Best Hinged: Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Guard Hinged Compression Knee Brace
Courtesy of Amazon
-
Bulky structure
To those looking for a heavy-duty knee brace, we recommend Shock Doctors Ultra Knee Support. For starters, the brace comes equipped with flexible side stabilizers. These frame the kneerunning along the left and right sides of the braceoffering stability while also keeping the brace firmly in place as you go about your favorite activities.
The adjustable straps that run along the top and bottom of the brace will allow you to get the cozy fit youre looking for while providing further support. And the heavy-duty bilateral hinges on either side of the knee will ensure that it feels thoroughly supported, without overly restricting your range of motion.
Though this knee brace is decidedly bulky, it promises to be comfortable and relatively flexible. The braces pre-curved anatomical design offers a snug fit . The brace is crafted from a breathable, antimicrobial fabric that promises to increase airflow while cutting down on odor, bacteria, and moisture.
Price at time of publication: $58
Style: Compression brace | Material: Neoprene | Adjustable: Yes
How Can A Knee Brace Help
In general, knee braces decrease compressive forces on the knee by offloading and supporting the joint. This helps relieve pain and improve mobility to enhance recovery. Wearing a brace can help limit the stress placed on your meniscus while it heals and protect you from re-injury. As a result, you can be more physically active throughout your recovery and get back to doing what you love sooner.
After meniscus tear surgery, a knee brace can be worn to limit knee flexion and rotation, protecting the meniscus while allowing weight-bearing and movement . Additionally, braces can support the knee while doing physical therapy exercises later on in rehabilitation. .
Knee bracing can also be useful as part of a non-surgical approach for less severe acute tears and as an ongoing treatment for degenerative meniscus tears, especially in the presence of osteoarthritis . Keep in mind that wearing a knee brace is only one part of a potential non-surgical treatment strategy. Still, it can likely help to manage your pain while being physically active, with less risk of re-injury.
What Is A Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a thin, fibrous cartilage that stabilizes the knee and acts as a shock absorber. Each knee has two menisci, a medial and lateral meniscus, and they can be damaged by falls, sharp turning/pivoting in sports, or knee trauma.
Depending on the injury, you may need to undergo surgery to repair the meniscus or remove the torn portion. In either situation, your physician may recommend a supportive knee brace to stabilize your knee and protect the injured meniscus.
Also Check: Right Elbow In The Golf Swing
How Meniscus Tear Can Happen
Meniscus tear can happen when a knee is twisted suddenly, or a sudden pressure is applied on knee joints. Athletes in sports like Football, Basketball, Soccer or Tennis are highly exposed to a torn Meniscus.
Torn Meniscus can occur more often with aging. Menisci become worn and fragile. Also, people with Osteoarthritis are exposed to a higher risk of Meniscus injury. An OA hinged knee brace can help to relieve pain and support knee with injured Meniscus.
Donjoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace

- Bilateral polycentric hinges
- Dual strap for a secure fit
- Perforated breathable neoprene
- Non-slip technology
This is a robust knee brace with sturdy straps for a secure fit and hinges for increased stability of the knee. There is a patella opening to encourage correct alignment of the patella . This is a good choice of knee brace for those who need might feel less stable in the knee due to a meniscus tear and need more support.
You May Like: Medial Epicondylitis Golfer’s Elbow
Knee Brace For Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is a prevalent disease for people over 40 years old. A diagnosis of osteoarthritis is not something to be frightened of. But if left untreated, it can cause significant pain and impair mobility.
Osteoarthritis is caused by a gradual breakdown of the cartilage that protects the ends of bones in joints. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a particularly challenging disease. This is because the knee is a complex joint that bears considerable weight.
Within the knee joint, the breakdown of cartilage tends to occur more at one side of the knee. This causes an imbalance which further aggravates the condition, affecting mobility. Unequal damage causes malalignment of the knee which may present as a bow-legged or knock kneed appearance. With osteoarthritis, if the damage increases in severity, the breakdown of cartilage accelerates. For this reason, it is important to seek immediate treatment manual osteopathic therapy is an option to consider with your physical therapist.
A custom knee brace can help with knee pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. A specific type of knee brace the unloader brace is typically prescribed. This is because the unloader brace helps when one side of the knee joint is more arthritic than the other.
Wearing an unloader brace will reduce pain, help mobility and prevent future damage to the knee joint.
Treatment For A Torn Meniscus
A meniscus tear, also known as cartilage tear, typically occurs through contact sports, although it can be injured in other ways. When the meniscus is torn through sports, it is typically accompanied by other ligament injuries such as an ACL tear. The meniscus is comprised of two pieces of cartilage that reside between your thighbone and shinbone. This cartilage helps cushion your knee joint and keep it stable. It can be torn when your knee is twisted with a lot of force. You might have torn your meniscus if you feel pain, experience swelling, and cannot straighten your leg.
RICE treatment may be sufficient to a slightly torn meniscus. This will provide comfort to alleviate the pain and lessen the swelling as the meniscus heals over time. A major tear may require surgery.
