework, and take it off when resting. Start with an hour or two and build up. Unless a doctor has said otherwise, do not sleep in it.

A hinged brace gives the most side-to-side support and can help a knee that feels unstable. But a knee that buckles is also a fall risk, so mention it to the doctor: strengthening exercise and a cane may matter as much as the brace.

One designed for larger legs, with wide adjustable straps, rather than the largest size of a standard brace, which tends to dig in and slide down. Our McDavid VOW Plus Size pick wraps on and adjusts at the thigh and below the kneecap.

There is no good evidence that copper adds anything. A randomised trial in people aged 50 and over with osteoarthritis found copper bracelets did no better than a dummy for pain or stiffness. A copper brace may still help through its compression and support, the same as a brace without copper.

Only when strict conditions are met, such as a recent knee injury or surgery, or knee instability examined and documented by a doctor, and only through a Medicare-enrolled supplier with a doctor's order. Pain alone does not qualify, and a brace you buy on Amazon is not reimbursed. HSA and FSA funds can usually be used.

A brace that is too tight can restrict circulation and rub the skin, and relying on a brace instead of staying active can let the thigh muscles weaken. Fit it properly, loosen it if the leg tingles or swells, and keep up the exercises a physical therapist recommends.