

Knee sleeves provide only minor support, Minnis says, compared with knee braces, which offer a wider range of support. Can a knee sleeve give me enough support after a serious knee injury?

Most knee sleeves are washable, which Minnis says is important because they are worn mostly during exercise and activity. “The material is made to stretch slightly, so after time, the elastic properties may wear out or the stitching may begin to come apart,” Minnis says. With regular use, a compression sleeve may last 6 months to a year, he says. How long do knee sleeves last?Īccording to Minnis, the life of a knee sleeve will depend on how much use it gets. If you’re experiencing pain while doing exercises that involve significant motion at your knees, you may benefit from wearing a knee sleeve.
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Low impact exercise also helps strengthen the muscles around your knee, providing better support.įinally, if you’re experiencing knee pain, consider using ice for 15 minutes on and off elevating your leg whenever possible or speaking with your doctor or other healthcare professional if the pain begins to interfere with your daily activities or is accompanied by redness, swelling, or warmth.įrequently asked questions about knee sleeves Do knee compression sleeves really work?Ī 2017 study found that this type of support is an effective and immediate way to reduce pain, improve knee stability, and improve confidence during activity. If you sleep on your side, you may want to look into a small knee support pillow to promote hip and spinal alignment. You can also opt for ace wraps or elastic tubular bandages. However, keep in mind that tape has to be applied each time before the activity, while “a sleeve simply needs to be pulled up and you’re ready to go,” he says.Īnother good option for knee support is a knee strap, a patella brace (a smaller product that only wraps around the leg below your kneecap), or a pain relief patch. Taping, which involves wrapping the knee in special tape to limit unwanted movement and support the joint, is another alternative, Minnis says. We’ve selected products with a wide a range of prices using the following guide:Ī knee brace is a more supportive alternative to a knee sleeve. Interested in more details on our selection process? Here’s how we choose products and vet brands. If you’re looking for a quality sleeve, it helps to have choices at various price points.

Sustainability: Making a short-term investment is fine in some cases, but you want to make sure your workout gear will last through multiple sessions over time.We made sure our knee sleeve selections checked all the boxes for support, flexibility, and durability. Functionality: Style over substance isn’t usually what you want when it comes to supportive workout accessories.

When selecting the top knee sleeves available, we considered a range of priorities, including: How we chose the best knee compression sleeves “Knee sleeves are ideal for someone who has a minor knee injury or mild pain with activity and is looking for increased support of the joint without the bulkiness and limited mobility found with traditional knee braces,” he says. Greg Minnis, a physical therapist at Excel Physical Therapy in New Jersey. Knee sleeves’ low profile also makes them easier to wear than traditional knee braces, according to Dr. One possible method for both supporting the kneecap during activity and reducing pain is a knee compression sleeve, which is a stretchy band of fabric worn over the knee. If you have knee pain, you, like many others, may be looking for relief and a way to improve your mobility. Best knee sleeve for heavy-duty support: NEENCA Knee Compression Sleeve | Skip to review.Best knee sleeve for moderate support: Shock Doctor Knee Compression Sleeve | Skip to review.Best knee sleeve for light support: BLITZU Flex Professional Knee Sleeve | Skip to review.Best knee sleeve with built-in patellar pad: Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support | Skip to review.Best budget knee sleeve: Cambivo Knee Compression Sleeve | Skip to review.Editor’s choice: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve | Skip to review.A quick look at the best knee compression sleeves