The best treatment for a meniscus tear is to understand the injury, rest, and wear a knee brace specifically designed to support a meniscus injury. A knee brace ideal for meniscus tears will support the knee in a position to help prevent it from rotating too far in an unnatural direction. It would ideally be worn for daily activities if you have previously had an injury and during sports for prevention whether or not you have previously been injured.
Continue reading more about meniscus tears and learn more about why our DonJoy Deluxe Hinged is the best brace for meniscus protection.
You May Like: Super Skinny Blowout Ripped Knee Jeans
When Should I Wear A Knee Brace
If youre sitting down for long periods or only walking short distances at home, you should take off the knee brace as it is probably not necessary to have it on, Minnis says.
Those with a degenerative condition, like osteoarthritis of the knee, may find it helpful to wear a knee brace when you are more active, playing a sport, or on your feet for long periods, he says.
Wear your knee brace when youre going to be on your feet for long periods or performing simple tasks that may irritate or destabilize your knee, like when bending or twisting. Use your knee brace for any activity where you need support with your stability.
Knee Brace For Meniscus Tear
If you’ve ever suffered a meniscus tear then you know how painful it can be. Using a meniscus tear knee brace with a hinged design can provide greater support and protection with daily walking, reduce episodes of the knee giving way, as well as, with help reduce medial or lateral meniscus pain with everyday pivoting movements. DME-Direct carries the best selection of hinged brace designs specifically for use as a knee brace for a torn meniscus. These products feature adjustable hinges which can be set to limit the amount of bending to reduce the chances of the knee locking up as in the case of having a bucket handle tear. They feature lightweight and low profile designs that are more supportive than the common drug store varieties. Use them at home, as part of your rehab program, or for everyday support at home or the office. You’ll find all of the latest styles from today’s most popular brands like, Bauerfeind, Bledsoe, BioSkin, Donjoy, Hely Weber, MedSpec, Ossur, Procare, Pro Orthopedic Devices, McDavid, Townsend Design, and more. An orthopedic-quality knee brace for meniscus tear ranges in price from $30 -$70 depending on their styling, construction, and unique features. Click hinged knee brace to see our entire selection of top knee braces for meniscus tears.
Also Check: Pain In Base Of Thumb And Wrist
Detailed Features And Comparison Of Experts Recommended Best Donjoy Knee Brace For Torn Meniscus Reviews
We understand how much of a hassle it can be to go through thousands of reviews when you have too many options. So, leave all your worries behind, check out this ultimate guide, and make a hassle-free purchase decision.
The internet is full of different companies offering a variety of products. It can be hard to know which ones are the best and which ones to avoid. Thats where the research team comes in. They use their experience to offer the most accurate and unbiased reviews of Donjoy Knee Brace For Torn Meniscus on the internet.
They conduct a thorough evaluation of each product, taking into account quality, features, price, and more. Based on their findings, they note which product excel and which fail. This helps you make an informed decision about which product to trust and which to avoid.
To offer the most accurate, unbiased reviews on the internet, we had used given below parameters,
Buying Guide For Best Donjoy Knee Brace 2023
We all know that how much beneficial is online shopping. But before you add that item to your cart, there are a few things you should consider first. Here are some questions to ask before buying anything online.
Here are some questions to ask before buying best Donjoy Knee Brace online.
1. What is the return policy?
2. What are the shipping costs?
3. What are the customer reviews saying?
4. Is the price right?
5. What are my other options?
Don’t Miss: Knee Pain Down To Ankle
The Offloader Knee Brace
Function
An offloader, or unloader, knee brace is a brace crafted from molded plastic, foam, and steel struts. It transfers or unloads pressure from one side of your knee joint to the other, which can help relieve pain and promote recovery of your meniscus tear.
Its the best option for degenerative meniscus tears caused by OA because pain is usually on one side of the knee joint.
What To Look For When Buying Online

The internet has made shopping easier than ever before. You can find anything you need with just a few clicks of the mouse. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping online. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your online shopping experience.
1. Customer Reviews
As we mentioned before, online sites have a review section. This section is filled with customer feedbacks and even pictures of the product. Browsing through these reviews is the smartest thing to do. These reviews allow you to comprehend how the product will work for you. You can even determine the pros and cons of these reviews.
Check the rating on the website to learn if the seller is delivering the product as expected by the other buyers.
The item youre buying. Make sure youre getting what you want and that its the correct size, color, etc.
2. Quality
Quality is paramount when choosing any product. Different brands have different visions and objectives, so its important to examine each brands promises carefully to see if they align with what youre looking for. Go for the option with the best quality, and you cant go wrong.
3. Features
What are The Benefits of Buying Best Donjoy Knee Brace For Torn Meniscus Online?
You can also take your time when you shop online. You can read reviews, compare prices, and find the perfect product for you. Theres no pressure to buy something on the spot.
