Best Knee Supports for Arthritis

By Med-Fit UK Content Team . Last Updated Thursday, 11th January 2024

Should I wear a Knee Support for arthritis?

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional as a first step. However, a significant number of individuals dealing with arthritis have found relief through the use of our Knee Supports. We offer three distinct variations: Patella Knee Support, Sports Knee Supports, and our popular Stride Flex Knee Support. While each support has unique features, individuals opting for knee support due to arthritis can enjoy various advantages, including:

Compression: All our Knee Supports feature 360 Compression, aiding in reducing swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis, and enhancing blood circulation to the affected area. Compression is known for relieving pain symptoms, providing increased range of motion, and reducing stiffness.
Joint Stabilisation: Our Knee Supports are designed to enhance joint stability and limit excessive movement, which can mitigate increased pain. This is particularly beneficial for those grappling with joint instability, weakness, or muscle weakness.
Pain Relief: Crucially, our knee supports distribute the load on the knee joint more evenly, effectively relieving stress and promoting pain relief.
Physical Therapy Aid: For individuals undergoing physical therapy, a knee support can offer additional support, reducing the impact on the knee joint during recommended exercises.

What is the best knee support for Arthritis?

Determining the best knee support for arthritis depends heavily on customer preferences, including the type of compression, focus area, and more. Fortunately, we provide three distinct Knee Braces: one for the Patella, one for Sports, and a combined option named the Stride Flex Knee Support.

The Med-Fit Sports Knee Support: This specific Knee Support is a professional grade support with 360 degree compression, reducing the risk of knee injuries and strains or further pains. The compression achieved with this support helps with conditions such as arthritis, ligament injuries, strains and sprains but also helps with recovery for multiple injuries, such as: ACL, MCL, PCL, Tears and more.

The material is soft, comfortable to wear and very breathable allowing you to wick away the sweat, whilst maintaining a dry environment for your knee.

Price: £8.29
Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, Extra Extra Large
Colour Options: Blue Only
Brace Type: Knee and Joint Support

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Patella Knee Support: This type of Knee Support is designed specifically for pains and injuries around the patella, for example: Arthritis, Patella Tendonitis, Meniscus Tear and many more. This support acts as a dynamic shock stabliser, significantly reducing muscle fatigue and minimising pain and possible risk of injury during workouts or normal activities throughout the day.

The support is crafted from durable and breathable materials to ensure a comfortable but also a dry experience. The knee brace applies consistent pressure to your knee joint, promoting enhanced blood circulation whilst aiding the recovery and pain relief in the knee joints.

Price: £14.95
Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, Extra Extra Large
Colour Options: Blue Only
Brace Type: Patella Knee Support

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Stride Flex Knee Support (Popular Option): Our most popular Knee Supports, breathable, durable and medical grade material. The Stride Flex Supports come with 360 degree compression, assisting with pain relief, minimising of swelling and inflammation but relieves pain associated with arthritis, strains and sprains.

Price: £8.29
Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large
Colour Options: Black, Green, Blue
Brace Type: Strong Knee Support

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A 2017 study involving individuals with osteoarthritis showed that those wearing knee braces experienced lower pain levels while walking and took less time to complete a 10-kilometer walk. Compression in the knee supports further reduced walking time.

Further research supports the effectiveness of knee support, especially when combined with physical therapy, exercise, and weight management.

How tight should the Knee Support be?

Determining the appropriate tightness for your knee support involves considering various factors, particularly for arthritis. Take into account the severity of your arthritis and your personal comfort; avoid opting for a support that is either too loose or uncomfortably snug.

The knee support should offer stability, support, and should not impede blood flow. Choose a size that provides these benefits without squeezing your knee. Excessive tightness can restrict blood flow and exert undue pressure on your knee joint, potentially leading to increased pain and complications.

Avoid letting the knee support overly limit your range of motion, as this could contribute to muscle atrophy and eventual joint stiffness over time. Monitor your body and leg response to the new support. If you observe an unusual increase in swelling, heightened pain, or numbness, it's likely that the support is too tight.

Can I sleep with a knee support if I have arthritis?

The decision to wear a Knee Support during sleep depends significantly on individual comfort and support. It may involve some trial and error. If wearing a knee support during sleep reduces pain, it could be beneficial for you.

However, it's worth noting that some customers prefer wearing a knee sleeve at night, finding it less restrictive and more comfortable for sleeping.

For optimal comfort, we recommend selecting a Knee Support with breathable material to prevent excess sweat around the knee during sleep, as this can lead to discomfort. Before deciding to wear a Knee Support while sleeping, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice based on your specific condition.

How else can a Knee Support help with Arthritis?

The primary goal of knee braces is to stabilise the knee joint and prevent further injuries in that area, ultimately reducing daily pain levels. It's crucial to stress the importance of injury prevention, as knee braces not only improve comfort during certain movements but also prevent potentially harmful actions that could worsen the injury or lead to further damage.

For individuals dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, medical professionals often prescribe medical-grade knee braces or supports as a first-line treatment for knee joint pain. Research indicates that incorporating knee supports into treatment plans, alongside other interventions like:

Weight management
Physical therapy
Exercise

All can significantly enhance the management of knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, making it a more effective and cost-efficient approach.

It's worth noting that the effectiveness of knee supports can vary, particularly in terms of tightness and compression levels. While many people with osteoarthritis experience considerable pain relief and symptom improvement with knee supports, responses can be mixed, with some users reporting little to no benefit.

What factors should you use when choosing the best knee support for Arthritis?

When it comes to choosing the right knee brace for managing osteoarthritis, consider these essential aspects:

Style: Determine whether a sleeve or wraparound design suits your preferences. Some braces come with additional features like patella supports, which typically have a cushioned knee ring.
Support Level: Assess your support requirements, keeping in mind that they may vary depending on your activities. For example, stride flex knee supports will help with your mobility and compression, however supports knee supports may offer more flexibility.
Comfort and Fit: Look for a brace made from lightweight, breathable material that offers support without sacrificing comfort. If you have sensitive skin, opt for moisture-wicking fabric and a design that minimises irritation. Consider the ease of putting on and taking off the brace, as well as its bulkiness.
Size Options: Take accurate measurements to ensure the right fit, especially if the support comes in various sizes. For adjustable supports, make sure your size falls within the range specified. Our Knee Supports typically come with different sizes linked with the product, via imagery.
Price: Depending on your expectations and specific needs, knee supports are typically the cheaper option, especially an added bonus if they offer compression and 360 support. Others may want to look into actual hinged knee braces, rather than fabric knee supports - as they may require far more complex support.

By Paul Warburton . Last Updated Friday, 17th September 2021

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