Torn ACLs are a common knee injury, particularly among athletes. While surgery is often the best option for treating a torn ACL, some people may be able to manage the injury with the help of a knee brace.
There are a variety of different knee braces available on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
Some important factors to consider include the level of support you need, the type of activities you want to be able to do while wearing the brace, and your budget.
However, there are a few knee braces that stand out as being particularly effective for people with torn ACLs.
Our team of physical therapists has years of experience with torn ACL injuries and treatments. We have found the best knee braces for torn ACL.
Top 3 Picks
Best Overall: MyCocoon Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve
Multifunctional and luxurious, the MyCocoon is perfect for all stages of ACL recovery – including after surgery.
Best Value for Money: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Comes at a very friendly price but it’s also one of the most well-rounded knee sleeves on the market.
Best With Side Stabilizer: Braceability Stabilizing Hinged Brace
Designed specifically for ACL sprains, this knee brace has spiral stays on each side for added stability, an open patella design for pressure relief, and is made of warm neoprene.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Best Knee Braces for Torn ACL
Finding the best knee brace for torn ACL isn’t rocket science. As long as you know what to look for, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a good-quality brace that’ll serve your needs.
Here are a few reviews to help you find the best knee brace for ACL injury.
1. MyCocoon Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Heat, cold, and compressive properties for all stages of recovery
- Luxurious comfort (thank you, lycra!)
- Double-stitched, leakproof hydrogel, and premium materials for durability
- One sleeve can fit other body parts
Cons
- Blue is the only color option
- Slightly more expensive than the average knee sleeve
The MyCocoon Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve is an innovative knee sleeve that can also be used as a hot or cold pack. For a smoother recovery from an ACL injury, this is your best bet.
Comfort and Stability
MyCocoon uses lycra and hydrogel for its knee sleeves. This combination is the key reason why the cocoons are so comfortable to wear.
Lycra, in particular, has a luxurious feel to it. It’s soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, stays well in place, and doesn’t bunch up behind your knee.
But, the real game-changer is hydrogel. It’s how MyCocoon gives their knee sleeves the ability to be used as a heat or cold pack. Microwave it for 10-30 seconds or freeze for at least 2 hours, and you have yourself a therapeutic agent for literally all stages of your recovery.
Not only that, the sleeve is heavier than most. This, in turn, makes it better for compression. And, of course, pain relief, blood circulation, and inflammation.
Size options: S, M, L. (Focus your choice on your knee size. But, do know that the same sleeve can also be used on other parts of your limbs.)
Color options: Blue
Durability and Quality
Lycra is known to be more durable than even natural rubber. The cocoons are also double-stitched and the hydrogels are leakproof. So, it’s safe to say that this knee sleeve will last even beyond your ACL recovery timeframe.
Who this brace is for
This is the best knee brace for anyone looking for a smoother recovery, as well as those who’re hoping for a sleeve they can use to prevent more injuries. Heat and cold are useful for these situations after all.
Who this brace isn’t for
It’s probably not for those of you on a tighter budget. MyCocoons admittedly have higher-than-average price tags. That’s likely because of lycra and hydrogel, as well as the double stitching and design.
2. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Made from premium grade latex-free neoprene material
- Comfortable fit
- Available in 6 different sizes
- Easy to put on
- Effectively reduces swelling and pain
Cons
- Can slide down if you machine wash it.
The Knee Force Compression Sleeve for torn ACLs is made from neoprene material, so you know it’ll be soft, thin, and latex-free. The perfect choice to wear under your clothes, for everyday use.
This knee brace is designed to bring you the extra support and strength you need around your legs. The sleeve won’t limit your knee’s range of motion at all.
It’s the perfect ally against a torn ACL: The sleeve will help you reduce swelling, minimize pain, and help you on your road to recovery every step of the way.
The Knee Force Compression Knee Sleeve comes in a wide variety of sizes, from S to 6XL. You can figure out which one is right for you, right at home.
Take a look at the product’s measuring chart. To figure out which size is the one for you, grab flexible measuring tape and measure Point A, 6″ above the kneecap’s middle part, and Point B, 6″ below the kneecap.
This is an important step that will ensure your comfort and well-being. Make sure you do it right.
Keep in mind you should always hand wash this knee sleeve, using warm water and soap. Never put it in the dryer or washer.
3. Braceability Patella Stabilizing Hinged Brace
Pros
- Designed for more severe injuries and after surgery
- Anti-slip silicone feature
- Relieves pain
- Reduces inflammation
Cons
- Poor build quality
The Braceability Patella Stabilizing Hinged Brace expertly combines style and extra support. That’s why it’s considered to be one of the best knee braces for torn ACL, especially if you have just come out from surgery.
