As physical therapists, we often recommend knee support products to help manage swelling, pain, and weakness. This is especially true for jumper’s knee. But, choosing the best knee brace for jumper’s knee isn’t exactly an easy task.
With so many to choose from, just looking at your options can feel overwhelming that you end up buying the most random knee sleeves just to get it over with. In many cases, though, you may just be wasting your hard-earned money.
So, our team scoured the market for knee braces and ran them through our criteria. Ultimately, we ended up with a list of the best ones we could find – all to save you some time. Check them out!
Our Top Picks:
Best for Recovery: Cocoon Knee Flex Pros
From the start of your recovery until even after you finish, the weighted compression from Cocoon Knee Flex Pros will have you covered.
Best for Pressure Relief: Braceability Patellar Tendon Knee Strap
Relieves pressure directly on the part that’s causing your knees to hurt. There are others on this list that do the same, but none of them have better value for money.
Best Knee Sleeve: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Our knee sleeve offers superb 360-degree compression to improve blood flow to your entire joint. This helps accelerate recovery and relieve pain.
The 9 Best Knee Braces for Jumper’s Knee
1. Cocoon Knee Flex Pro
Pros
- Lycra offers superior comfort and durability
- Double-stitched with leakproof hydrogels for even for longevity
- Useful from day 1 of your injury until even after you’re back in sports
- Weighted compression + heat/cold for effective pain and swelling relief
- One cocoon for multiple parts of your body
Cons
- Can be a bit pricey
- Only comes in blue
- Not as supportive as hinged braces
The Cocoon Knee Flex Pro combines weighted compression with heat and cold therapy. This helps boost your recovery from day 1 until you’re back to doing sports.
Comfort and Stability
These cocoons use lycra. Compared to most other knee sleeves out there, this makes them softer and more gentle on your skin. They won’t slide down when you move either.
Plus, they’re heavier than most knee sleeves. Meaning, they have weighted and even compression.
The cocoon also has hydrogel which can be heated or frozen. Along with all the benefits of compression, this makes the knee sleeves the ultimate recovery buddy, from start to finish.
But, all this comes at a slightly higher than average price.
- Size options: S, M, L. The cocoon you buy can also be worn on other parts of your body, given the right fit.
- Color options: Blue
Durability and Quality
The durability of the Cocoon Knee Flex Pro is a welcome bonus, especially considering their price and the time you will need to recover. The double-stitching and leakproof hydrogels make them more durable as well.
Who this brace is for
The heat, cold, weighted compression, and superior comfort will help reduce pain and swelling while also promoting recovery. This is for nearly everyone suffering from jumper’s knee.
Who this brace isn’t for
Unfortunately, the Cocoon Knee Flex Pros don’t offer much stability for your knees because they don’t come with hinges. So, if you have a sprain along with your jumper’s knee, probably look for a sleeve with more support.
2. Braceability Patellar Tendon Knee Strap
Pros
- Made specifically for jumper’s knee
- Effective pain and pressure relief
- Hook and loop closure and anti-slip interior
- Multiple size options
Cons
- Slightly pricier than average
Braceability’s Patellar Tendon Knee Strap is made specifically to deal with jumper’s knee, also known as patellar tendonitis.
Unlike most other knee straps though, Braceability provides a wide range of sizes. This makes it better in terms of fit rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. The sizes also make it great for both petite and larger athletes.
And, speaking of fit, the inner part of this knee strap is lined with non-slip fabric. That, along with its hook and loop locking system, helps prevent it from sliding down your knee while you play.
It does come at a slightly higher price than most straps, though.
3. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Useable in any sport
- Comfortable, breathable, and durable
- Excellent all-around compression for better blood flow, support, and pain relief
- Competitive price
Cons
- Not for severe cases of jumper’s knee.
ArmaJoint’s Compression Sleeves are built for versatility.
They’re comfortable and breathable so you won’t want to take them off mid-game. They also offer uniform, all-around compression so your whole knee gets a boost in blood flow, support, and pain relief.
