Do Knee Compression Sleeves Work For Arthritis

Knee Sleeve For Arthritis

At SSST, we make the best knee sleeves for arthritis. We apply the industry-leading 3D weaving technology to create the spot-on even and consistent compression around knee, making our knee sleeves the best knee support for arthritis.

Please contact us if you are interested in our knee sleeves for arthritis.

These Top Picks Will Help You Get Back On Your Feet

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

If youve ever experienced knee painwhether its from wear and tear or surgeryyou have probably already discovered that the market is pretty saturated with options for knee braces.

That said, it can be hard to know what exactly you should be looking for. To help clarify, Verywell Health tapped Jim McGahee, a doctor of physical therapy, who has six years of experience in orthopedics at the Habersham Medical Center. He explained that there are generally two types of knee braces: post-surgical, which a surgeon will prescribe so that they can determine the amount of movement necessary for healing and over-the-counter.

Over-the-counter knee braces are what you would generally find at a pharmacy, says McGahee. There are a wide variety of knee braces to choose fromeverything from simple knee sleeves to more rigid braces that may have some metal or hard plastic support and a hinge that allows the knee to bend.

Here are the best knee braces for arthritis on the market today.

Top Rated Knee Sleeves

FIT4YOU has a great pair of knee sleeves. In fact, they have a perfect five-star rating! Why? Because they are a durable yet affordable pair of the best knee sleeves perfect for every occasion. Thought they are especially marketed towards people who participate in sports and athletic activities, they can help anyone who experiences knee pain. The only down side? They only come in medium and large sizes, so they may not be a good fit for people with especially small or especially big knees.

Read Also: What To Take For Arthritis Pain

For Crossfit And Weightlifting

Both CrossFit and weightlifting emphasize sudden, jerky movements that put enormous pressure on your knees. It is for this reason that practitioners of these disciplines go with thick, highly durable knee sleeves with extensive knee support.

Flexibility is not that important here, so prioritize sleeves of 7mm thickness with a tight-fitting for maximum compression and support.

Do Compression Socks Help With Knee Pain

Are knee sleeves your only option for knee pain?

Definitely not!

Compression socks can also do wonders for knee pain while also helping to provide relief to other parts of the leg. This is why many people with conditions such as varicose veins that affect the entire leg opt for compression socks instead of smaller knee sleeves.

A sock pretty much covers the knee or a longer sock that goes half-way up the thigh will provide knee and lower leg relief at the same time. For some fashionable and comfortable options, check out ComproGears line of compression socks.

Recommended Reading: Is Massage Therapy Good For Arthritis

How To Wash Knee Sleeves

Do you like your knee sleeves? Do you want to keep them in tip-top shape?

Protect your investment. Wash these sleeves by hand. And then let them air dry.

Sure, I came to know that some labels may say that you can wash them on a delicate cycle with cold water, but, over time, this type of duty will take its toll on the garment.

To wash your sleeves by hand, draw a bucket of cold water with mild soap. Soak the socks for a few minutes to loosen dirt and odors. Lightly scrub the socks to remove any persistent stains.

Then, run your knee sleeves under cool, running water for a minute to remove any soap and loosened dirt. Wring them out, and then hang them to dry.

Since these sleeves are in direct contact with your skin, they should be washed after every wear or at least every other wear. If you buy a quality knee sleeve, however, they will be likely be composed of thick material or knit that takes longer to dry. Because of this, it is a good idea to have an extra pair or two of knee sleeves to wear while the other ones dry.

Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support

• Price: $$$

What we liked: The Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support is significantly more expensive than the other braces on this list. But thats for good reason: many customers say that it offers the same level of support as many stabilizing braces, without the bulkiness. Its also breathable and easy to move in, which you might not find in other knee compression sleeves.

Reviewers who like this brace say that its comparable to medical-grade compression options, and at a third of the price. Its also made in Germany with durable, medical-grade materials, which is a plus.

What to know: Some people find the striated fabric of this compression brace to be a little too abrasive for their skin. Chafing has been reported by some customers, especially after wearing the brace for hours at a time or during sweat-heavy activities.

Also Check: How To Prevent Arthritis In Knees

History Of Magnetic Knee Brace Support Sleeves

I tore the meniscus in my knee in 1984, and my knee would be sore sometimes ever since. So, I did some research in 2004 and read that magnets might have a beneficial effect on knee pain.

