There are a number of different types of knee braces that can be effective for treating a partial ACL tear. The best type of brace for you will depend on the severity of your injury and your activity level.
For example, if you have a very mild injury and do not play sports daily, you may only need to wear a simple neoprene sleeve.
However, if you have a more severe injury or play high-impact sports, you may need a bulky-hinged brace.
To help you make a decision, our registered physical therapists have compiled a list of the best knee braces for partial ACL tear on the market.
Even a partially torn ACL can still cause instability. But, the good news is that the ligament can heal without surgery. Granted, of course, it gets a bit of help.
Our Top Picks:
Best for Recovery: MyCocoon Hot & Cold Compression Sleeve
Combines the silky feel of lycra with weighted compression, heat, and cold therapy for a smoother road to full recovery.
Best for Instability: Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace
Solid build quality with bilateral hinges to help add more stability to your sprained knee.
Best Compression Sleeve: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Infused with research-backed germanium and carbon to help relieve pain and swelling while also boosting recovery.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Our Top 8 Knee Braces for Partial ACL Tear
1. MyCocoon Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Lycra for the ultimate comfort and durability
- Even more durability with double-stitching and leakproof hydrogels
- A combo of weighted compression and heat/cold is great for pain and swelling
- One cocoon can be used on other body parts
Cons
- Not many colour options
- A bit expensive
MyCocoon combines weighted compression with heat and cold therapy. This helps boost your recovery from day 1 until you’re back to doing sports.
MyCocoon uses lycra to make its knee sleeves softer and better for your skin. They won’t slide down when you move either.
Plus, they’re heavier than most knee sleeves. So, there’s weighted compression that will help with recovery.
Alongside everything else mentioned, MyCocoon also uses hydrogel that can be heated or frozen. Both properties are effective for pain relief. But, you can use the warmth to prepare your joints and muscles for exercise then use the cold to reduce swelling after activity.
But, they do come at a higher-than-average price.
- Size options: S, M, L. Each cocoon can be used on other parts as long as the fit is right.
- Color options: Black
Who this brace is for
This brace is for anyone rehabbing from a partially torn ACL. The weighted and uniform compression, as well as its heat/cold properties, are suitable for all stages of recovery.
Who this brace isn’t for
This might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a sleeve to use while rehabbing a still-unstable knee. MyCocoons don’t have hinges so they won’t offer enough support while you’re exercising.
You can still use MyCocoon to help warm up and cool down, though.
2. Shock Doctor Hinged Knee Brace
Pros
- Feels comfortable and supportive
- It won’t bunch up at all
- Offers excellent support throughout the day
- Stabilizes the knee
- Fits well regardless of your size
Cons
- The sizing chart isn’t accurate
Shock Doctor has created a really great hinged knee brace with a comfortable and supportive fit. The company has been around for a long time and is a trusted brand by medical professionals.
This brace is a hinged brace and is used for unstable knees or people returning from ACL surgery.
It is however larger and bulkier than a compression sleeve. It will restrict movement slightly but it provides unmatched knee support.
We really like that this brace is made from N-Tex neoprene material which is known for its ability to offer improved airflow and blood flow so you never feel uncomfortable if you’re suffering from partial ACL tear.
In a sense, this knee brace is the closest thing to a perfect fit for a bulkier brace since it’s moisture-wicking, you won’t have to worry about skin irritation when using it.
You will likely need to break this in for it to feel snug. If you have minor injuries, this brace is likely overkill due to the price.
3. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Comfortable but sturdy pairing of materials
- Uniform and strong compression
- 3D woven for both fit and durability
- With peer-reviewed research on pain relief
- Has a few sizes and colors to choose from
Cons
- No-return policy for 3rd party sellers
- Expensive and does not come in pairs
- Sizing can be off for some
Now full disclosure, this is our brace, however, we fully believe we have created one of the best compression sleeves on the market.
We focused on creating a comfortable knee sleeve that fully supports the knee and relieves pain.
They’re made with polyester, nylon, cotton, and spandex that not only feels soft and comfortable but also offers a solid amount of compression. The sleeves are also 3D woven for a better fit.
These sleeves are great to wear for long hours and everyday use. So, you can have compression to help regulate your swelling and pain all day.
They can feel too snug for some, though. We recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes.
- Size options: M, L, XL, XXL
- Color options: Grey, Black
Who this brace is for
This knee brace is for those of you looking to assist your own body’s own recovery process. It’s also for those looking for a knee sleeve to wear all day to help you deal with the pain and swelling of a partial ACL tear.
Who this brace isn’t for
This might not be the best choice if you have severe instability. Go for a hinged brace if this is you.
4. PentagonFit Compression Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Available in 6 different sizes
- Easy to put on
- Effectively reduces swelling and pain
- Comfortable fit
- Made from premium grade latex-free neoprene material
Cons
- Runs a little big
- Can slide down if you machine wash it.
A partial ACL tear can be extremely painful. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is the prominent ligament that connects your knee bone to your leg bones.
It prevents your leg from moving forward to where it should not. It also keeps your knee from moving awkwardly. The PentagonFit Plus Size Compression Knee Sleeve can help alleviate the pain as well as help the ACL heal properly.
There are several symptoms that are present if you have a partial ACL tear. You may experience pain, discomfort, unnatural movement, or severe swelling.
It is vital that you use a knee brace to keep your leg in place. Some braces are hard to put on without agony. The PentagonFit knee sleeve has a flexible design, They use a latex-free neoprene material.
You can sit down in a comfortable position and pull the sleeve up like a sock. No assistance is needed!
It is important to obtain the correct fit. If you are in pain, you may need help to measure your knee. Start in the middle of your kneecap, measure 6 inches below and 6 inches above.
