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Knee Braces

Browse our full selection of knee braces, supports, and orthoses for every condition and activity level. From lightweight compression sleeves to rigid post-op ROM braces, find the right support for your knee.

Browse by Condition: All Knee Conditions • Arthritis & OA • ACL Injuries • Meniscus Tears • Post-Op Recovery

Knee Braces & Supports: Understanding the Different Types and What They Do

Not all knee braces are the same. Each type is engineered for a specific purpose, from controlling motion after surgery to stabilizing a loose ligament to relieving kneecap pain during a run. Learn what each type does so you can find the right match.

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Person wearing a supportive knee brace
Hinged Braces

Hinged Knee Braces

Hinged knee braces use bilateral hinges on both sides of the knee to control motion and provide structural stability. They are the most commonly prescribed type for ligament and meniscus injuries.

  • What they do: Control side-to-side movement and rotation while allowing the knee to bend and straighten naturally through a safe range
  • How they work: Rigid or semi-rigid hinge mechanisms on the medial and lateral sides of the knee act as external ligaments, distributing forces across the joint
  • Who they help: People with ACL, MCL, PCL, or LCL injuries, meniscus tears, post-surgical instability, and general knee laxity

Shop ACL Braces • Shop MCL/PCL/LCL Braces • Shop Meniscus Braces

Compression Supports

Compression Sleeves & Knee Supports

Compression sleeves are pull-on supports made from knit or neoprene fabrics that provide graduated pressure around the knee. They are the most versatile and widely used type of knee support.

  • What they do: Deliver graduated compression that reduces swelling, improves circulation, and provides proprioceptive feedback that helps muscles respond more accurately
  • How they work: Elastic fabric applies consistent, even pressure around the joint. Some include silicone patellar rings or integrated stays for added structure
  • Who they help: People with arthritis, mild knee pain, post-activity swelling, and athletes who want warmth and support during training

Shop Arthritis Braces • Shop Athletic Braces

Patellar Supports

Patellar Straps & Stabilizers

Patellar supports target the kneecap and patellar tendon specifically. Straps apply focused pressure below the kneecap, while stabilizers use buttress pads to correct kneecap tracking.

  • What they do: Straps offload stress on the patellar tendon by changing the angle of force. Stabilizers guide the kneecap into better alignment within its groove using corrective pads
  • How they work: Infrapatellar straps use a pressure pad over the patellar tendon. Stabilizer braces use C-shaped or J-shaped buttress pads alongside the kneecap to apply gentle corrective force
  • Who they help: People with runner's knee, patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee), patellar tracking disorder, and kneecap instability

Shop Runner's Knee Braces • Shop Patellar Tendonitis Straps • Shop Patellar Tracking Braces

Post-Op Braces

Post-Operative & ROM Knee Braces

Post-op braces are rigid or semi-rigid devices with precision range of motion (ROM) hinges that control exactly how far your knee can bend and straighten during surgical recovery.

  • What they do: Allow your surgeon to set specific flexion and extension limits that are gradually expanded as your tissues heal, protecting the surgical repair at every stage
  • How they work: Precision geared hinge mechanisms with numbered degree markings lock at prescribed angles. Telescoping thigh and calf sections adjust to fit any leg length
  • Who they help: People recovering from ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, total knee replacement, patellar surgery, and multi-ligament repairs

Shop Post-Op Recovery Braces

Immobilizers

Knee Immobilizers

Knee immobilizers are full-length rigid supports that hold the knee completely straight. They provide maximum immobilization for fractures and acute injuries.

  • What they do: Lock the knee in full extension using aluminum stays sewn into a padded wrap-around shell, preventing all bending movement
  • How they work: Tri-panel designs wrap around the front and sides of the leg for maximum rigidity. Single-panel designs use a posterior shell for easier application
  • Who they help: People with knee fractures, acute ligament injuries requiring immediate stabilization, and patients in the first hours after surgery before transitioning to a ROM brace

Shop Fracture Braces • Shop Post-Op Recovery

Hyperextension Braces

Hyperextension & Rehabilitator Braces

Hyperextension braces are specialized devices that prevent the knee from bending too far backward. They are designed for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term daily use.

  • What they do: Use adjustable extension stops or air bladder systems to physically block the knee from straightening beyond a safe angle, while allowing normal bending
  • How they work: Extension stop dials set the maximum angle in 5 to 10 degree increments. Air bladder systems apply gentle, adjustable pressure behind the knee that can be gradually reduced as control improves
  • Who they help: People with genu recurvatum, neurological conditions (stroke, MS, cerebral palsy), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, chronic instability, and post-injury hyperextension patterns

Shop Instability & Hyperextension Braces • Shop EDS Support Braces

How to Choose

Not Sure Which Type You Need?

