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"On its own, the compression knee sleeve greatly reduces the impact on my knees from skating. With the hinges, the knee sleeve gives the me the peace of mind I need after having ACL reconstruction on both knees. While I don’t push it like I used to, these knee sleeves allow me to keep skating and progressing."
"I play roller derby. Tore my acl and meniscus and some other stuff. I haven’t felt confident skating since then. I’ve been looking for a brace to help me get back on the track and the first time I wore old bones I almost felt like my old self again."
"Absolutely love them! I am post opt ACL / MCL surgery & the comfort, support & confidence I get from Old Bones is by far superior to anything else iv tried. Wish I had found them before my injury. Long way to go but counting down the days till I can get back on the board & hit the park again!"
Choosing an ACL Knee Brace
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) crosses through the middle of the knee. It keeps the shin bone from sliding forward under the thigh bone and helps control twisting. Most ACL injuries involve no contact at all: a hard stop, a pivot on a planted foot, a landing where the knee caves in.
A brace can't do the ligament's job, but it adds structure so the knee feels more controlled while you rebuild strength. If you think it's torn, see a healthcare provider first: surgery versus rehab changes what you need.
Fresh injury or post-surgery: Knee Brace with Hinges
Rigid hinges on both sides keep the knee in a safe range of motion. They pull out, so later in rehab it becomes compression-only. It's designed for ACL, MCL and LCL injuries and post-surgery recovery. See hinged knee braces.
Back to cutting and pivoting: Knee Brace with Springs
For a knee that handles straight lines but still feels unsure on turns, flexible side stabilizers add support without hinges. It's built for moderate instability and ACL/MCL recovery. More in spring knee braces.
Old ACL, stable knee: Compression Knee Sleeve
Plenty of repaired knees are solid years later but ache after a session. The sleeve gives knitted compression and a gel ring around the kneecap, with no side structure.
Thighs 23 inches and up? The Big Bones Knee Brace has side springs and support stays in a wider cut. The Ice Sleeve adds cold or heat with compression after rehab sessions.
The same twist that catches the ACL can catch the inside of the knee or the meniscus: see MCL knee braces and knee braces for a meniscus tear. A hit to the front of a bent knee is more often a PCL injury.
FAQs
What is the best knee brace for an ACL injury?
It depends on where you are in recovery. Right after an injury or surgery, a hinged knee brace gives the most structure, holding the knee in a safe range of motion. As the knee gets steadier, a spring brace adds side support with more freedom to move, and a compression sleeve suits a stable knee that still aches. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist can tell you which stage you're at.
Is a knee sleeve enough for a torn ACL?
Usually not on its own. A compression sleeve has no side structure, so it adds a snug, supported feel but does little to steady a knee that shifts or gives way. For a torn or recently repaired ACL, a hinged brace is the better fit, and a sleeve makes more sense once the knee is stable again.
How do I know if I tore my ACL?
Common signs are a pop at the moment of injury, swelling within a few hours, and a knee that feels loose or buckles when you pivot. Only an exam, and often imaging, can confirm it. If that sounds familiar, get it checked by a healthcare provider before relying on a brace.
Can you play sports in an ACL brace?
Yes. Our hinged and spring braces are built for high-impact activity, with a non-slip silicone lining that keeps them in place. When you're ready to return after an ACL injury is a separate question, so follow your provider's or physical therapist's return-to-play plan.