If you’ve sustained a torn meniscus injury, your doctor has likely recommended that you keep your affected knee immobilized at all times. A torn meniscus can be very painful, but because it can often heal itself over time, immobilizing the joint will help achieve a faster, more efficient recovery.
Using a knee brace for a meniscus tear is important to ensure the proper positioning of the joint at all times. This will help the torn tissues heal in the proper pattern, eliminating the chances of any deformities and further complications. Of course, not all knee braces are made the same, and because of this, some may be better suited for you than others.
If you’re in the market for the best knee brace for torn meniscus, but you don’t know which to choose, this comprehensive buying guide should be of assistance.
Top 10 Knee Braces for Torn Meniscus Table
Buying Information for Knee Brace for Torn Meniscus
Choosing best knee brace for meniscus tear doesn’t depend on just aesthetic or brands. Be sure to keep these three considerations in mind to help you land a knee brace that will provide you utmost support, comfort, and value.
- Pressure Points. Knee braces are designed to place pressure on specific parts of your lower extremity. Usually, this happens where the Velcro straps are located. Most designs have two Velcro straps – one that goes across the upper margin of the knee, and a second across the lower margin. These straps often go in the same direction, however depending on your injury, it may be necessary to look for a brace that has straps going in opposite directions.
There are also some braces that have straps attached to the lower edge of the posterior of the brace which are crisscrossed and secured at the anterior upper edge. This places pressure directed anteriorly from behind the knee.
Be sure to ask your doctor about the specific pressure points that you need to consider when using your knee brace. Doctors are responsible for telling you how your brace should be acting on your knee to optimize joint positioning. Do not attempt to direct the pressure on your own – just because it feels right, doesn’t mean it is.
- Material. It’s important to keep a meniscus tear injury in a specific position because movement can foster improper healing and can be very painful. That said, it’s likely that you may have to wear your knee brace for prolonged hours with short 30 minute to 1 hour breaks in between.
Because wearing a knee brace for such a long period of time can be uncomfortable, it’s important to choose on that makes use of materials that maximize comfort. Mesh, thin fabrics, and flimsy designs can be very breathable, but they also permit more movement that could affect healing. Knee braces with built-in fixators keep the knee in place and resist movement effectively; however, they can be very uncomfortable and tend to retain body heat.
- Added Features. Depending on what kind of comfort and function you want out of your knee brace, it would be ideal to look not only at the basics, but also the added features of the brace. Some knee braces have built in hot and cold compress packs, which make it easy to help with the healing process. Others have the patella hole that permits limited movement, blood circulation, and improved breathability.
Top 3 Best Knee Brace for Torn Meniscus Reviews
1. Pure Support Compression Knee Sleeve
Considered by many as the best knee brace for torn meniscus cases, the Pure Support Compression Knee Brace for Meniscus Tear is a highly breathable and effective knee sleeve that supports the knee without restricting movement too much. This makes it very comfortable to use, especially for people who want to be able to move their knee slightly to prevent discomfort from strain.
While it doesn’t come with all the other fancy features that some other knee braces might offer, it gets the job done. Providing unrivalled comfort, support, and breathability, the Pure Support Compression Knee Brace for Meniscus Tear has become the most popular option for people who want a straightforward and simple solution for a meniscus tear.
2. Adalid Gear Brace Support with Flexible Reusable Gel
Another top pick based on consumer reviews is the Knee Brace Support with Flexible Reusable Gel Ice Pack for Hot and Cold Therapy. The brace features a small pocket that accommodates a gel pack that directly falls over the patellar region. This helps to heal the torn meniscus and numbs the pain to increase comfort.
Although it’s a very good choice for most, there are some people who may find that the compress makes the brace too bulky. It can be removed however, to make the entire design more compact and sleek. What’s more, the design also features straps that go in opposite directions, making it ideal for people who need specific pressure points applied to their knee joint.
3. PB Fitness Knee Brace Elastic Compression Sleeve
Simple, slim, and breathable are just a few words used to describe the Knee Brace Elastic Compression Sleeve. Featuring a sleeve design, this brace is easily worn by simply pulling the leg through it until it covers the entirety of the knee.
Unfortunately, the Knee Brace Elastic Compression Sleeve can be a little too flimsy for some. That’s because the entire brace doesn’t have any fixators, straps, or solid components that can resist knee movement. Some suggest that it’s most ideal for use towards the end of the healing process.