These simple yet very important features are what marks its versatility because they make this knee sleeve a great option for every sport. It’s fairly priced, too!
What I will say, however, is that it isn’t made specifically for jumper’s knee despite still being effective. But, this also doesn’t make it the best choice if your condition has become severe.
4. Mueller Jumper Knee Strap
Pros
- Affordable option
- Comfortable to wear
- Provides targeted compression for effective pain relief
- Easy to wear
Cons
- Not recommended for full joint support
The Mueller Jumper Knee strap is a band style knee brace that can help patients recover fast from the jumper’s knee.
Like Braceability’s version, it works by directly applying pressure on your patellar tendon. In doing so, the forces acting on the tendon are dispersed and, hence, makes the pain more bearable.
The difference is that this has a single strap design rather than a hook and loop closure. This makes it easier to wear but slightly more prone to slipping.
Also, like most knee strap bands in the market, this is only available in one size. To put this brace on, simply place it right underneath the patella along with the tubular insert, tighten it, and you’re good to go.
5. Shock Doctor 875 Hinged Knee Brace
Pros
- Comfortable enough to wear
- Prevents the accumulation of moisture and odor
- Improves user’s mobility
- Made from premium quality materials
Cons
- Expensive
The Shock Doctor 875 Ultra Hinged Knee Brace is another great product to check out that will provide maximum support for athletes and those suffering from knee injuries like jumper’s knee.
This hinged brace comes equipped with aluminum hinges on both sides and provides exceptional bilateral support that keeps the user’s knee stable and stops any action that may further injure the affected joint.
Made from quality materials with outstanding construction and design, the Shock Doctor 875 Ultra is guaranteed to last for a long time.
Customers love the materials used for this knee brace, as well as its detailed stitching.
The brace is made of a combination of neoprene and cotton fabrics. The tempered aluminum hinges are also sturdy.
6. UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Boost in your workout
- Help prevent injuries and fastens recovery
- Superior fit
- Guaranteed to retain elasticity
- Official crossfit games sponsor
- Warranty
Cons
- Sizing issues (Size down)
Like the Mueller Knee Strap, the Ultra Flex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve applies pressure on the patellar tendon to help relieve knee pain. It does so with its straps that also help keep the sleeve in place.
Plus, it doubles as a compression sleeve.
This brace is made from a combination of Lycra and nylon fabric. These lightweight materials are breathable and won’t cause irritation on the skin of the wearer.
Since the brace is elastic and stretchable, it won’t cause discomfort even when worn for a longer time. Plus, it’s even possible to wear it under a pair of pants.
7. ACE Knitted Knee Brace
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable to wear
- Delivers maximum compression
- Easy to use
- Helps to provide relief from injury, stiffness, and pain
Cons
- Sizing chart isn’t that accurate
- Tendency to slip down after a few uses
The ACE Knitted Knee Brace is a great knee brace for jumper’s knee, thanks to its side stabilizers, which offer lateral stability to the user, while still allowing good mobility.
It features a 4-way stretch kit making it possible to be worn under a pair of pants. The brace is comfortable enough on the skin and can be worn very easily since it features a slip-on design.
Although this knee brace appeals mainly to professional jumpers and athletes, it can also be worn by patients who are trying to recover from the jumper’s knee.
The brace is comfortable to wear, even for a longer period. Its 4-way stretch fabric is capable of delivering maximum compression to the injured joint.
8. Rehband Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Anatomical design
- Comfortable to wear
- Insulates the joint
- Quality build
Cons
- A bit expensive
The Rehband Knee Sleeve is specifically designed for athletes who are into weightlifting, but it can still work well for patients with jumper’s knee.
Thanks to its anatomical design, this brace will conform extremely well to the shape and contours of the knee, providing maximum comfort to the wearer.
Plus, the padded construction delivers warmth and therapeutic support to the injured joint.
