Knee arthritis pain can be a real downer, especially when it disrupts your fitness and wellness goals. While there are countless joint exercises and specialty shoes you can try to diminish this irritation, investing in a knee brace for arthritis could be the key to moving more comfortably.

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“Braces provide pain relief by redistributing pressure away from damaged cartilage, which helps reduce swelling and improve movement,” Dr. Anthony S. Horvath, an orthopedic surgeon at Episcopal Health Services, said. “They also enhance mobility by reducing stiffness and providing essential side-to-side stability and confidence.”

Once you’ve consulted with a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment advice, a knee brace can be a handy addition to your rehab routine. To make picking one easier, we tapped experts and our editors on the features and models to look for to alleviate discomfort and assist movement.

Best knee compression sleeves for arthritis

Cambivo Compression Knee Sleeves, 2-Pack

Dr. Armin Tehrany, the founder of Manhattan Orthopedic Care, recommends compression sleeves to patients with mild arthritis symptoms. Studies have found that elastic knee sleeves, like this Cambivo style, can decrease knee osteoarthritis pain and enhance movement and performance during cardio workouts.

In addition to the stretchy fabric that shapes to your knee and allows natural movement, the Cambivo knee sleeve is made with sweat-wicking materials, so your skin will be able to feel air circulation during activity. The benefit? You won’t overheat and get too sweaty while on a walk or run. For added stability, the sleeve has double anti-slip silicone strips at the top and bottom to keep the wrap in place.

$16 From $13 at Amazon

$20 From $12 at Walmart

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Editor Favorite

UFlex Athletics Knee Brace

Like Tehrany, Horvath advises patients with mild knee pain to wear a compression sleeve during workouts and walks. I have mild arthritis in my left knee, and my pain heightens when I’m marathon training and running 40 miles every week. When my discomfort peaks, I wear this compression sleeve during my training runs. It alleviates a lot of my pain but also gives me peace of mind knowing that my knee has extra support.

I got a size small (the brand has a sizing chart you can reference), and the compression feels tight but comfortable. While nonslip silicone bands keep the sleeve in place on walks, while on runs, I find myself pulling the top up every mile or so to get it back in position. This small annoyance isn’t a deal breaker for me because my knee feels less sore post-run.

$15 From $12 at Amazon

From $13 at Walmart

Best hinged knee braces for arthritis

Brace Align Store OA ROM Unloader Knee Brace

“I usually recommend braces that help ‘unload’ the affected part of the knee joint,” Dr. Sarunas Tarasevicius, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee joint replacement surgery, said. “It should also offer a wide range of adjustment options, so it can be adapted to the patient’s individual anatomy and body shape. In addition, the brace should be made from body-friendly, breathable materials to ensure comfort during use.”

From unloading support, which reduces pressure on the knee, to customizable sizing thanks to four adjustable straps that fit above and below your knee, this brace ticks all Tarasevicius’s boxes. What’s more, ventilation and padding are added throughout to boost comfort and prevent irritation.

From $125 at Amazon

$125 at Brace Direct

$125 at Walmart

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Dr. Brace Elite Knee Brace

DR. BRACE ELITE Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers & Patella Gel Pads for Maximum Knee Pain Support and fast recovery for men and women-Please Check How To Size Video (Moon, X-Large)

Studies have found that, in addition to minimizing osteoarthritis pain, knee sleeves with side support rods can slightly improve balance more than those without. This Dr. Brace model boasts two side stabilizers along the inner thigh and knee, which provide support and stability for folks with balance issues. This hinged brace also comes with four adjustable straps along the knee ligaments (ACL, MCL, PCL and LCL) for a better fit and added assistance.

$28 From $24 at Amazon

From $31 at Walmart

Best heated knee wraps for arthritis

Editor Favorite

Bob and Brad Heated Knee Brace

I rely on heat therapy when my knee and hip arthritis flare up. According to Mass General Brigham, this type of therapy relieves joint pain and boosts blood flow to rid away stiffness. So, when I saw that this knee wrap came with a heated setting, I had to give it a try. This isn’t something you wear during movement, but for post-activity recovery. It feels soothing after runs and gym sessions and helps alleviate my muscle soreness.

Five heat levels range from 104 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and three auto-timed sessions make customizing treatments simple. I usually choose the 40-minute timer setting and level 3 heat and sprawl out while I watch TV. Tehrany said while this type of wrap doesn’t help with knee mobility, it’s a supportive form of therapeutic care that boosts comfort.

$50 From $40 at Amazon

$50 at Walmart

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How to choose a knee brace for arthritis

Consult with a doctor

If you have arthritis and experience knee pain, it’s best to consult with a doctor about your diagnosis and treatment plan. The medical professionals I spoke with emphasized that while knee braces are good options for improving stability and reducing pain, they are by no means a treatment or cure.

Evaluate your condition

Horvath said different types of knee braces support various forms of arthritis. He provided the following guidance on selecting a knee brace for your pain level:

Proper fit

For optimal effectiveness, the brace must fit properly, Horvath said. To ensure this, the doctors I spoke with recommend designs made with adjustable straps or flexible materials that can stretch and fit to your unique knee’s shape. If you notice any chafing, cuts or bruising, then your knee brace might be the wrong size.

Consider wearability

When it comes down to it, Tehrany said the best knee braces are the ones patients will actually wear. This typically means they’re easy to put on and comfortable to wear throughout the day. He said, ideally, braces for arthritis should be “low-profile, comfortable and adjustable, with unloading capability when needed.”

Combine with strength training

While knee braces can support movement and minimize some pain, long-term joint health depends on your strength and movement capabilities, according to Tehrany. You should incorporate strength training and mobility exercises into your wellness routine.

“The strongest protection for an arthritic knee isn’t external, it’s the muscle support you build around it,” Tehrany said. “Focus on maintaining strength, especially in the quads and glutes, optimizing weight and avoiding repetitive high-impact stress.”

FAQs

Meet our experts

For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:

Why trust CNN Underscored

CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.

For this article, CNN Underscored health and fitness editor Summer Cartwright, who has arthritis and experiences knee pain, consulted medical experts to find the best knee braces for arthritis. She also tested the Bob and Brad Heated Knee Brace and UFlex Athletics Knee Brace.

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