I sent away for a knee wrap that had magnets in it. It was made of neoprene rubber, with small magnets sewn into it. It attached to Velcro straps. And in fact, I found that when I wore it to sleep, with a really painful stiff knee, I would wake up in the morning feeling real relief.

What Does A Knee Compression Sleeve Do

There are many reasons why people wear knee supports. This could be because of a sporting injury, bad posture, after surgery, or for arthritis.

The type of injury you sustain will largely account for the amount of time you will need to wear your knee compression sleeve and when.

During sport, at work, or even while you sleep can help to support the knee and decrease pain and swelling. It can also help to strengthen the knee after significant trauma.

A knee compression sleeve is a great way to begin and maximise your healing. It can significantly reduce your recovery time.

In regards to knee compression sleeves we will be addressing

• How does a knee compression sleeve work?
• Can it be worn all day?
• What material comprises a knee compression sleeve?
• When you should wear compression knee sleeves
• Is compression good for knee pain?
• Sleeping with a knee compression sleeve

Don’t Miss: What Tests Are Done For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Why Trust Verywell Health

An experienced health writer, Brittany Loggins understands how important it is to have a comprehensive understanding of the products she’s recommending. All of the products found in her pieces have either been tested by her first hand or have been recommended by trusted medical professionals.

Additional reporting for this story by Brittany Leitner

As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won’t break the bank.

Why Combine Compression With Copper

Tommie Copper and other makers of copper-infused compression clothing, including Copper Fit, Miracle Copper, and Copper Wear, are combining two theories with their products: that compression plus copper equals pain relief and boosted healing.

Compressing the site of an injury is the third step of the recommended treatment for injuries such as muscle strains and ligament sprains, known as RICERest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Compression works by limiting swelling while providing support to the injured area. Medical compression stockings have also been prescribed to help prevent leg swelling and blood clots in patients whove had surgery.

Copper, a soft, malleable metal, has long been touted as a folk medicine treatment to relieve pain and heal injuries. According to court documents, a 2012 Tommie Copper catalog claimed that, Copper has been used for thousands of years to aid in reducing inflammation, growing and sustaining connective tissues and aiding in blood flow and oxygen transport, and that it provides immediate relief from inflammation and harnesses the other well-known health benefits of copper.

Also Check: Is Heat Good For Arthritis

How To Purchase Ultra Knee Elite

According to the manufacturer, you can only buy Ultra Knee Elite from their official website. The manufacturer claims that ordering from their website is safe and straightforward. After the successful purchase of Ultra Knee Elite, the company offers free shipping to any region of the world. The product will arrive at your destination in 3-15 business days, depending on your location. Prices are as follows:

• 1 Ultra Knee Elite $39.95 plus free shipping
• 2 Ultra Knee Elite $59.95 plus free shipping

The manufacture of the product offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if, for any reason, a consumer is not satisfied with their order.

Types Of Knee Braces For Knee Pain And Arthritis

Which one for you? Its actually easier than you think to choose one. Have a bit of mild pain and swelling, maybe the Sleeve is right for you. Tweaked the knee playing soccer with the kids? You might need a Hinge Brace. Is your pain more local around the knee cap and you have a real tough time with stairs and little squat movements? The Patello-Femoral Brace is the way to go. Old ACL injury or knee just feels REALY unstable? Custom Hinge Brace all the way.

But if you are dealing with arthritis and knee pain and you know you have one side of that knee that is worn down by years of living? The Custom Unloader is all I preach to my patients. Check this out

Read Also: How To Reduce Arthritis In Knees

Knee Braces For Arthritis

We have a wide range of knee supports and braces which can be used to help ease the symptoms of arthritis. The warmth provided by the knee braces and compression sleeves is therapeutic and helps to relieve knee pain. The level of support require from a knee brace will depend on the severity of your condition and the amount of activity you undertake. Compression sleeves and neoprene knee supports relieves knee pain from mild arthritis. Hinged knee braces provide the highest level of support and are ideal for those with moderate to severe arthritis. The durable and functional frames support the muscles, tendons and ligaments used to power your joints. This help to aid the movement of the knee without overworking it and causing more pain and exacerbating your condition.

