Chondromalacia is one of the most common causes of knee pain, and a condition that I’ve dealt with first hand over the last year. Also known as “runner’s knee,” chondromalacia occurs when the cartilage on the under surface of the patella (kneecap) begins to soften and deteriorate according to Mayo Clinic.
This condition generally presents with general knee pain, known as patellofemoral pain. Some individuals may experience cracking or grinding sensations when extending or bending their knee. I notice the worse pain occurs when standing for a prolonged period of time due to the pressure placed on the knee region.
While the cartilage damage caused by chondromalacia will usually repair itself with adequate rest and icing, stabilization plays a major role in recovery. My doctor recommended the use of a knee brace to help reduce pain and keep the knee cap centered for faster healing.
While in search of the best knee brace for chondromalacia, I’ve discovered several products that worked exceptionally well to eliminate my inflammation and discomfort, while also stimulating healing of the damaged cartilage. Before I get to my top picks, first let’s look at what’s important when shopping.
What to Look for in the Best Knee Brace for Chondromalacia:
- Type: You’ll want to look at the types of braces available to find one that will benefit the damaged cartilage in your knee. The four most common types include sleeves, stabilizers, supports, and hinges.
- Style: There are two basic styles of knee braces: wrap-around and slip on. Wrap-around knee braces can be placed behind or in front of the knee and adjusted with straps. Slip on braces simply slip on over the foot and up to the knee region.
- Patella: Another common feature of knee braces is open and closed patella’s. Both open and closed patella designs are suitable for individuals with chondromalacia as they both work to provide extra compression to the knee.
- Size: Size is an important feature when shopping for the best knee brace for chondromalacia. You want your brace to fit firmly but not be too tight that it interferes with the healing process or causes more pain.
Best Chondromalacia Patella Brace
Here are the top knee braces for Chondromalacia based on quality and user experience.
- DashSport Knee System
- Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap
- Kinetiks Best Choice Knee Brace Support
- Brace Ability Chondromalacia Knee Brace
- Ilyever Knee Support Brace Pads
1.DashSport Knee System
Wearing a knee brace for chondromalacia helps to align the patella and absorb shock. I found the DashSport Knee System to provide the support, stabilization, and compression needed to eliminate my knee pain on a day-to-day basis. What makes this product unique is its targeted compression that provides relief in painful areas.
Everything you need to relieve your knee pain is in this convenient package, including a premium Copper Compression Sleeve and a premium Patella Knee Brace. These two components are designed to work together to eliminate stress off of the damaged cartilage and minimize associated discomfort.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- My new “go to” knee support!
- Great fit and support
- Is better than other braces I’ve tried by far
- Best knee system I’ve found
- Offers pain relief and adequate knee support
- I like that this brace is adjustable
2. Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap
While I was lounging around the house, I didn’t feel I needed a full, bulky knee brace. For home use, I found the best knee brace for chondromalacia to be the Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap. Its simplistic design provides the user with comfort, while still doing its job to protect and stabilize the knee.
This unique knee brace offers dynamic pain diffusion in two ways. The above the knee support reduces the force of quad muscles which lessens your risk for misalignment. The below the knee support works by applying targeted pressure to the patellar tendon which helps to tighten and stabilize the kneecap mechanism.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Tightens up knee and kneecap
- Priceless!
- Offers breathable support
- Quality-made and supports my knee well
- Knee saver!
- A must-have for chondromalacia problems
3. Kinetiks Best Choice Knee Brace Support
If you’re looking for rapid pain relief from chondromalacia, bursitis, tendonitis, or other knee issues, this next knee brace is for you. After trying the Kinetiks Best Choice Knee Brace Support, my pain nearly diminished. This may be due to the brace’s cutting-edge heat retaining neoprene that offers less irritation to the skin and faster knee recovery.
The knee brace is specifically engineered to provide the user with the ideal balance of flexibility, safety, and stability. It’s also simple to use. Just align the padded gel movement-restricting ring around your kneecap to achieve all day comfort. Customize the fit by adjusting the three straps and five Velcro knee brace tabs until secure.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Provided immediate relief!
- This knee brace is an absolute miracle
- Helped a lot with pain and stiffness
- The right support for your knee
- This is lightweight, not bulky, and comfy
- I highly recommend this knee brace
4. Brace Ability Chondromalacia Knee Brace
It’s not always easy to find a knee brace specifically designed for individuals suffering from chondromalacia. The Chondromalacia Knee Brace for Patellofemoral Pain by Brace Ability delivered on its promise of relieving my pain and instability. Its light compression helped to instantly reduce inflammation while promoting healing.
What really makes it the best knee brace for chondromalacia is its open patella design that helps to support the patellar joint while keeping the kneecap aligned. The brace is constructed of a lightweight material that makes it comfortable while lounging around at home or while at work or doing physical activities.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Love the support
- This product has a great fit
- Comfortable and provides the knee stability I need
- I love how you can adjust the tightness and fit
- A great value
- Hides well under clothing and is breathable
5. Ilyever Knee Support Brace Pads
If you want a knee brace that doesn’t look like your typical bulky brace, I recommend the Ilyever Knee Support Brace Pads. These universal size knee pads are specifically designed for patella support and are fully adjustable so that you can find a fit that is most comfortable for you.
The loop lock design allows for the flexible movement of the joint while protecting the damaged cartilage from harmful mobilization. Comfort is key when you have to wear a brace for an extended period of time, and this brace is perfect for daily wear. Built from a soft, breathable, and premium material, the strap offers a comfy, non-irritating fit.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Excellent product for reducing pain and swelling
- Can easily be adjusted
- Simple to put on and is comfortable
- Well worth the price!
- Strong and durable
- So far has worked perfect to reduce my discomfort
Further Reading & Resources:
- YouTube – 3 Best Exercises for: Chondromalacia Patella
- Medicine.net
- 7 Tips To Avoid Injuries During Exercise