It’s simple to use and put on, as all you have to do is wrap it around your knee once. It’s also very comfortable and provides even compression.
When used properly, this sleeve support has been shown to reduce swelling, stiffness, soreness, pain, and inflammation. It works to slightly heat up the affected area in order to speed up muscle recovery.
It’s also worth noting that this knee brace comes with an anti-slip feature that prevents sliding off when you’re performing high-impact activities. It’s constructed from a combination of lycra and nylon for lightweight comfort, and it’s also durable and long-lasting.
The best part is that this knee brace comes in different sizes, with dimensions that go from 14.5 inches to 22 inches. However, it’s important to check with the sizing chart to make sure you get a perfect size.
4. UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve Support
Pros
- Designed for kids, women and men
- Anti-slip silicone feature
- Relieves pain
- Reduces inflammation
Cons
- Poor build quality
The UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve Support expertly combines style and practicality. That’s why it’s considered to be one of the best knee braces for torn ACL, especially if you plan to wear it on a daily basis.
It’s simple to use and put on, as all you have to do is wrap it around your knee once. It’s also very comfortable and provides even compression.
When used properly, this sleeve support has been shown to reduce swelling, stiffness, soreness, pain, and inflammation. It works to slightly heat up the affected area in order to speed up muscle recovery.
It’s also worth noting that this knee brace comes with an anti-slip feature that prevents sliding off when you’re performing high-impact activities. It’s constructed from a combination of lycra and nylon for lightweight comfort, and it’s also durable and long-lasting.
The best part is that this knee brace comes in different sizes, with dimensions that go from 14.5 inches to 22 inches. However, it’s important to check with the sizing chart to make sure you get the perfect size.
5. Winzone Knee Sleeve Brace
Pros
- Offers great value for money
- Flexible and comfortable
- Helps with pain relief
- Backed by a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Misleading sizes
Once you’ve gone through a torn ACL injury, it’s essential that you take appropriate measures to speed up the healing process. Winzone’s Knee Brace Brace is designed to stabilize your knee and it’s made from durable materials at an affordable price.
It’s designed from high-quality neoprene with lightweight flexibility.
For that reason, you can rest assured that it won’t put any uncomfortable pressure on your knee and it allows you to comfortably move around. Both men and women can use it.
You’ll also be glad to know that it’s extremely user-friendly and you can easily hide it underneath your clothes.
It adapts to the contours of your leg for flexibility.
The best part is that this knee brace is available in 5 different sizes from small to XXX large.
6. CompressionGear Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Pros
- Made from durable neoprene
- Affordable
- Very comfortable
- Eliminates pain
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Strong smell
There are lots of high impact sports and activities that can cause a tear in your ACL. The result is usually painful swelling followed by an inability to remain stable. That’s why it’s important to use a well-fitting knee brace that provides you with the support you need.
The CompressionGear Knee Brace is one such option. It’s made from heavy-duty breathable neoprene with features like adjustable compressive and an open patella design. To keep it in place, there are two velcro belts just below and above the knee.
This brace is tested to provide protection for ACL, MCL and PCL injuries and may help to prevent further injuries. It’s also a great option for anyone that does outdoor sports and avid runners.
7. DonJoy Legend SE-4 Knee Support Brace
Pros
- Made of aluminum
- Universal fit
- 4-point leverage system
- Prevents knee subluxations
- Universal design
Cons
- Not everyone would be comfortable with the plastic cap
If you’re looking for the best knee brace for ACL injury, then you should consider the DonJoy Legend brace. This one is made of aluminum and it’s coated with Kratom. It features a 4-point leverage system for added flexibility and ease of movement.
This also means that you’ll enjoy a customized fit. It’s important to manage pain and maintain proper support around the ACL ligament while recovering.
You’ll also be glad to know that this knee brace is made with an inflatable brace for total patellar, medial and lateral support.
This is in addition to polycentric hinges that are meant to stabilize your knee during recovery, and the universal fit guarantees comfort and flexibility whether you wear this knee brace on your left or right knee.
8. Venom Knee Sleeve Compression Brace
Pros
- Comes in four different sizes
- Doesn’t bunch or slip
- Eliminates discomfort and pain
- Offers joint support
Cons
- Incorrect sizing chart
This heavy-duty brace from Venom is designed to help you recover from ACL tears and other injuries like runner’s knee, meniscus tears, and even arthritis pain.
It’s made with a knitted pattern and gel padded support that acts like heat therapy to reduce inflammation.
The gel inlay also provides an additional cushion for reduced pain and can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing an injury in the same spot again.
Thanks to its lightweight material and elastic design, this knee brace won’t bunch or slip off which is one of the most annoying side-effects of wearing a brace every day.
