A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that occurs when forceful twisting causes knee tissues to tear. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that provides cushioning between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). A sudden pivot on the basketball court, a hard tackle on the football field, and similar activities can put excess pressure on or rotate the knee joint in a way that causes damage.
Treatment for meniscus tears typically includes ice, rest, pain relievers, and in some cases, physical therapy and surgery. Many health professionals also recommend the use of a knee brace to help support and stabilize the knee during the healing period. There are many great knee braces currently on the market. To present you with only the best choices of knee braces for meniscus tears, our team has tested a variety of online options.
What to Look for in the Best Knee Braces for Meniscus Tears:
- Type: There are several types of knee braces to choose from, including supports, sleeves, stabilizers, and hinges. Some options like hinges create a more rigid fit than more flexible options like sleeves.
- Style: There are two basic knee brace styles to choose from: wraparound or slip-on. Wrap-around styles use Velcro straps to create a more customized fit while slip-on braces simply slide onto the leg.
- Patella: Choose from an open or closed patella. If you prefer to reduce pressure on the kneecap, an open patella is the better option.
- Size: While some knee braces come in a universal one-size-fits-all option, most come in varying sizes to better accommodate the user. Always refer to the brand’s sizing chart to ensure that you’re choosing the appropriate brace size.
1. Rehband Rx Knee Support
Stylish and effective, the Rehband Rx Knee Support is our number one choice for best knee brace for meniscus tears. This versatile knee brace provides the flexible compression needed to feel secure and confident while taking on any activity, even if it’s just your average day-to-day tasks.
Constructed of neoprene material, the knee support helps relieve pressure, improve coordination during activities, and deliver warmth to healing tissues. The brace features patented technology that consists of a contoured 3D design based on the actual contours of the human leg. The brace is also endorsed by famous CrossFit athletes.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Best knee support for compound exercises
- Great for helping to warm knees
- These are the best knee supports ever
- Allows your skin to breathe
- The greatest piece of fitness equipment I’ve ever purchased
2. DonJoy Performer Compression Support Knee Sleeve
Our next tested and approved choice for best knee brace for meniscus tears is the DonJoy Performer Compression Support Knee Sleeve. With its streamlined design and effective amount of compression, the brace offers exceptional support for meniscus tears, knee sprains, strains, hyperextension, and similar conditions. It’s also a great aid for individuals suffering from temporary inflammation and joint pain. The sleeve design offers a comfortable fit that slides on easily and remains discreet under most clothing.
In addition to having several sizes available, the brace is reversible so you can choose from the black side or blue side. With its flexible neoprene material, the brace helps to retain body heat for added warmth around the healing knee tissues. The brace is also designed with an open patella which reduces the pressure put on the knee cap for a more comfortable fit. You can also wear the knee brace on either the right or left knee.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Would highly recommend this brace
- Great product – well worth the cost
- High-quality product
- Conforms to my knee very well
- Helps me with balance and strength
3. SENTEQ Inflatable Knee Wrap
This self-proclaimed ‘best inflatable knee brace for meniscus tear repair and recovery’ is on the top of our list of best knee braces. The SENTEQ Inflatable Knee Wrap comes with an adjustable pump that helps to protect, support, and compress knee injuries for faster healing. The removable air pump and tube can be used above or below clothing.
The SENTEQ knee brace is medical grade and FDA approved. Constructed of neoprene material with a small amount of polyester and nylon, the flexible knee brace is highly effective at reducing swelling, pain, and muscle spasms. It also features a multi-hole design that is breathable and allows you to better adjust heat for better comfort.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Great product
- Worth every penny
- Allows me to apply pressure as I see fit
- No weird smell like other braces
- I love it!
4. Futuro Adjustable Knee Stabilizer
If you’re looking for a knee brace that’s both affordable and highly-effective, try the Futuro Adjustable Knee Stabilizer. With dual stabilizers you’ll receive both medial and lateral support for faster healing with reduced pain. The open knee cap design offers extra support without putting excess pressure on the tender knee. You’ll also find side ventilation which enhances the brace’s breathability and reduces the bunching of fabric behind the knee.
For extra support during all of your day-to-day activities, you need a quality knee brace that you can trust to stabilize and support your weakened knee. The Futuro Adjustable Knee Stabilizer does just that. The adjustable straps help create a customized fit that enhances the recovery period. Reflective hook tabs provide the user with extra visibility. Using the stabilizer is easy. Just lay it over the knee with the smooth side against the skin and hole over the kneecap. Wrap the knee as instructed to create the perfect fit.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Does the job well
- This is pretty wonderful
- Works better than other knee braces
- Easy to put on
- Great support for the price!
5. Shock Doctor Knee Stabilizer with Flexible Support Stays
Our final choice for best knee brace for meniscus tears is the Shock Doctor Knee Stabilizer with Flexible Support Stays. After testing this powerful brace, we found it to have a unique design that makes it more effective than other options available online. It features a pre-curved anatomical design that creates a consistent compression and fit.
The knee brace also has a padded patella buttress which helps to stabilize the kneecap while protecting against further injury. As comfort is important during the healing process, the brace has four-way stretch Lycra mesh in the back to allow for breathability. The brace offers moderate support for minor to moderate knee injuries.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Awesome product
- Works great
- Best brace I’ve bought so far
- Very flexible and fits perfectly
- Offers unbeatable support
