"It works awesomely great!! I've been putting off a knee replacement for a few years from an ACL reconstruction I had done back in 1996..I have some pretty good osteoarthritis setting in..This adds serious support,which reduces my pain alot..It doesn't slide down,or bunch up behind my knee.. Quality made,top notch brace..I highly recommend.."
"Last year I was diagnosed with OA and degenerating meniscus in my knees. I've researched, purchase and worn several knee braces. None of them come close to the fit, comfort and stability this brace offers while MTBing!"
"I bought this for my dad which is in his 70’s and has horrible knees!! Watching him hobble around was really hard so I thought I would give this product a whirl!! And he loves it!!"
Choosing a Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis wears down the cartilage that cushions the knee. For a lot of people it shows up as stiffness getting out of a chair, an ache on the stairs, or a knee that feels less trustworthy by the end of a long day. A brace won't change what's going on inside the joint, but the right one adds stability and a snug, supported feel so you can keep walking, working and doing the things you like.
Old Bones Therapy was started by a lifelong skateboarder, so knees that have put in the miles are kind of our thing. This collection focuses on two braces with real structure.
Knee Brace with Hinges
Our most supportive brace. Rigid bilateral hinges on both sides of the knee guide it through a safe range of motion, with knitted compression and a silicone gel pad around the joint. The hinges are removable, so on good days you can wear it as a compression sleeve and put them back in when the knee needs more. A non-slip silicone lining keeps it from sliding while you move. More in our hinged knee braces collection.
Big Bones Knee Brace
Standard braces tend to roll down or cut in on larger legs. Big Bones is cut on a wider V-shaped pattern with a flared top, plus built-in side springs and support stays that run to the upper edge, so it stays put. It comes in one size, 3XL, for thighs 23 inches and up. See our plus-size knee braces.
Want something lighter?
If your knee is achy but stable, a hinged brace may be more than you need. Our spring knee braces add flexible side support without rigid hinges, and the full knee braces collection includes our everyday compression sleeve. For everyday stiffness, see our knee braces for arthritis or knee braces for pain, and if the knee swells up, our picks for fluid on the knee. For advanced cartilage loss, see bone-on-bone knee braces. After a long day, an ice sleeve adds cold or heat therapy with compression.
Osteoarthritis looks different in every knee. If you're not sure how much support yours needs, a healthcare provider or physical therapist can help you decide.
FAQs
What type of knee brace is best for osteoarthritis?
It depends on how stable your knee feels. If it feels loose or gives way, a hinged knee brace gives the most structure. If it's mainly stiff and achy but stable, a lighter spring brace or compression sleeve may be enough. A healthcare provider can help you match the level of support to your knee.
Is a hinged brace or a sleeve better for knee arthritis?
A hinged brace has rigid hinges on both sides that guide the knee and add side-to-side stability, which suits knees that feel unstable. A compression sleeve is lighter and lower profile, with no side structure, which suits knees that are sore but steady. Our hinged brace has removable hinges, so it can switch between the two as your knee changes day to day.
What is a knee orthosis for osteoarthritis?
"Knee orthosis" is the clinical term for a knee brace. For osteoarthritis, practitioners sometimes prescribe a custom-fitted or unloader orthosis with a rigid frame. Ours are off-the-shelf knitted braces, hinged and spring-supported, not custom orthoses, so if a practitioner has prescribed a specific orthosis, go with that.
Can I wear a knee brace for osteoarthritis all day?
Our braces use a breathable knit with a non-slip silicone lining that stays put all day, so they're comfortable for long stretches at work or on your feet. Take the brace off at night to let your skin breathe. If you're new to bracing, build up the time gradually.
Will a knee brace fit if I have larger thighs?
The Knee Brace with Hinges comes in sizes S through XXL. If standard sizes roll down or cut in, the Big Bones Knee Brace is built for thighs 23 inches and up, with a wider V-shaped pattern, a flared top, and side springs and support stays that keep it in place.