Arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain and inflammation in the joints. The best knee sleeves for arthritis are a type of compression garment that can help to reduce pain and swelling in the knees. They are often used by people with arthritis or other conditions that cause joint pain.
A study on knee sleeves and osteoarthritis says this (1):
Evidence for knee sleeves suggests that they decrease pain in knee osteoarthritis, and their use is associated with subjective improvement.
There are many different types of knee sleeves available, so it is important to choose one that is best suited for your individual needs.
Some factors to consider include the level of support you require, the size of your knee, and your personal preferences. It is also important to select a knee sleeve that is comfortable to wear and easy to put on and take off.
As the head physical therapist here at Knee Force, I have tested hundreds of these knee sleeves, put them through our grueling criteria, and found the best knee sleeve for arthritis.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Cocoon Knee Flex Pro
The MyCocoons is as multifunctional as they come. It has all the benefits of a traditional knee sleeve but it also doubles as a heat/cold pack.
Best Value for Money: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
A more affordable option that does everything a knee sleeve should do – and does them well.
Best for Unicompartmental OA: Braceability Unloader Knee Brace
This knee brace is as close as you can get to custom-made unloaders. For osteoarthritis on only one side of your knee, this will be your safest bet.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Reviews of the 10 Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis (and a brace)
As you can see, the key to finding the best knee sleeve for arthritis for your needs is to look at various factors related to size, quality, material, and performance.
1. MyCocoon Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Heat and cold therapy + all the benefits of a traditional knee sleeve (i.e. compression, better blood flow, support)
- First-class comfort
- Great for dealing with the symptoms of arthritis
- Multiple sizes (each cocoon can fit other parts of your limb)
Cons
- Can be a bit heavy to wear during sport
- Above average price
The MyCocoon is as multifunctional as any other – and this versatility is largely why it’s #1 on our list of the best knee sleeves for arthritis.
Comfort and Stability
MyCocoon designed its knee sleeves using lycra and hydrogel. Very few others have this same combination because they’re expensive.
Nonetheless, lycra itself is one of the most comfortable fabrics used in the industry. It’s breathable, doesn’t slide down, and doesn’t bunch up behind your knee when you move.
Hydrogel, on the other hand, is in charge of MyCocoon’s heat/cold capabilities. Blast them on the microwave for 10-30 seconds or throw them in the freezer for at least 2 hours, and you have yourself a portable and therapeutic sleeve.
Not to mention, it still has all the conventional benefits of a traditional knee sleeve.
Thus, making it the perfect knee sleeve for anyone dealing with pain from arthritis.
Size options: S, M, L. (Choose one that best fits your knee but, really, you can wear these sleeves on any other parts of your limbs.)
Color options: Blue
Durability and Quality
Lycra’s reputation for being more durable than even natural rubber stands to this very day. Plus, each cocoon is double-stitched and the hydrogels are leakproof for longer shelf life.
Who this brace is for
This brace is for anyone dealing with the symptoms of arthritis. Dr. Chad Deal, a rheumatologist from the Cleveland Clinic, says arthritis pain is generally relieved better with heat therapy. But, some arthritis suffers respond better to cold. So, it’s a toss-up between what works best for you.
With the MyCocoon, however, you get both choices with one purchase. Win-win!
Who this brace isn’t for
This brace might not be your best option if you’re on a budget. The lycra, hydrogel, and double-stitching raised the price tag of the MyCocoon to slightly higher than average. We think it’s well worth it, though!
2. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Research-backed for grade 1 or 2 arthritis
- Soft, comfortable, and durable pairing of materials
- Uses 3D weaving for better fit and even more durability
- Personalize your gear with multiple sizes and colors
Cons
- Need to make sure you get the right size
ArmaJoint’s Compression Sleeve is one of the very few sleeves in the world with peer-reviewed research to prove its effectiveness against arthritis pain.
Comfort and Stability
These knee sleeves are almost literally like a breath of fresh air. Along with MyCocoon, they’re some of the most comfortable garments we’ve tested to date.
Made with polyester, nylon, cotton, and spandex. So, they feel soft, have uniform compression, and can be worn all day if you need to.
