Your knees get a workout. Walking, running, bending and other activities can put a strain on injured legs or just cause general pain from usage. Even if you aren’t athletic, you use your knees constantly throughout the day, and they can start to hurt. Wearing a knee brace gives your knees the support and protection they need while allowing you to participate in your favorite activities. Finding the right knee brace can be a challenge – how do you know which knee brace is the best one for you?
Which Knee Brace Should You Use?
Four of the most popular knee brace brands available are Bauerfeind, McDavid, DonJoy and Mueller. A comparison of these brands can help you determine which brand will offer your knee the best support. Reading knee brace reviews will help you find out the brace that is right for you.
Bauerfeind Genutrain S Knee Brace (Maximum Protection)
The first and the foremost knee brace that comes to mind when we say a highly effective and comfortable brace is the Bauerfeind Genutrain S knee brace. This brace has many features that will make you choose this without giving a second thought, when you are actually in need of a good one. This lightweight brace is suitable for mild to severe knee problems. They help in stabilization of knee, and also treats osteoarthritis, arthritis, and medial/lateral ligament injuries. The main advantage is that this brace is made of a breathable material and hence comfortable to wear for a long duration continuously. During movement of the knees it compresses the knee gradually, tighter in places where you need and looser in places where you don’t. This reduces the pain and swelling in the knee to a greater extent. The unique Velcro strapping helps in holding it tight to your leg and can do your work without any disturbance of having to adjust it often. Bauerfeind Genutrain S knee brace
Another important advantage is that it consists of lateral joint splints made of thermoplastic material and more important is that these splints (bars) can be heated and reshaped as per one’s requirement and thus fits anybody. This helps in guiding the knee movements with greater ease. The knee cap consists of an elastic padded ring around it that prevents it from slipping and also adjusts accordingly during every movement giving a massaging effect and stimulates proper blood circulation. In some schools where external metal framed braces are not allowed this is the best choice. It is machine washable and available in attractive black and titanium colors. Though the price looks a little expensive it is worth it and lasts for a longer period of time compared to other low quality braces which are available for lower costs and which requires investments very often. For best results and relief from knee pain the Bauerfeind Genutrain S knee brace is the best choice. After all we wear the brace for best relief and spending a few bucks extra should be reasonable.
McDavid Knee Brace
With a full line of knee supports, you can find a brace that will suit your needs. One of the most popular of the McDavid knee braces is the Pro Stabilizer hinged knee brace. This polycentric knee brace is designed to fit either left or right knees, and has convenient pull tabs on the top of the brace, allowing for easier placement. Made of thermal neoprene, it wicks away moisture while offering heat retention and compression. An extra-long sleeve comfortably fits most people, and a sizing chart offers direction about measuring your knee to ensure proper fit. McDavid Hinged Knee Stabilizer.
If you are looking for a knee brace for osteoarthritis, the McDavid line of braces will give your knees the support they need, while allowing for ease of movement that lets you comfortably enjoy the activities you want. Affordable with a mid-price range of $50 – $100, you will find this brace a reasonable alternative to the less expensive braces that do not offer as much support. This brace is not designed for high impact sports activities or long term activities. For the average person who wants to be able to walk comfortably and without pain while shopping in the mall or enjoy a round of golf with friends, the McDavid knee brace will be a good fit.
McDavid has a full range of knee braces available and can accommodate most individuals’ bracing needs. Primarily for everyday activities, these braces can give you back a quality of life that allows you to participate in the things you do on a daily basis – without pain.
DonJoy Knee Brace
Designed for extreme sports athletes, DonJoy is the official brace supplier of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard teams. The best knee brace for athletes of any kind, these cut away braces offer medial swooping frame with a cut away thigh. A patented four point leverage system offers maximum knee stability and support for any sport activity. A torn ACL can lead to surgery and lasting pain. If you need an ACL knee brace, one of the DonJoy braces will give you the support you need – post surgery, during rehab and as a preventative measure. DonJoy ACL Knee Brace.
If you suffer from mild to severe ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL instabilities, the DonJoy line of knee braces can give you back the enjoyment of all of your sporting activities. Fashioned from aircraft aluminum frame, the braces are extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear. The special cutaway design minimizes the risk of pinching, and a calf pinch guard can give you the flexibility to even enjoy skiing.
While this is not a custom built brace, wearers of this brace will feel as though the brace was made just for them. With specific sizing and braces designed exclusively for men or women, the braces are geared for either left or right legs – giving you a custom feel and maximum support. Careful measurement of your leg will ensure the proper fit.
For sports knee braces, you will be hard pressed to find a brace outside the realm of custom braces that will give you the bracing and movement that you need during athletics. No matter your sport, the DonJoy will get you back in the game.
Mueller Knee Brace
Looking for a comfortable knee support brace to handle a mid-level range of sports activities can be challenging. Without moving into a more expensive brace or ordering a custom fit brace, the options can be limited. Mueller braces offer some of the best knee brace for running options available. Made of comfortable and exclusive HydraCinn fabric, the non-neoprene and moisture wicking material is breathable and antimicrobial. Inner grips and a heavy duty Velcro strapping system prevent the brace from moving while you are running or participating in sports activities.
The hinged varieties offer patented triaxial hinges that will give you near-normal knee motion, letting you enjoy your favorite sports and activities without feeling as though you are carrying excessive extra weight. Because of the sleek design, the brace can be worn under slacks if necessary, allowing you to use the brace for everyday activities like walking, shopping or golfing. With its patella knee bracing, activities like going up and down stairs can be handled with a minimum of pain and discomfort, and also lets the wearer feel secure about the stability of their knees. Mueller Pro Level Hinged Knee Brace.
General sizing makes this brace appropriate for most users. The washable fabric lets you hand wash the brace after wearing, and air drying is fast and easy. The antimicrobial material resists odors and lets you use the brace repeatedly without that locker room stench that usually is associated with sporting equipment.
So should you buy a Knee Brace?
When you are in the market for a knee brace, there are a variety of options and price points to choose from. Deciding on the most appropriate brace for you will depend on your activity level, what you plan to do and how much support you need. From the simple spandex style braces to a full metal support and stabilizing form, you can get the maximum movement from your knee, without pain. Using the right brace for your knees will allow you to stay active – keeping you happy and healthy. Choose your brace and get back in the game!