If you know your condition but not your brace type, our condition-specific collections make it easy.

Start with Your Diagnosis

If your doctor has told you what is wrong with your knee, go to our Knee Braces by Condition page. Each condition collection includes a guide that explains which brace types work best and why.

Consider Your Activity Level

Athletes need low-profile, anti-migration designs. People recovering from surgery need maximum protection. All-day wearers need breathable comfort. Our Athletic Knee Braces collection is built for active lifestyles.

Talk to Our Specialists

Still unsure? Our US-based brace specialists can help match you to the right type and size. Contact us for a free consultation.

Getting the Right Fit

Sizing & Fit Tips

Sizing methods vary by brace type and brand. Always check the specific product's sizing chart, but here are general guidelines.

Compression Sleeves

Sized by circumference at the center of the kneecap while standing. If between sizes, size down for a snugger fit.

Hinged Braces

Require kneecap circumference plus measurements above and below the knee. The hinge must align with your knee joint line.

Post-Op & ROM Braces

Sized by thigh and calf circumference plus leg length. Telescoping designs adjust, but hinge alignment is critical.

Patellar Straps

Most are one-size-fits-most with adjustable closures. Position the pad directly over the patellar tendon below the kneecap.

Brace Direct Perfect Fit Guarantee: Live virtual sizing, fitting support after delivery, exchange assistance, and fitting videos 24/7
We stand behind every brace we sell. If it doesn't fit right, we'll make it right. Our US-based brace specialists are available to help you find the perfect size and style for your condition before you buy, and our Perfect Fit Guarantee means you can shop with confidence. Need help? Contact our team.
Coverage & Savings

Insurance and Payment Options

Many of our knee braces qualify for insurance reimbursement or tax-advantaged health accounts.

PDAC Approved

Many of our knee braces carry PDAC approval, which means they meet Medicare coding standards for reimbursement through your insurance provider.

HSA / FSA Eligible

Knee braces are eligible expenses for Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts, letting you pay with pre-tax dollars.

Brace Direct is a direct-to-consumer medical brace provider. We do not bill insurance directly. If your brace qualifies for reimbursement, you purchase it and submit a claim to your insurance provider. We provide itemized receipts to make the process straightforward.

Tip: Check with your insurance provider before purchasing. Many plans cover knee braces with a prescription. We can help you figure out which products in our catalog are most likely to qualify.

Ready to Find Your Knee Brace?

Browse our complete selection of knee braces, from lightweight compression sleeves to rigid post-op supports. Every order ships free in the continental US, and our US-based brace specialists are here to help you find the right fit.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which type of knee brace I need?

Start with your condition or symptom. Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL) typically need a hinged brace. Kneecap pain and tracking issues respond to patellar stabilizers or straps. Post-surgical recovery requires a ROM brace. Arthritis and general soreness often benefit from compression sleeves. If you are unsure, browse our condition-specific collections or contact our brace specialists.

What is a functional knee brace?

A functional knee brace is a hinged brace designed to support an injured or reconstructed ligament during activity. Unlike a post-op brace that restricts motion during healing, a functional brace allows full or near-full range of motion while providing mechanical reinforcement against forces that stress the injured ligament. They are most commonly prescribed for ACL-deficient or ACL-reconstructed knees during the return-to-sport phase.

Can I wear a knee brace all day?

It depends on the type. Compression sleeves and lightweight hinged braces with breathable fabrics are generally comfortable for all-day wear. Post-op ROM braces are designed for extended wear during recovery, often including overnight. Patellar straps are typically worn during activity only. For any brace, give your skin periodic breaks if you notice irritation.

What is a ROM knee brace?

ROM stands for range of motion. A ROM knee brace has adjustable hinges that let your surgeon set precise limits on how far your knee can bend and straighten. These braces are primarily used after knee surgery to protect the repair while allowing controlled, progressive movement. Settings are gradually increased in 10 to 15 degree increments as tissues heal. ROM braces are essential for ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and total knee replacement recovery.

How do I measure for a knee brace?

Measurement methods vary by brace type and brand, so always check the specific product's sizing instructions. As a general starting point, most braces require a circumference measurement at the center of your kneecap with the leg straight and weight evenly distributed. Some also require measurements above and below the knee, or leg length for telescoping designs. Use a flexible tape measure pulled snug without compressing the tissue. If you are between sizes or unsure, our brace specialists offer free virtual sizing sessions.

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Sunday: 3pm-11pm
Phone: 1-800-257-5870 / E-mail: service@bracedirect.com

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