If you’re looking for a knee brace for a meniscus tear, then this guide should help. I have researched many different knee braces to come up with my chosen five products; these products are fully reviewed with pros and cons to provide a proper overview for our readers.
I will also explain what to look for when buying a knee brace for a meniscus tear if you opt to purchase one not featured here. Knee braces for meniscus tears are an increasingly common thing, due to around 61 in every 100,000 people experiencing acute tears of the meniscus.
Although rarely agonizingly painful, this injury can be pretty uncomfortable and have a detrimental effect on your mobility and daily activities. A specialty brace will help the injury to heal by providing stability; this, in turn, will decrease the pain or discomfort for the wearer.
Before we jump into my full reviews, you can see the products I have chosen to research just below.
At a Glance: 5 Best Knee Braces for Meniscus Tears.
- Shock Doctor Knee Brace – Our #1 Top Pick
- SENTEQ Knee Brace – Our #1 Budget Pick
- Pentagon Fit Knee Sleeve
- TechWare Pro Knee Brace
- DOUFURT Knee Brace
What are Knee Braces for Meniscus Tears?
Injuries to the meniscus (a muscle area between the femur and tibia) tend to be caused by the knee being uncomfortably bent or twisted while the leg is bearing much of the body’s weight. These injuries are common amongst athletes and weightlifters, as well as those in their senior years.
Knee braces for meniscus tears are designed to help the patient recover faster and manage the pain and discomfort of the injury. Some contribute to injury prevention and can be worn during strenuous activities; others are just for injury recovery.
This post will explain how to buy the best knee brace for meniscus tears and feature my recommended braces.
Things to Look for in the Best Knee Brace for Meniscus Tear
There’s a wide selection of knee braces available online, which can make choosing the right one challenging. More so, if you don’t know how to start.
When looking for knee braces for meniscus tears, you need to ensure that the product is suitable for this injury first and foremost.
To help you through this purchasing process, here are some of the factors we deem to be essential when looking to buy a knee brace for meniscus tears.
Injury Type
The knee injury type is the most important factor when determining the correct brace to buy. There are different types of braces for different injuries, such as underloader, functional, rehabilitative, and prophylactic.
The kind of brace you choose will depend on the injury you have. This guide will feature braces that are suitable for meniscus tears to give you an idea of what product type you need to be looking at if this applies to you.
There are some questions it will be worth asking yourself before deciding on a specific knee brace, and these are:
- Are you recovering from a severe tear?
- Have you been prohibited from moving your knee by your doctor?
- Do you need a brace for support pre-surgery?
By addressing these questions, you should have a much clearer idea of the type of brace you need to be looking at.
Design
While the knee brace design may not be the most crucial factor for some, it is still worth considering as this is a brace you could be wearing for a long period. It’s better if you like it, and if it is convenient too.
A well-designed knee brace may feature a simple fastening system that’s easy to operate, resulting in you being more inclined to wear the brace for your duration of need.
The design could also include the materials used on construction and how comfortable, breathable, and wearable they make the brace.
Support
A knee brace must be capable of providing the level of support you need without being overly constricting if this isn’t necessary for your circumstances. It may be that over time you’ll need a lower level of support, so looking for an adjustable knee brace could be worthwhile.
Size
The knee brace must fit you well, not only for it to do its job well but also for comfort. It is recommended that knee braces strike a delicate balance between being tight enough to hold ligaments in place but not so much so that you’re unable to bend your knee.
Adjustable straps that attach via velcro are a solid choice here, and I have featured a few of these designs in this guide.
Appearance
Appearance may not be an essential factor for everyone, but for those who want to conceal the brace underclothes, a less bulky model would be the better option. Likewise, if you’re looking to buy a knee brace as a preventative measure, then those that are easier to conceal are often preferred.
Price
Buying a knee brace isn’t a venture that will cost a lot of money. Similar to folding canes, these are lower-level mobility aids for walking independently but need a little help. Because of this, you can get good-quality knee braces for under $10.
Compression sleeves tend to be the most affordable option, but as a product type in general, knee braces are usually pretty affordable. We always advise going for the highest level of quality you can afford.
If you need a higher level of support, then you may be better off looking at hinged knee braces. This model is at the higher end of the price spectrum, but they’re still pretty budget-friendly in comparison to other aids.
Our Selection Criteria
We like to be completely transparent with our readers, so here are the things I was looking for in knee braces for meniscus tears to feel confident in featuring them in this article.
Quality
I have looked into the quality of the materials and construction of numerous knee braces and featured only the ones I genuinely believe to be supportive and durable.