A good majority of our team says it feels snug. But, some of us (those who were in between sizes) also felt like it was a bit too tight. So, if you’re not sure what size to pick, we think it might be best if you went up a size.
Size options: M, L, XL, XXL
Color options: Black
Durability and Quality
The sleeves are 3D woven and their combination of materials makes them very unlikely to lose their shape.
Who this brace is for
This brace is for those of you dealing with grade 1 or 2 osteoarthritis. The compression, softness, warmth, and germanium will effectively help you deal with both the swelling and pain.
Who this brace isn’t for
If you have very unstable knees then a hinged brace might be better for you.
3. Braceability Unloader Knee Brace
Pros
- Great customer service
- As close as you can get to custom-made unloaders
- Lightweight but doesn’t break easy
- Available for both knees
Cons
- On the high end of expense compared to others on this list
This OTC unloader is one that our team of PTs also recommend. For those who are looking for an affordable yet durable unloader knee brace for their unicompartmental ostearthritis, this might be the perfect choice!
It can support either your left or right side and has padding beneath straps which feel comfortable against skin while doing their job well at relieving pressure from your joints.
It’s not too heavy, even though its durability will ensure long lasting use.
4. Mava Sports Knee Support Sleeves
Pros
- Unisex design
- Suitable for all-day wearing
- Has a perfect fit thanks to the anatomical shape
- Relieves pain
- Comfortable
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Loses support after a couple of washes
Is arthritis inflammation getting you down?
These knee support sleeves from Mava Sports could be the answer.
Putting these sleeves on will make it so much easier to climb the stairs, stand up and kneel without feeling discomfort.
Mava Sports designed these sleeves specifically for arthritic pain relief. They’ll also relieve joint inflammation for anyone that participates in high impact activities.
We can’t get over how comfortable these sleeves are and it’s all thanks to their construction from bamboo charcoal fiber, which is lightweight and soft against the skin.
This also makes it a great option for anyone with sensitive skin.
5. Bear KompleX Compression Knee Sleeves
Pros
- Comes in 10 different styles
- Relieves pain while improving blood circulation
- Provides the perfect comfort and support
Cons
- Inaccurate sizing chart
Simple activities like bending over or getting up from a seat can take a toll on you as arthritis continues to develop.
That’s why it helps to wear a supportive knee compression sleeve such as this one from Bear KompleX.
It’s constructed from neoprene and it’s designed to relieve joint pressure and support your muscles as you move your limbs.
The great thing about these knee sleeves is that they’re available in different patterns and colors, including stripes and stars.
Other models are also reversible which means you get a 2-in-1 deal.
These sleeves will stay in place the whole day no matter what you do. They also come with heat compression to keep your joints warm and your knees injury-free.
They range in thickness from 5mm to 7mm. The thinner it is, the more lightweight and comfortable it will be.
6. UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Comfortable to wear all day long
- Relieves pain
- Great customer support
- Alleviates inflammation
Cons
- Doesn’t fit larger people
- Size measurement instructions are inaccurate
The UFLex knee compression sleeve you’ll be able to stay on your feet throughout the day without getting uncomfortable.
It’s made from a mix of latex, nylon and spandex which means it’s flexible, lightweight and breathable. It also promises to relieve swelling and inflammation in order to reduce arthritis pain.
The UFlex athletic knee sleeve features anti-slip silicone so you shouldn’t worry about it rolling or slipping down.
This compression sleeve is also a great option for anyone recovering from knee injuries and it’s definitely earned its spot on this list of the best knee sleeve for arthritis.
7. CompressionZ Knee Sleeves
Pros
- Comes with four-way stretch technology
- Doesn’t itch or cause odors
- Made of high-performance fabric
- Features advanced compression technology
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- The material is extremely thin
These knee sleeves from CompressionZ are made of a performance fabric that’ll keep your joints warm no matter how cold the weather gets.
The best part is that it has flat-lock seams to prevent irritation and chafing when it gets hot out, and it’s suitable for delicate skin as well.
The four-way stretch technology featured in the CompressionZ knee sleeves helps keep the fabric in place no matter how many times you wash it.
Another great thing about this sleeve is that it’s versatile and has a unisex design. It’s also lightweight and suitable to wear underneath your clothes.