The Venom Knee Sleeve Compression Brace comes in 4 different sizes so you can have a comfortable and secure fit for your knee. You’ll also get a free guide in the PDF format with recovery exercises that you can try while wearing this knee brace.
9. Neo G Knee Brace
Pros
- Adjustable for better support and comfort
- Made from high-quality neoprene
- Medical grade
- Offers pain relief
- Adjustable compression system
Cons
- A bit bulky
The Neo G Medical Grade Knee Brace has shown to help with patellar tracking, instability, strains, and sprains. This is all thanks to its open patella design and the inclusion of features like a two-point geared hinge system, a stitched buttress, and improved knee support.
However, what sets this knee brace apart from the rest is the fact that it’s made of heat therapeutic neoprene which is designed to facilitate faster healing by warming up your joints and muscles.
Another great feature of this knee brace is the two-point geared hinge system which is designed to improve stability through controlled extension movements and flexibility.
You should also experience less stiffness and pain when wearing this knee brace.
It has a unisex design and comes in a universal size which takes the guesswork out of finding the correct size. You can use it on both knees and the adjustable compression will make sure you have a healthy blood flow on your knees.
10. Shock Doctor Maximum Support Compression Knee Brace
Pros
- Provides soft tissue support
- Made from high-quality materials
- Offers improved comfort and movement
- Moisture-wicking for odor relief
Cons
- The fit runs small
This knee brace from Shock Doctor is one of the first options that most people go for after tearing an ACL. That’s because it’s made with bilateral hinges and offers superior support compression.
This is an extremely supportive brace that’s constructed from high-performance N-Tex neoprene material. This means it’s fully vented and offers moisture-wicking breathability. While it’ll keep your muscles warm, this knee brace won’t trap moisture or irritate your skin at all.
It’s also designed to heal muscles and tendons through improved blood flow and providing soft tissue support.
All you have to do is measure your knee so you can get a knee brace that fits the circumference of your knee.
Keep in mind that it might be close-fitting, especially if your dimensions are close to the size provided on the measurement chart. For best results, be sure to size up.
11. EzyFit Knee Brace Support
Pros
- Comes in three different sizes
- Open patella design
- Provides exercise support
- Features non-slip silicone strips
- Guaranteed to stay in place
Cons
- Bad Velcro closures
Comfort is often front of mind when looking for the best knee brace for torn ACL. This brace support from EzyFit ticks all the boxes thanks to its strong Velcro enclosures and reinforced double sticking.
Due to its heavy-duty construction, it’s able to offer improved knee movement and flexibility while ensuring that it stays in place all day.
Not only that but this knee brace is designed with an open patella design and non-slip silicone straps for increased flexibility.
This is in addition to construction from stretch neoprene which is made from a combination of polyester and nylon for easy maintenance. This knee brace is perfect to wear if you have a torn ACL, LCL, MCL, meniscus tear and even tendonitis.
However, it might be a good idea to apply some type of topical pain relief over the affected area before you put this brace on.
12. EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector
Pros
- Well-designed for fit
- Provides ongoing pain relief and comfort
- Improves mobility
- Features a four-way compression system
Cons
- Defective so it doesn’t last
This is an incredibly impressive knee brace that offers superior performance and support. It features four-way compression and two cross-over straps to make sure it stays in place while reducing inflammation.
It also comes with an anti-slip design which means you won’t have to constantly adjust it. This is in addition to a “comfort gap” located at the back of the knee to prevent it from scrunching up while wearing it.
You’ll notice a gap right behind the knee which is designed to improve breathability and support active movement.
This brace support protector also features a low-profile design and a unique fit.
13. Patella Strap Knee Brace Support
Pros
- Durable and well-made
- Backed by a 100% lifetime guarantee
- Universal size
- Adjustable
- Offers knee pain relief
Cons
- Tends to slide down the knee
This adjustable knee strap is designed to provide a comfortable yet tight fit.
The straps are perfectly curved for adjustability and this feature helps to minimize the amount of pressure placed on the patella when you’re moving around. Plus, you can always adjust the strap for a more customized fit.
Keep in mind that this is a high-quality knee strap that’s made from a mix of nylon and neoprene for a light and soft feel. The fabric absorbs moisture which means it won’t slip off your knee or cause any uncomfortable inflammation.
What we like most about this knee brace is that it’s backed by a generous 100% risk-free lifetime guarantee and it offers great value for money.
What is ACL Injury?
The ACL stands for Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and it’s a tear in a knee muscle that causes the ligament to completely change the way it turns and its general direction.
ACL tears happen a lot in professional sports; in the knee joint which connects the shin bone to the thigh bone.
The ACL is designed to prevent extra forward motion of the shin relative to the thigh and to make sure the knee joint doesn’t rotate excessively. As such, the ACL is essential in making sure the knee joint remains stable.