Price
For fairness, I have looked to accommodate most budgets and reviewed knee braces across the price points.
Injury Type
Some knee braces in this guide will accommodate various knee injuries, but all of them are designed to support a meniscus tear in addition.
Consumer Reviews
I have only included knee braces that have good-to-excellent reviews online by verified consumers. This way, as well as my own findings, you can feel confident about the braces featured here. We don’t advertise on behalf of any company, so the knee braces shown here are truly due to their own merit.
5 Best Knee Braces for a Meniscus Tear
| Shock Doctor Knee Brace – Our #1 Top Pick
|
Find it Here |
| SENTEQ Knee Brace – Our #1 Budget Pick
|
Find it Here |
| Pentagon Fit Knee Sleeve
|
Find it Here |
| TechWare Pro Knee Brace
|
Find it Here |
| DOUFURT Knee Brace
|
Find it Here |
Shock Doctor Knee Brace – Our #1 Top Pick
The Shock Doctor Knee Brace should fit everyone, from small to XXL. This is a spandex and neoprene combination brace for injury recovery and prevention. I found it to be an extremely comfortable brace with lots of breathability; all-day wear is no problem, and the back of the knee (where sweating can arise) is catered to with lycra mesh.
When you want to take the brace off, this is very straightforward and done via the conveniently placed finger tabs – which also provide an easy grip to pull the brace on.
The brace runs along the length of the knee joint, with flexible side stabilizers for a high level of protection. I particularly like the therapeutic warmth omitted around the knee during wear.
The Shock Doctor Knee Brace is well priced, at the mid-range of the financial spectrum, and is shipped quickly; within a couple of days.
It has been exceptionally well-received online with thousands of positive reviews, repeat customers, and many consumers claiming it to be the best knee brace out there by a mile. I found very few drawbacks with this product.
Pros
- Comfortable for All-Day Wear
- Breathable Design
- Air Vent at Back of Knee
- Easy to Put on and Take Off
- Fast Shipping
- Thousands of Positive Reviews
Cons
- A Pretty Dramatic Price Change Between Sizes
SENTEQ Knee Brace – Our #1 Budget Pick
The SENTEQ Knee Brace is a compact knee brace, ideal for those who want to wear this under clothes for discreet injury prevention.
I found the interior gel pad to provide a high level of comfort, but there is a little difficulty keeping it in position all day long. The dual-layer silicon padding is comfortable if a little bulky under tight clothing.
This brace is a one-size product but with great adjustability due to the velcro fastening.
The SENTEQ brace comes from a long-established brand with 30-years of experience and a great reputation, which gives me confidence that the brace will be durable and offer great longevity. There’s an excellent after-sales service, with free replacements or refunds given if needed.
There’s excellent protection during many activities with this brace, even swimming and water sports, as a full range of joint movement is allowed, and the material is water-resistant.
Some consumers mention slipping during very vigorous activity, however. The multi-hole design offers great breathability and reduces the chance of skin irritation.
Pros
- Unbeatable Price
- Highly Breathable, Comfortable Design
- Long-Established Brand Gives Confidence
- Water-Resistant
- Strong Velcro Fastening
Cons
- Injury Prevention, Not Recovery
- Some Consumers Mention Slipping
Pentagon Fit Knee Sleeve
The Pentagon Fit Knee Sleeve offers extra stability and support for meniscus tears and reduces swelling and pain around the joint to speed up recovery. Developed by pain therapists, this sleeve really ticks every box for comfort, support, breathability, and ease of use.
The sleeve comes in a selection of sizes from M to XXL to accommodate almost everyone who needs knee support.
I found the 360-degree support to feel a little constricting during daily activities, but this was often counteracted with the warming effect, which reduced arthritis pain. The sleeve stays in place due to the non-slip bar and comes off easily.
Currently, this knee sleeve is heavily discounted, but for a limited time only. I found lots of positive reviews about this sleeve in a number of places and confirm that it is comfortable to wear and does reduce knee pain.
Shipping is free, and there is a 60-day money-back guarantee, making this a risk-free purchase and certainly worth a chance if you need this level of support.
Pros
- 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Warming and Comfortable
- Non-Slip
- Easy to Operate
- Free Shipping
Cons
- Can Feel Constricting
- Hand Wash Only and Line Dry
TechWare Pro Knee Brace
The TechWare Pro Knee Brace comes in size M to XXL and has next-day delivery available; State depending. This is a non-slip design that offers a high level of support and adjustability.
The closures feel remarkably stable, and this brace will remain in place all day long. There are four additional spring stabilizers around the brace that help to secure it in place.