8. Mauwi Compression Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Features anti-slip technology
- Ergonomic design
- Supports your knees perfectly
- Helps with injury prevention
- Made from high-quality materials
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Misleading sizing chart
- May slip often
This Mauwi Compression knee sleeve is constructed from latex, spandex and nylon and it’s designed to improve blood circulation for arthritis sufferers.
It can also help with other conditions like meniscus tears, ACL and tendonitis. This knee sleeve is flexible, lightweight and easy to move around in.
It definitely makes it easier to perform daily activities as well as exercise, without putting too much strain on the knees.
Not only that, but you can rest assured that it won’t slide down after you wear it.
9. Physix Gear Sport Knee Brace
Pros
- Aesthetically appealing
- Reduces pain
- Snug
- No-slip silicone grip wave
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not ideal for sporting activities
One of the key considerations to keep in mind when you want to buy a knee brace for arthritis is that you should go for something that fits comfortably without leaving your knee rigid.
The brace should be comfortable no matter how long you use it. One such brace that makes this possible is the Physix Gear Sport knee brace.
One of the things that makes this brace comfortable to use is its four-way stretch system. The brace is so light and comfortable that you can put it on the whole day and forget about it. You can also easily slip it on and off.
The other thing that makes Physix so great to wear is the fact that it looks great. It’s black and pink in color and you can show it off. But if you prefer to be discreet, you can easily cover it up under your clothes and keep it out of sight.
The Physix gear knee support brace is one of the best in the market after the PowerLix knee sleeve, due to the many advantages that it offers.
However, this brace provides some extra compression, which can be a negative factor for some individuals. But this doesn’t entirely negate all the advantages that this sleeve provides.
10. McDavid Knee Compression Sleeves
Pros
- Absorbs sweat well
- Can be used in a daily basis
- Fits snugly
- Doesn’t cause the affected area to become hot
- Patented HEX protection
Cons
- Not long-lasting
If you have trouble with your knees yet you’re actively engaged in sports, there’s no need for you to quit your sporting activities.
What you need to do is to get the McDavid Hex knee pads compression, as it provides the kind of support you need.
This brace features a grid-textured nylon sleeve, which provides protection like no other brace does.
It’s aesthetically appealing and is useful when it comes to protecting your knees, especially when you’re actively engaged in high-impact activities. However, it has one major disadvantage in that it isn’t long-lasting.
It wears out fast and develops holes after a short period of use. Though this doesn’t stop many people from using it, as they can simply replace it with a new brace when the quality deteriorates.
How Do Knee Sleeves Work?
We use our knee joints excessively during the day so our joints naturally wear out as we get older, affecting our ability to enjoy life to the fullest.
This degeneration usually manifests as less flexibility, loss of balance and joint pain over time.
These symptoms happen as a result of cartilage loss and damage. Funny thing is that this damage typically occurs on one knee more than the other.
What knee sleeves do is that they provide compression which is helpful in increasing blood flow and reducing knee pain.
This way, you’ll have lateral stability so you can increase your proprioception. You’ll recover quicker so you can get back to your daily activities.
Benefits of Knee Sleeves for Arthritis
As you age you may need a knee sleeve for arthritis. It’ll make it easier for you to perform daily activities like walking, running and doing chores.
Knee compression sleeves, in particular, come with a lot of great benefits, such as the following:
Compression
It’s easy to get injured when you have arthritis. You could be doing something as simple as lifting your leg or getting up the stairs and shatter your knee.
This often leads to extreme pain, inflammation, and irritation. That’s mainly because arthritis is often a precursor to brittle bones and compression sleeves can help increase blood flow and provide knee support.
In addition to wearing them daily, compression sleeves are a great way to support your knees while you work out and exercise.
Impact Reduction
A lot of knee compression sleeves feature padding on the front to protect your knees against impact and damage while taking part in high impact sports.
This includes things like running, field sports, CrossFit, basketball and even weight lifting. That’s why it helps to have a good quality compression sleeve to wrap around your knee to protect it from the resulting injury of impact.
A compression knee sleeve will also protect your knees if you have arthritis so the condition doesn’t get worse.
Pain Relief
Another advantage of wearing knee compression sleeves for arthritis is that they work to actively reduce pain.
