Our team checked tons of knee braces for swelling – here are the top 10!
Knee compression sleeves help in several knee issues and promote injury prevention. But, they excel in swelling management.
Their compression is key to remove the extra fluid and provide pain relief. But, there are several types of knee braces.
Some include metal hinges for maximum support. These are best worn after a ligament injury, post-surgery, or for meniscus injuries. Others have pads to protect the kneecap.
There’s an immense variety of designs, fabrics, specifications, prices… It’s easy to get frustrated while looking for the right brace for inflammation.
That’s why we made this list. We’ll save you time, showing you the top 10 knee braces for swelling. We’re confident you’ll find the one that fits your needs below!
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: MyCocoon Hot and Cold Knee Compression Sleeve
It’s a knee sleeve AND hot/cold pack in one. It combines the core principles of inflammation management – compression and ice – in one neat package.
Best for Knee Osteoarthritis: Incrediwear Knee Sleeve
Its fabric is embedded with germanium, which can reduce pain and swelling in people with mild arthritis. Durable and insanely comfortable.
Best for Sports: PentagonFit Compression Sleeve
This breathable closed-patella sleeve allows a full range of motion. Perfect to manage swelling while playing sports or working out.
Best for Budget: CAMBIVO 2 Pack Knee Brace
These sleeves come in pairs and have the most variety when it comes to sizes and colors. The fabric is soft and extremely breathable.
Best for Kneecap: Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 Knee Support
This sleeve is designed to manage swelling from kneecap issues. Adjustable strap for the kneecap, gel pad to keep it in place, and another pad to relax the IT band.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- My Cocoon Hot and Cold Knee Compression Sleeves
- Incrediwear Knee Sleeve
- PentagonFit Compression Sleeve
- CAMBIVO 2 Pack Knee Brace
- Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 Knee Support
- POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
- NEENCA Professional Knee Compression Sleeve
- DOUFURT Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers
- Copper Fit ICE Knit Compression Knee Sleeve
- THERAPAQ Knee Ice Pack Wrap
Top 10 knee braces to reduce swelling
1. My Cocoon Hot and Cold Knee Compression Sleeves
Pros
- All the benefits of a knee sleeve AND hot/cold therapy.
- Extremely effective to reduce swelling.
- Use it on other joints.
Cons
- Only in black.
- Pricier than average.
MyCocoon is a compression sleeve and hot/cold pack. It compresses your knee joint evenly and it’s extremely easy to use.
Comfort and Stability
MyCocoons are made of a leak-proof material that retains temperature – hydrogel. Heat it in the microwave, or put it in the freezer. It doesn’t get any easier than that!
Size options: S, M, L.
Color options: Black.
Durability and Quality
MyCocoons are double-stitched sleeves. Combined with the leak-proof gel, they are built to last.
Who this knee compression sleeve is for
Anyone with joint swelling. Whether it’s from a fresh or chronic injury, MyCocoons will enhance your recovery.
Who this knee compression sleeve isn’t for
People with moderate or severe stability issues may need a hinged brace to walk. You can wear MyCocoons at home to treat sprain-related swelling, though.
We believe MyCocoons are the best sleeves for swelling. Here’s a coupon code to save 15% on yours:
CODE: KNEEFORCE
2. Incrediwear Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Signature fabric blend to reduce inflammation.
- Not bulky.
- Sidebars for some joint stabilization.
Cons
- No-returns policy if bought from third-party sellers.
- Expensive.
Incrediwear tested their sleeves in several studies. One of them showed they can reduce knee pain in people with mild arthritis – one of the most common knee injuries.
Comfort and Stability
This knee brace has a signature fabric embedded with germanium. This is a semiconductor element that can reduce inflammation. It also makes these sleeves more durable than average.
This innovative design means they’re more expensive than other braces, though.
Size options: M, L, XL, XXL.
Color options: Grey, black.
Durability and Quality
It won’t shrink after washing or unravel at the seams, thanks to its resistant fabric and 3D woven technology.
Who this knee brace is for
To reduce knee pain related to joint swelling. They’re amazing for arthritis pain and chronic knee pain, too.
Who this knee brace isn’t for
Not the best option if you’re on a budget.
Incrediwear sleeves are high-quality, but they can be expensive. Use our 20% discount code when you buy 2 knee sleeves!