This compression sleeve works by insulating the knee joint to provide warmth, which is beneficial for recovery. Its padded foam design provides warmth to the wearer’s joint to ease the feeling of stiffness.
9. Bracoo Knee Support
Pros
- Features a comfortable vented design
- Fully customizable
- Offers great value for the money
- Reinforced knee cap ring
Cons
- Not as secure compared to the other leg braces in the market
If you’re looking for a reliable knee support that can help you recover from your jumper’s knee, take a look at this Bracoo Knee Support.
Made from neoprene blend material with a perforated vent that helps you stay cool for a longer period, this knee support is capable of providing relief from jumper’s knee and other knee-related injuries.
What’s great about this product is that it’s more affordable than the other braces of similar features.
Just like with any wraparound braces, this brace features an open patella design, which secures the kneecap in place.
Its kneecap opening has a padded stabilizer ring, which provides extra support to patients suffering from jumper’s knee and other patella problems.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Jumper’s Knee?
So how do you know if you’ve developed a jumper’s knee?
If you have this condition, you’ll usually feel pain just beneath the kneecap area, and the lower portion of your patella will feel tender. This condition is common among athletes, especially after rigorous training and exercise.
Since your patellar tendon will be affected whenever you straighten your knee, walking and performing other activities can be a challenge if you’ve got a jumper’s knee.
You’ll feel an agonizing pain when walking, running, or climbing the stairs. Wearing a knee brace may help to relieve you of this pain.
Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Knee Brace for Jumper’s Knee
So how do you look for the best knee brace for jumper’s knee?
Here are a few of the factors you’d consider:
Stability
The knee has four primary ligaments – MCL, LCL, ACL, and PCL. These ligaments are connected to each other and are prone to sprains, especially when performing certain activities that cause the knee to move in an unusual way.
Another common issue in your knee is the patellar tendon that’s right beneath the kneecap that can get inflamed easily.
Plus, the cartilage discs that are supposed to provide support to the knee have the tendency to tear off easily. The best knee brace for jumper’s knee should be able to help you recover from an injury that involves the knee, while also preventing further injuries.
Even the most basic compression sleeve should be able to protect you from these sprains. But it’s the hinged brace that can provide the most stability, while also preventing hyperextensions.
However, it’s worth noting that none of these knee braces will free you from possible injuries. Also, the amount of protection that the brace can provide will depend on the type of activity that you engage in.
Type
You’ll find several different types of knee braces online. But not all of them will work for your jumper’s knee.
For those suffering from a mild pain on the knee brought about by jumper’s knee, a simple knee support in the form of a compression sleeve might be a good solution.
On the other hand, heavy lifters may benefit more from using knee braces with thicker compression sleeves that can help warm the aching joints.
If you have mild to moderate knee pain, an open patella wraparound brace will work best for you. This type of knee brace can help to stabilize your kneecap plus it comes with an adjustable strap that you can adjust according to the level of compression that you prefer.
If you need something that can provide you with the highest amount of support to help you recover from the pain, a hinged knee brace will be your best bet.
Comfort
Since you’ll be wearing the brace for a longer period of time, you should choose a model that’s comfortable for you to wear.
Compression braces that are made from light and breathable materials are usually the most comfortable to wear. Other knee braces are more complicated to wear and could make you feel uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.
Price
Remember that the most expensive knee brace isn’t always the best. The cheapest isn’t too bad either. But if you’re on a budget, then the price is definitely an important factor to consider.
Simple braces that come with basic features should cost around $10-15. Wraparound braces are around $12-$30, and the hinged braces that are sturdier should cost you around $35-$60.
If you need to wear braces for both knees, then expect to pay around $75-$80 for each pair.
Conclusion
For all your recovery needs, the Cocoon Knee Flex Pro’s weighted compression, heat, and cold properties have you covered. Used right, this should help get back to playing your sport faster than ever.
Minus the heat/cold therapy, ArmaJoint’s Compression Sleeves do an excellent job of protecting your knees, relieving pain, and providing your knees with warm and comfortable compression.