Read Also: Off Shoulder Plus Size Jumpsuit
Bauerfeind Genutrain S Knee Brace
- Medical grade compression
- Adjustable straps for a secure fit
- Visco elastic pad surrounds the patella
This is a high-quality and durable knee brace that is well designed for those that want to use it while playing sport. It has a secure fit and provides significant stability while being breathable and lightweight. This is a good option for those who feel their knee is unstable and need more support from a brace, and for those who have swelling around the knee.
Will A Knee Brace Make My Knee Weak
Minnis says, Unless you are using a brace that limits your motion drastically or provides rigid support, the muscles around your knee are not going to weaken. In fact, if wearing a knee brace allows you to be more active/return to exercise or walking, then your strength is probably going to improve.
Keep in mind that everyone is different. In some cases, wearing a knee brace may cause you to not use the muscles that support your knee as much as you should. This in turn may make you rely on your knee brace for stability instead of muscles like your quadriceps.
Your best bet is to talk with your physical therapist about strengthening your legs and use of a knee brace.
Read Also: Elbow Support For Tennis Elbow
Best Overall: Mcdavid 429x Knee Brace
-
May slip when in use
Who else recommends it? BestReviews also picked the McDavid 429X Knee Brace.
What do buyers say? 83% of 2,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
We chose the McDavids 429X Knee Brace as our top pick, because it offers an optimal balance of stability and comfort. The brace boasts an open-patella design, which is engineered to direct compression around the kneecap. This will provide targeted support to your meniscus without leaving your kneecap feeling trapped or overheated.
The braces adjustable cross straps will allow you to get the snug fit youre looking for while providing an extra layer of support above and below your knee. And, perhaps most importantly, the brace comes reinforced with geared side hinges, which will leave your knee feeling stable and supported without overly restricting your range of motion.
The knee brace is crafted from a compressive neoprene fabric that promises to keep your muscles feeling warm and relieved throughout wear. The brace also comes equipped with a breathable back panel designed to manage moisture, so you can rest assured knowing your knee will remain relatively cool, dry, and comfortable as you go about your favorite activities.
Price at time of publication: $80
Style: Compression brace | Material: Neoprene | Adjustable: Yes
Common Causes Of Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears are often caused by sudden movements or traumatic impacts. Sports that involve a lot of starting, stopping, and quick pivots hold the highest risk. This includes volleyball, basketball, football, and tennis.
You dont have to be an athlete to suffer a knee injury. Any activity- like hiking, dancing, walking downstairs, or stepping out of your car- can result in an injury.
The risk of a meniscus tear is three times higher for overweight people. A degenerative meniscal tear can also occur as a person ages. This is most common in people over 40 and results from the collagen fibers in the meniscus wearing down.
Recommended Reading: How To Wrap Elbow Bursitis
A Best Knee Brace For Full
A full-blown tear means that the part of the meniscus has completely detached and moved into the joint space. This can cause your knee to lock, be very stiff, and pop. With a severe meniscus tear, you will need surgery to sew the tear together. If this cannot be done, a partial meniscectomy will be done to remove the torn menisci. In extreme cases, it may be recommended to completely remove the meniscus. In both cases where the meniscus is partially or completely removed, your joint will now be rubbing bone on bone which increases your risk of osteoarthritis in the knee.
In the case that surgery is needed to repair the tear, a top knee brace to support your meniscus post-op is the DonJoy OA Reaction Web knee brace. The OA Reaction Web is an offloader and helps alleviate knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Its design is lightweight and low-profile, ideal to keep you moving post-injury. For a fully removed meniscus, a top offloader knee brace to support your knee is the DonJoy OA Nano. The OA Nano is a lightweight and low-profile OA knee brace. This is one of our top OA knee braces that can help shift pain away from the damaged knee with DonJoy’s Adjusted technology.
Preventative Measures You Can Take
The best approach to injury prevention is to perform exercises that strengthen your leg muscles, especially your quadriceps and hamstrings. Making sure that the knee joint has ample stability protects it from meniscus tears.
Additionally, you may opt to wear knee protection or a supportive brace during sports or physical activity. Remember to use proper form when you work out, lift weights, or play a sport.
Also Check: Dog Elbow Pads For Pressure Sores
Knee Support For Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Especially common in athletes, patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap is damaged as a result of injury or overuse.
Generally, this issue does not require a rigid or overly supportive brace, Minnis says. An open patellar brace, a wraparound brace, or a knee sleeve may help a person with this issue.
When And Why To Use A Knee Brace

Knee issues are some of the most common joint pain that people experience. A
To narrow our list, we considered the most common knee issues and injuries, supportive treatments, braces on the market, and user experience.
To start, Minnis defines the following knee brace types for reference:
- Sleeve-style braces slip over your knee like a sleeve.
- Strap-style braces stabilize the knee with low-profile straps that fit under clothing.
- Wraparound braces use two straps that wrap around the knee.
- Unloader braces are specially designed to take pressure off the knee joint.
- Open patellar braces have a hole for the patella to sit in.
You May Like: What Does Knee Bursitis Feel Like