CODE: knee20
3. PentagonFit Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Made of high-quality materials
- Promotes therapeutic compression
- Has moisture-wicking qualities
Cons
- Might be too small for some
- The middle strap may not be long enough
Another topnotch knee brace for surfing available right now is this offering by King of Kings, which features a 3-layer design, specifically engineered to provide maximum comfort and unmatched moisture-wicking performance.
It has an extremely lightweight construction and it comes with non-slip design, making it suitable for surfing.
This King of Kings knee brace works by applying compression directly on your knee.
This feature is extremely useful, especially when you engage in physical activities like surfing.
Comfort and Stability
This knee brace is extremely lightweight and it comes with fully adjustable straps, making it very comfortable and stable to wear.
Durability and Quality
It comes in a three-layer design, which is strategically engineered to provide comfort.
Cost and Value
At only $26.99, you get to experience the awesome benefits this knee brace by King of Kings has to offer.
4. CAMBIVO 2 Pack Knee Brace
Pros
- Come in pairs.
- Size and color variety.
- Great price.
Cons
- Not as durable as other sleeves.
- Hand-wash only.
These budget-friendly sleeves come in pairs. Their breathable fabric provides support and compression to let you move freely while keeping inflammation at bay.
Comfort and Stability
Each sleeve has silicon gel strips to keep it in place. The fabric is insanely breathable as well. Meaning, your knee won’t heat up too much regardless of how much physical activity you’re doing.
Size options: S, M, L, XL, XXL.
Color options: Black, beige, coal, grey, green, orange, pink, purple, and 3 shades of blue.
Durability and Quality
The 3D knitting technology will prevent the seams from undoing. It isn’t as durable as the options above, though.
Who this knee brace is for
Someone on a budget needs to manage mild knee pain due to swelling.
Who this knee brace isn’t for
The manufacturer recommends hand washing them only to maintain their elasticity. If that’s too much of a hassle for you, this may not be the best choice.
5. Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 Knee Support
Pros
- Specific for kneecap issues.
- Longer than average.
- Extremely breathable.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Not for sensitive skin.
This brace is specifically designed to alleviate pain and swelling around the knee cap. If your knee issue is patella-related, look no further.
Comfort and Stability
Apart from its remarkably breathable fabric, the Bauerfeind P3 has several features that will relieve knee pressure around the patella.
It has a corrective strap to adjust the kneecap according to your needs. It also has a ring-shaped pad to keep it in a central position as well as an outer gel pad to massage the IT band and reduce tension.
Size options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. Left or right knee.
Color options: Black, nature, titanium.
Durability and Quality
Don’t worry about undoing seams – the knitted fabric will keep them in place for a long time.
Who this knee brace is for
Any kneecap issue – patellofemoral pain syndrome, patellar tendonitis, runner’s knee… It’s literally designed for reducing knee pain and swelling in the kneecap area.
Who this knee brace isn’t for
People with sensitive skin. It can cause irritation in some people.
6. POWERLIX Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Longer than average.
- Wear it under clothes.
- 6-months money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Its size chart can be a little off.
- It can bunch up behind the knee.
This POWERLIX sleeve is longer than average. It covers almost half of the thigh and half of the calves. That, combined with its snug fit, will help reduce inflammation.
Comfort and Stability
The fabric is elastic and very thin – perfect for wearing under clothing. The silicone gel strips will keep it in place most of the day.
Size options: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Color options: Black, blue, nude, pink, orange
Durability and Quality
The fabric is a blend of nylon and spandex. This enhances the compression properties of the sleeve, but it may stretch over time.
Who this knee support is for
This one is perfect for mild to moderate swelling, whether acute or chronic. It’s not bulky at all, so you can also wear it under your pants.
Who this knee support isn’t for
It’s not the best if you also need support. In that case, wear a knee sleeve with hinges.
7. NEENCA Professional Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- A sleeve and hinged brace combined.
- No straps. Slip-on design.
- Patella gel-pad.
Cons
- Has to be hand-washed.
- Closed-patella design.
This is a crossover between a closed knee sleeve and a hinged brace. It’s a great option to manage swelling from ligament instabilities.
Comfort and Stability
It’s slightly longer than other sleeves. Also, its heavy-duty hinges will keep your knee stable. The knee cap gel-pad keeps your patella in place as well. Your knee will be safe with this sleeve!
Size options: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL.
Color options: Black, blue, gray, pink, beige.
Durability and Quality
The 3D weaving makes sure the seams will last a long time. Machine-washing it probably isn’t the best idea, though. It can break down the silicone strips.
Who this knee brace is for
For people with mild or moderate knee pain from ligament injuries. Also, for people with kneecap or patellar tendon problems.