This is great news for arthritis sufferers because it means you won’t have to pop pain pills anymore to overcome the pain that comes with the condition.
This is all thanks to the increased blood flow created by the knee sleeve which reduces the amount of time it takes to recover from injuries as well.
Knee Joint Warm-Up
The great thing about knee compression sleeves is that they’ll warm up your knee joints from the moment you put them on. This is a very important feature considering that being cold is one of the main complaints of arthritis sufferers.
The warmth will also massage away the stiffness in your muscles when you start exercising, thus eliminating the risk of injury and muscle pulling.
Features to Look for When Shopping for the Best Knee Sleeve for Arthritis
As with any purchase, there are a few important considerations that you need to make before you buy one.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the most important things to look out for.
Purpose of Use
Consider what you need the compression knee sleeve for. Clearly, if you have arthritis then you’re purchasing it to support your knees and keep them stable.
Your options include closed knee sleeves, models with built-in stabilizers and open knee sleeves.
A built-in stabilizer is a really great option if you have arthritis as it’ll support your ligaments and joints.
Moisture Absorption
If you’re going to wear a compression sleeve around your knee all day, it’ll eventually build up moisture, causing discomfort, itching, and maybe even a slightly unpleasant odor. Luckily, there are moisture-wicking knee sleeves out there that help to eliminate discomfort and chafing.
Just make sure that it can still retain heat even though it absorbs moisture. This feature can significantly reduce your risk of developing injuries as an arthritis sufferer.
Size
Measure your knees and legs prior to purchasing a knee compression sleeve to make sure that it’s not too small or too big. What you want is a proper fit that won’t feel out of place on either of your knee.
Keep in mind that you’re looking for something that’ll support your knee through daily activity so it should fit well and be comfortable.
Material
Next on the list of considerations to make when looking for a knee sleeve is the material it’s made from. Look for neoprene sleeves, as it’s flexible and allows for a full range of motion as you go about your day.
Not only that, but it’s extremely durable and tough-wearing! Your second-best option is nylon. It has much of the same qualities as neoprene.
Padding
Comfort is a huge factor for anyone with arthritis and that’s where padding on your knee compression sleeve comes in.
If you look at the best knee sleeve for arthritis, they all have front padding to prevent scratching, inflammation or bruising when you bend over or kneel for whatever reason.
Types of Knee Sleeves
Here are the three main types of knee sleeves:
Built-In Stabilizers
A built-in stabilizer means that the knee sleeve has an additional mechanism in place to provide extra stability and support. It’ll help you avoid common injuries that people with arthritis tend to suffer from.
Open Knee Sleeve
This type of knee sleeve is also referred to as an open patella sleeve and it’s characterized by an open vent in the center.
It’s great for relieving knee pressure and supporting your knee while you move around.
Closed Knee Sleeve
This type of knee sleeve is like the exact opposite of an open knee sleeve, except it doesn’t come with the vent in the middle of it.
Otherwise, it offers enough support for your kneecap to keep you moving comfortably.
FAQs
How can I choose the right knee sleeve size?
For best results, use a tape measure to measure around your legs and kneecaps. Just make sure the legs are straight while you’re doing the measurement. The knee sleeve itself should be flexible as that’ll ensure that you get the perfect size.
After all, you want a knee sleeve that enables you to move around freely without slipping off. It’s also essential that you check the manufacturer’s size chart and tips for choosing the right size.
When should I wear a knee sleeve?
While you’re free to wear your knee sleeve from morning to night, it’s probably not a good idea to become too dependent on it.
However, you should definitely wear it to support your knees whenever you feel discomfort and also when performing high impact activities like exercising or gardening, for example.
Should the sleeve be tight?
The sleeve should stay in place without slipping off. You don’t want to constantly adjust the sleeve and you don’t want it to be too tight either.
Rather keep it in the middle to make sure it doesn’t affect your circulation.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you should have a good idea of the knee sleeve you want to purchase for your arthritis. You’re all set with the correct features to look for and what considerations to make.
If you’re still struggling to make a choice, we’d like to recommend the ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve. It’s made of premium quality materials, it’s lightweight, easy to wear and flexible enough to move around in.
So long as you get the right size, it’s the best knee sleeve for arthritis in our opinion.