People use the TechWare Pro knee brace for injury recovery, and it offers maximum support for highly energetic people who don’t want to let an injury slow them down.
It is comfortable for long periods and can be worn discreetly under clothes, providing they are not too tight. I found the material to be breathable and that the brace remained in place throughout activities.
Many consumers who have larger legs found this to be the best brace they have come across, staying in position and accommodating larger thighs and calves while providing immediate pain relief and a significant reduction in swelling.
The price is fair and doesn’t jump massively the more you go up in size, which many do. Overall, this is a top product with few negatives.
Pros
- Excellent for Those With Larger Legs
- Maximum Support For Active People
- Effective Injury Recovery
- Comfortable All Day Wear
- Discreet Design
Cons
- Some Consumers Mention Velcro Having Poor Longevity
- Runner’s State it Loses Elasticity
DOUFURT Knee Brace
The DOUFURT Knee Brace is an online bestseller with thousands of positive consumer reviews (nearly all 5/5 stars). I found it to have a steadier compression level around the knee, with an incredible range of adjustability throughout its four size options.
There’s a good water absorption level, and even during heavy rainfall, it doesn’t lose its vice-like grip around the leg. In addition, the advanced neoprene material is soft, comfortable, and breathable, and great material to reduce sweating and discomfort.
DOUFURT claims this to be a professional knee brace that offers medical-grade pain relief. I don’t dispute this, and along with other consumers, found immediate relief from knee pain.
It is also an excellent product for injury recovery, making it versatile and massive value for money at less than $20 and with a free same-day delivery option!
Pros
- Remarkable Value for Money
- Same Day Delivery
- Injury Recovery and Prevention
- Comfortable, Advanced Neoprene Material
- Highly Breathable
- Thousands of Positive Reviews
Cons
- It Isn’t Anti-Slip
- Some Consumers Mention a Looseness After Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Sticks and canes aren’t for everyone, and knee braces only offer so much support. I have previously written about the best knee walkers, which could be a good choice for those who don’t want to or can’t use a cane yet need more support than a knee brace can give.
Knee walkers are a great alternative to other mobility aids; they come in a range of designs and prices too. See what you think by reading our guide to the best steerable knee walkers.
Answer: Knee braces are widely different, so too are their care instructions. Some are perfectly fine to go into a washing machine, but others are more delicate and will require a hand wash. Due to their elasticity, almost all will need to be line-dried and not put into a tumble dryer.
Before attempting to wash your knee brace, look at the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure you don’t ruin the brace, leaving you likely unable to use the warranty for a replacement.
Answer: Knee Braces are fine to be worn while undertaking physical therapy. Moreover, they’re recommended to use in conjunction with gentle exercise and therapies, as they help prevent muscle damage and provide extra security to the joint.
Answer: It is often advisable to sleep with a knee brace on to offer further protection for the knee joint and keep it stable while you’re in a state of subconsciousness. This is especially true following surgery. However, if you’re going to be wearing a knee brace around the clock, it is highly recommended that you moisturize the skin underneath to prevent rashes or irritations.
Answer: Knee braces are often prescribed for patients with knee injuries or conditions such as osteoarthritis. Braces are sturdier in structure to knee straps and more of a recovery aid than a preventative one, like most straps.
The Best Knee Brace for Meniscus Tear – My Verdict
All of the knee braces in this guide are suitable for meniscus tears. However, some are to aid recovery; some are to use as a preventative measure, and others are multi-use, such as the DOUFURT Knee Brace.
This brace is highly rated online, well priced, comfortable, and has a good level of support. Yet, it isn’t anti-slip, and active people found this troublesome.
The SENTEQ Knee Brace can also be used as both recovery and preventative aid. I found this to be comfortable for all-day wear and that it stayed in position well. In addition, it has robust velcro fastenings and an unbeatable price. Overall, I could find little wrong with this product, yet some consumers did find the support to loosen over time.
For those with larger legs, I would recommend the TechWare Pro Knee Brace. It supports wider thighs and calves comfortably and has been cited as a life changer by many consumers. Although I found a few comments disputing its longevity, it is comfortable to wear all day long and suitable for highly active people.
The Pentagon Fit Knee Sleeve was developed by pain therapists and provides immediate pain relief from meniscus tears or other knee injuries and condition pain.
It’s a higher-priced product, but due to the 60-day money-back guarantee, it is a risk-free purchase and worth a try if you feel this stands out from the rest as the brace for you.
Despite the pretty dramatic price changes between sizes, I could find no other drawbacks for the Shock Doctor Knee Brace and would rate this as my favorite overall knee brace for meniscus tears.
Continue reading:
Check Out the Best Knee Braces on Amazon