Visit the PentagonFit website and use their size chart, These sleeves come in small to 6XL.
If you are shy about wearing a knee brace, it fits well underneath your clothes. While you cannot machine wash, cleaning is still simple.
Right before bed, wipe down your brace with a washcloth and non-abrasive cleaning solution.
While you sleep, let the knee sleeve dry. It will be perfect in the morning.
Living with a partial ACL tear is never fun. But you can ease your discomfort, and allow it to heal quicker.
Don’t allow the ACL to fully tear. The PentagonFit Plus Size Compression Knee Sleeve has a design for you in mind. The flexibility and style cannot be beaten!
5. EzyFit Knee Brace Support
Pros
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Offers great value for money
- Keeps the knee stable through physical activity
- Well-made to stay in place no matter how much you move around
- Made from velcro stitching
- Best knee brace for partial ACL tear
Cons
- It doesn’t last very long
- Not suitable for overweight people
Quality and comfort are two of the most essential features to look for when shopping for a knee brace.
This model from EzyFit fits the bill. It features double stitching which is reinforced for added support and secure Velcro enclosures to ensure that the brace stays in place all day long without restricting movement.
However, what really sets this brace apart is the knee stabilizer feature. The EzyFit Knee Brace also comes with a flexible open patella design and non-slip silicone straps at the top and bottom of it.
Thanks to all these features, this brace support is ideal for use if you’re recovering from a knee injury such as a partial ACL tear.
It allows you to continue with all of your physical activities like playing soccer, hiking, running or simply walking.
6. Neo G Knee Brace
Pros
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
- Alleviates pain and discomfort
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- The universal size may not be suitable for everyone
- A little bulky
There are plenty of knee braces out there to choose from, but a few offer the level of support and comfort that comes with this Neo G Medical Grade model. It’s designed to alleviate pain, instability, sprains, and strains.
That’s because it’s designed with an open patella and features a two-point hinge system which is geared for superior support and a stitched buttress to boot.
However, what makes this one of the best knee braces for partial ACL tear is the fact that it’s made with heat therapeutic neoprene, which offers heat therapy for your muscles.
This knee brace is also designed to speed up healing by keeping your joints and muscles warm.
The best part is that this is a unisex knee brace with a universal size, so you don’t have to worry about measurements and sizing charts.
7. EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector
Pros
- Fits perfectly and comfortably
- Very flexible and allows for easy movement
- Super supportive
- Practical velcro straps for a customized fit
Cons
- Loses elasticity quickly
This is a great knee brace support protector from EXODUS which features two cross-over straps for a comfy fit and reduced inflammation.
It also comes with a four-way compression system that allows you to move your knee in any direction without losing flexibility and support.
The anti-slip design is guaranteed to keep it in place throughout the day. Then you have a “comfort gap” designed to prevent scrunching up on the back of the knee.
8. DonJoy Legend SE-4 Knee Support Brace
Pros
- Allows you to take part in high-impact activities
- Lightweight and flexible
- Comfortable to wear
- Offers superior support while enabling your knee to bend
- Fits really well
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey
The SE-4 knee support brace from DonJoy is designed to provide superior support for anyone that has experienced a moderate to extreme ACL tear.
It helps to reduce symptoms like discomfort, stiffness, swelling, and pain. It’s also suitable for use after surgery as it enables you to continue playing contact sports without risking another injury.
Thanks to its low-profile design, this aircraft-grade knee brace won’t corrode, chip or rust. You’ll absolutely love the four-point dynamic leverage system which is designed to provide ongoing, high-quality knee support.
A Little About Partial ACL Tear
The signs for a partial ACL tear are always similar and include things like extreme swelling and pain as well as loss of motion. You’ll also notice that your knees buckle under pressure when you try to put weight on them.
First of all, you must ensure that it’s able to offer gentle all-day support through proper compressions that won’t negatively affect mobility.
A knee brace offers that gentle compression, and as a result, it promotes better blood flow and reduces pain.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a partial ACL Tear Knee Brace
Partial ACL tears are a common injury, especially among athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as basketball and football. If you have suffered a partial ACL tear, there are a few factors to consider that can help you make the best decision for your individual needs.
Activity
First, consider the level of activity you plan on participating in. If you intend to continue playing high-impact sports, a knee brace can provide extra support and stability, helping to prevent further injury. However, if you only plan on participating in low-impact activities, a knee brace may not be necessary.
Cost
Second, consider the cost of the knee brace. Knee braces can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. If you are only planning on using the knee brace occasionally, or if you have insurance that will cover part of the cost, a less expensive option may be sufficient. However, if you need to use the knee brace on a daily basis, or if you do not have insurance that will cover the cost, a more expensive knee brace may be necessary.
Comfort
Third, consider your level of comfort. Knee braces can be bulky and uncomfortable, especially if you are not used to wearing one. If you are considering using a knee brace on a daily basis, make sure to try it on and walk around in it before making a purchase. This will help you determine whether or not the knee brace is right for you.
Get Advice From Your Doctor
Fourth, consider the advice of your doctor. If you have suffered a partial ACL tear, it is important to consult with your doctor before using a knee brace. Your doctor can recommend the best type of knee brace for your individual needs and can also provide guidance on when to use it and for how long.
The Best Rated Conclusion
Hopefully, this list made your search for the best knee support for partial ACL easier.
In a nutshell, we highly recommend MyCocoon because you can use it for all stages of your recovery – even beyond.
But, MyCocoon doesn’t offer the same stability that Shock Doctor does. So, if your knees are moderate to severely unstable, it might be the better choice.
In any case, if neither of these is to your liking, there’s more on this list to choose from.