Many different scenarios may cause an ACL injury. For instance, it can happen as a result of landing on a bent knee from jumping up high or landing on an over-extended knee.
It can also happen when two opponents bump their knees into one another in contact sports.
Now, it takes a lot of force to damage the ACL. That’s why this injury is often accompanied by additional damage in the medial or meniscus ligament.
Features to Look for in the Best Knee Brace for Torn ACL
There’s no denying that there’s a whole plethora of knee braces available out there, and they all claim to be the best.
So, how do you decide which one lives up to the hype?
It’s a tough decision but a great way to narrow down your options would be to consider your specific needs and look out for qualities and features that make the brace ideal for you.
Here are a few of the most important features to look for in the best knee brace for torn ACL.
Open vs. Closed Patella
A knee brace should either come with a closed or open patella for support.
If patella support is of high importance to you, then you should look out for this feature.
Usually, a knee brace with closed support is more likely to weigh heavily on the patella, while an open patella makes for a more lightweight design.
Support System
You need good quality support. Without it, a knee brace is practically useless. Knee braces made from low-quality materials or poor design usually fail in this regard.
However, just because a knee brace is made of very few materials doesn’t mean that it won’t provide the type of quality you want.
There are plenty of knee braces that feature a simple design and yet they work effectively. This includes models that strap onto the part below your knee cap, while others are large enough to cover a whole leg segment.
The level of support as well as the materials used are some of the most important indicators of quality.
Size
Another determining factor of the best knee brace for torn ACL is its size. That’s because a perfectly sized knee brace will provide the right support and feel comfortable.
Manufacturers offer various sizes, and some manufacturers may offer a different size measurement from others.
That’s why it’s important to be mindful of the instructions provided and don’t take it for granted that all manufacturers have the same measurement rules.
User Discretion
Discretion is another important feature to look out for when shopping for a knee brace. Your doctor might recommend that you keep the area open instead of covering it with your clothes.
Or, they may give you the green light to buy a low-profile knee brace that’s easy to hide underneath your clothes.
Types of Knee Braces
Knee braces come in all different types for different purposes, including:
Functional Braces
This type of knee brace is designed to provide ongoing support for someone who’s experienced a knee injury in the past.
This goes for athletes that have healed from a major injury but need extra support to prevent further injuries by controlling motion and stabilizing the knee.
Unloader Braces
Unloader braces help to relieve knee pain caused by arthritis. It works by moving the weight of the knee from the damaged area to a stronger section of your knee.
Rehabilitative Braces
This type of brace is typically worn for two weeks after surgery to stabilize the knee and limit the amount of possible movement. These braces aren’t recommended by doctors often, because they’re sometimes ineffective.
Knee Sleeves
This isn’t exactly a brace but it’s an apparatus that offers superior knee support. It’s meant to compress the area around the knee joint, thus limiting the amount of swelling and pain in support of the knee.
Prophylactic Braces
This type of brace is meant to protect your knees from injuries, especially when playing football and other types of contact sports. However, research is ongoing to prove conclusively that it actually works as advertised.
FAQs
For how long should I wear a knee brace?
The way you wear your knee brace depends on the instructions given by your doctor as well as the severity of your injury. Some people wear them all the time, while others are instructed to only put them on during physical activities or sports events.
If that’s the case, then it’s important to check that the brace hasn’t moved because it can cause damage if it’s not positioned properly.
How tight should a knee brace be?
The knee brace should feel just a little tight around the knee but not so much that it feels uncomfortable. The idea is to provide optimal knee support and make sure that you’ve enough circulation in your knee to move well.
Often, rigid braces offer better support, whereas compression sleeves are more comfortable but don’t provide enough support. A size chart might help determine which knee sleeve to choose based on the circumference of your knee.
How can I maintain my knee brace?
It’s pretty easy for knee braces to get damaged due to wear and tear. But, you can keep it in tip-top shape by cleaning it gently with soap and water to keep the fabric clean. Also, make sure there’s no exposed metal as that might cause unnecessary dings and scratches.
It’s also a good idea to replace your brace when it gets worn out because you want a working brace that actually gets the job done and not something that only works marginally.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! Now you know what it takes to find the best knee braces for torn ACL. Hopefully this article has helped you figure out which option is ideal for your needs.
If you still feel confused about all the different options presented to you, we’ll gladly recommend one for you.
The MyCocoon Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve is top of our list because it’s comfortable, easy to move around in and comes with benefits like reduced inflammation, stiffness, soreness, pain and swelling.
Not only that, but it’s made from high-quality materials and comes in different sizes that make it suitable for any size man or woman.
That, in addition to the fact that it allows you to perform high impact activities without slipping off, make it the best knee brace for torn ACL.
Resoucres:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acl-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350738