Knee supports with patella openings offer optimal support and protection for unstable, injured or recovering knees, ligament sprains/tears, and of course arthritis, during sports or daily activities. The patella opening ensures proper patella alignment and efficient air ventilation without compromising motion, while bilateral hinges prevent hyperextension and help stabilize the knee and protect it from lateral impacts.

Ace Adjustable Knee Brace With Side Stabilizers

• Price: $$

What we liked: Running puts a lot of stress on your knee, even if you dont have arthritis. This brace is supportive enough to hold your knee joint in place while you move, but its also adjustable for comfort with three Velcro straps. Reviewers say that the material has just the right amount of rigidity to provide support without becoming uncomfortable.

Side-stabilizers are a unique feature. They hold all the parts of your knee joint in place, even when youre exercising. As a bonus, the brace can be hand washed, so it wont get too stinky even if you exercise with it regularly.

What to know: Some customers noted that the Velcro on this products adjustable straps does wear out over time. While this brace is pretty durable and should last you a while, dont expect it to last forever.

Read Also: How To Treat Arthritis In Hands

How Compression Sleeves Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis

• 5 min read

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you know how painful its flare-ups can be. While medications can be taken to help calm it down, they arent always the healthiest method. This is why you should consider using compression sleeves. Below youll find more information about what they are and how they can help heal your rheumatoid arthritis.

Is It Bad To Wear Compression Sleeves All Day

Compression sleeves basically help make your blood circulate more efficiently to prevent soreness and relieve pain. But while its great for daily use, many wonder if its advisable for round-the-clock, all-day wear. For starters, yes compression sleeves are meant to provide a level of pressure on the affected area.

Read Also: How To Ease Arthritis Pain In Ankle

Best For Weightlifting: Sling Shot Strong Knee Sleeve

For both serious weightlifters and strength-training newbies, a knee sleeve is a helpful tool for protecting the sensitive ligaments in your knees, as well as increasing blood flow to the area when performing exercises like squatting, lunging, and pressing weight overhead. These knee sleeves from Sling Shot come in a two-pack and are stiffer than typical compression sleeves, providing complete support and rebound during heavy sets. The neoprene sleeves are seamless and easy to slip on and off, so you won’t mind wearing them throughout your workout for the added protection.

“I have not found any that really helped me during weightlifting…until now,” one user said. “I tried another brand designed for lifting but was disappointed. Now I have these and I can do squats and lunges without knee pain! They keep my knees tight and warm, giving me confidence to lift.”

Available at , $83

Do Knee Sleeves Help Knee Pain

Yes, knee sleeves can help support the knee, reduce pain, and improve overall functionality. One way to determine whether a brace is helpful is to simply wear one and determine the response to pain and function, says Brandon Schmitt, DPT, ATC, chair of the Knee Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Keep in mind that wearing a knee sleeve should not be a substitute for an evaluation and treatment plan for knee pain from a doctor or physical therapist.

Read Also: What Helps Lower Back Arthritis

Magnetic Knee Guards Or Straps

Magnetic knee guards can help if you are experiencing minor knee pain and discomfort. It helps absorb some of the pressure and impact at your knee by applying concentrated compression across the joint and patellar tendon. One of the more popular knee guards you will find online is the Pro Band Sports KneedIT XM Knee Guard.

This knee guard uses magnetic therapy to assist in the relief of minor knee pain that is commonly associated with arthritis and tendonitis. It has a neoprene material band and a padded magnetic face that can be adjusted for the best fit and ultimate comfort. It can be used during sports, for work, and home, and one size usually fits most.

Find Out The Best Knee Compression Sleeves To Fit Your Knee

Recommended Reading: How To Keep Arthritis From Spreading

How Long Should You Wear A Compression Sleeve

The length of time that you should wear a knee compression sleeve is dependant on the type of injury you have sustained.

The general consensus is that after 3-6 months of regular wear, a knee compression sleeve should have helped to immobilizer the injury and heal effectively so that you can use it without support.

That being said, a compression sleeve is used to prevent further injury. So, if you wish to minimise the chance for reinjury then you could opt to wear it during exercise or sporting activities.

If you are unsure about the stage of your recovery you should consult a doctor or other health care professional. They will give you more concrete and personalised answers for your recovery and when to reduce wear of your compression garment.