Who this knee brace isn’t for
For people with intact ligaments and/or no kneecap-related pain.
8. DOUFURT Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers
Pros
- As much stability as you can get for the price range.
- Free knee sleeve included.
- Hinges, open patella design, adjustable straps.
Cons
- Velcro can pinch behind the knee.
- Moves out of place if not tightened enough.
This wraparound brace is a great option for people that want to feel safer about their joint at an affordable price.
Comfort and Stability
You can customize the level of compression through the wrapping and the adjustable straps.
The open patella design, combined with the kneecap gel pad and side hinges, will keep your knee as secure as it can be.
Size options: S, M, L, XL.
Color options: Black.
Durability and Quality
This knee brace is sturdy and its high-quality materials will keep your knee secure. But, as with anything with velcro, it can wear off over time.
Who this knee support is for
People with mild or moderate ligament injuries, like on the anterior cruciate ligament. Also, for managing a torn meniscus or kneecap issues.
Who this knee support isn’t for
For athletes needing knee ligament stability. The brace can move out of place with excessive motion.
9. Copper Fit ICE Knit Compression Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Infused with menthol and CoQ10.
- Comfortable for long periods.
- Great price.
Cons
- Menthol can be aggressive on sensitive skin.
- People with thick thighs may feel it’s too tight.
This sleeve is infused with menthol and CoQ10, an antioxidant. These elements combined with compression, provide a unique way to reduce joint inflammation.
Comfort and Stability
The soft and comfortable fabric provides enough compression to feel mild support. And, the menthol gives a cooling sensation that promotes pain relief.
Menthol has a strong smell, but it isn’t overpowering in this sleeve. And, the silicone straps will keep it in place most of the day.
Size options: S/M, L/XL, 2XL, 3XL.
Color options: Black.
Durability and Quality
The fabric is breathable and durable if hand-washed. Otherwise, the material may stretch.
Also, the menthol wears off over time.
Who this knee support is for
For people that enjoy menthol-based creams for inflammation and pain relief.
Who this knee support isn’t for
People with sensitive skin or known allergies to menthol. It can feel very tight for people with thick thighs as well.
10. THERAPAQ Knee Ice Pack Wrap
Pros
- Great price.
- Customize compression with straps.
- Hot/cold pack included.
Cons
- Not to walk around with.
- Doesn’t do much without the ice pack.
If you want the classic ice pack on top of the knee but easier, this is it. Forget the hassle of the compression bandage, the ice pack, and the towel.
Comfort and Stability
This wraparound brace is made of neoprene to retain the temperature. At the front, it has a pocket to fit the hot/cold pack it includes.
The adjustable straps let you customize the compression as well.
The downside is that the temperature effect will be on the front side of the knee only. Compared to the 360 sensations and compression of MyCocoon.
Size options: One size, 32 inches.
Color options: Black.
Durability and Quality
The neoprene and velcro straps are well-made, with strong stitching. They will keep the hot/cold pack in place while compressing your joint.
Who this knee brace is for
Someone who wants a faster and comfortable way to put on an ice-pack on the knee.
Who this knee brace isn’t for
This brace is meant to be worn stationary. It can move out of place if you walk around with it.
Factors to consider when choosing the knee brace for reducing inflammation
Comfort and Stability
The fabric should be a breathable material that also provides some sort of compression. This is particularly important if you want to wear the sleeve while doing physical activity.
Consider your personal needs as well. If you have severe stability issues, it may be best to choose a hinged knee brace for additional support.
Also, make sure you’re not allergic to the fabric. The brace will be useless if you have an allergic reaction to it.
For further reading:
Durability and Quality
The fabric should be elastic yet durable. If it stretches easily, it won’t provide the compression you need to reduce inflammation.
Also, certain types of materials aren’t machine-washable. Silicone strips can break inside the washing machine. Most of them need to be hand-washed to keep their quality.
Value for Money
The right knee brace for you will help you manage swelling AND fit into your budget. That’s why we included braces in different price ranges.
Yet, it’s true that a high-quality sleeve often means a higher price. So, take advantage of the discount codes above if you can.
If not, we also included several amazing options in a low price range.
Conclusion
The best knee brace for swelling will cater to your needs. Whether it’s comfortability, quality, stability, multipurpose, or budget-friendliness.
Whatever it is, we hope this list pointed you in the right direction, saving you time and energy. That way you can focus solely on reducing that annoying inflammation once and for all.
