Reduce knee pain? Discover which knee brace helps you
Do you regularly experience pain in your knee, for example during sports, climbing stairs, or even while walking? Knee pain is one of the most common joint complaints. Whether it is caused by overuse, an injury, or wear and tear (osteoarthritis), a knee brace can help stabilise your knee, relieve pain, and support recovery.
Knee pain? Don’t keep walking around with it!
Because the knee joint consists of many different structures, movement and stability are ensured within the knee. However, these same structures can also cause the knee joint to no longer function properly. As a result, people may experience long-term pain and sensitivity in the knee. How does this happen exactly?
The knee: a complex and vulnerable joint
The knee forms the connection between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia), with the kneecap (patella) providing additional protection at the front. Inside the knee are important structures such as the meniscus, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments.
Together, these components ensure stability and mobility. Because the knee must absorb many forces, it is also a joint that is easily overloaded or injured.
Possible causes of knee pain
Knee pain can occur suddenly after an incorrect movement or a fall, but it can also develop gradually due to prolonged strain. Common causes include overuse during sports or work, a cruciate ligament injury, a meniscus tear, osteoarthritis, or tendon inflammation (such as patellar tendonitis).
Pain on the inside of the knee often indicates irritation of the medial collateral ligament, while pain on the outside is more often related to the lateral collateral ligament or the meniscus.
When does a knee brace help?
A knee brace supports the joint and prevents the knee from bending or twisting too far. This relieves strain on the ligaments and muscles, reducing pain and promoting recovery.
For mild complaints or overuse, an elastic or neoprene knee brace can already provide significant relief. If you experience instability or are recovering from a meniscus or cruciate ligament injury, a knee brace with stays or hinges is recommended. This type of brace prevents harmful rotational movements without fully restricting mobility.
In cases of wear and tear or osteoarthritis, a rigid brace can reduce pressure on the joint and relieve pain during movement.
Knee brace for sports injuries
Athletes often experience knee problems due to sudden turns or jumps, for example in football, volleyball, running, or skiing. A well-chosen knee brace can make the difference between continuing training or being forced to take a break.
The Össur CTi is frequently used for (partial) anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, while the Bauerfeind GenuTrain or the Thuasne Genu Ligaflex are excellent options for lighter complaints or preventive use.
Knee Brace Selection Guide
| Complaint Level | Product | Description | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild complaints / preventive use | Thuasne Genu Action knee support | A flexible, elastic brace that provides light compression and stimulates blood circulation. Made from breathable material and ideal for daily use or sports. | Mild knee pain, overuse, preventive use during sports or walking |
| Mild complaints / sports support | Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support | Sports brace with silicone ring around the kneecap for stability during movement. Provides support without feeling stiff. | Mild instability, overuse, or preventive use during sports such as running, tennis, or football |
| Mild to moderate complaints | Bauerfeind GenuTrain with / without silicone | Classic, comfortable knee brace with a visco-elastic pad around the patella for targeted pressure distribution. | Mild instability, kneecap irritation (patellar tendon), early osteoarthritis, or recovery after a minor injury |
| Moderate complaints | Push Med Knee Brace | Firm knee brace with unique leaf springs that allow controlled movement without restricting the knee. | Moderate instability, rehabilitation after meniscus injury, or mild osteoarthritis |
| Moderate to severe complaints / extra support | Bauerfeind GenuTrain S | Functional brace with hinges on both sides of the knee for stability and movement control. | Instability, rehabilitation after ligament injury or knee surgery, moderate to heavy load |
| Severe complaints / osteoarthritis or instability | Thuasne Genu Ligaflex | Very firm knee brace with metal hinges and Velcro closure for maximum support and protection. | Severe knee instability, osteoarthritis, (partial) cruciate ligament rupture, post-operative recovery |
| Severe complaints / post-operative recovery | Thuasne Rebel Bleu | Highly stable knee brace with aluminium frame and integrated hinges for optimal support. Designed for long-term use in cases of instability or sports injuries. | Severe knee instability, cruciate ligament injury (ACL/PCL), recovery after trauma, or long-term support during sports |
Mild complaints = Braces with compression and warmth for support during overuse or preventive use.
Moderate complaints = Braces with increased stability or stays, suitable for early instability or rehabilitation.
Severe complaints = Rigid braces with hinges, for osteoarthritis, instability, or post-operative recovery.
