Best knee brace for patellofemoral pain syndrome is required to give the right amount of compression and warmth to the knee front and around the knee cap with the sole aim of relieving the patellofemoral excruciating pain syndrome.
The patellofemoral syndrome also referred to as jumper’s knee or runner’s knee is used to describe the pain in the front of the knee cap and around the knee cap.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) usually develops from overuse of knee joints or through an accident which results in hitting the knee cap or falling on it.
For most runners, jumpers or athletes, patellofemoral pain of knee pain is always very common to them due to overuse of the knee joint, risk of hitting or falling on it and other trauma that can also lead to placing the knee joint in unfortunate circumstances.
Getting the best knee brace is one of the best and most effective therapies to heal the knee cap pain quickly and we have taken our time to review the best knee brace for patellofemoral pain syndrome in this article.
Effect of Knee Brace on Patellofemoral Pain syndrome
There have been several studies on PFPS and the effect a knee brace has on it. Knee brace has been proven to have a positive effect on relieving and healing PFPS.
Runner’s knee results from misalignment of any bone from the hips to the ankle. This can be caused by so many factors from accident to overuse and other traumas.
What a knee brace does is to force all the knee components – joint, muscle, knee cap, bones, tendons, and others to be rightly aligned.
Therefore, the best knee brace for patellofemoral pain syndrome can help prevent PFPS and can also help you heal faster if you have sustained the injury already.
Check here to see one of those studies on the effect of knee brace on PFPS
How to Choose the Best Knee Brace for Runner’s Knee?
Not every knee brace can be suitable for PFPS. The knee brace you should go for must have some specific qualities and these qualities are our guide in selecting every knee braces on our list.
Lateral and Knee Cap support: This is by far the most important factor to consider for PFPS and if a knee brace cannot provide this feature, then it cannot be considered as a suitable brace for runner’s knee.
Lateral support helps keep the knee joint from misalignment. There are some knee braces that even have removable metal splint just to make sure it supplies this feature.
Furthermore, the knee cap also needs to be stabilized properly to either heal the knee faster or to protect the knee from this unfortunate occurrence.
Adjustable: A brace being adjustable is also a key factor. This put you in total control, you get to adjust and readjust to your taste and convenience.
Also, as you start healing, there might be a need to reduce the amount of compression gotten from the knee brace. Adjustability makes this possible and therefore is one of the most important factors to consider.
Comfort: There are so many factors that determine how comfortable you will be using a particular knee brace for patellofemoral pain syndrome. The material used is one. Neoprene is a very good material to consider while looking for the best knee brace for jumper’s knee. The material should be breathable, soft to remove moisture and excess heat.
Best Knee Brace for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
In Our search for the best knee brace for jumper’s knee, we come across some amazing knee brace which is very suitable in stabilizing the knee joint and knee cap to either help protect from PFPS or heal faster from this menace.
DonJoy Reaction Web Knee Support Brace with Compression Undersleeve – Overall Best Brace for Runner’s Knee
Quick Features:
- Knee cap stabilizer,
- Lateral support for the knee joints,
- Breathable and ventilated design,
- Quality material,
- Combination of Under sleeve and knee brace design.
We find this knee brace to be a good and suitable knee brace for patellofemoral pain syndrome. DonJoy has been one of the best makers of a knee brace and this particular knee brace will give you all the support needed to heal faster and protection needed from runner’s knee.
It is a combination of knee sleeve and knee brace to give the best compression, support, and warmth needed to the knee joint, protecting misalignment and ensuring all knee components are into their normal and required position.
Their innovative web design absorbs shock and disperses energy, thereby shifting pains away from the knee.
For comfort and breathability, the knee brace is designed in an open web structure framework coupled with mesh backing. The webbing act to stabilize the knee cap in all side to bring patella into its right position and reduce pain.
It is light in weight to enable all-day use and the under sleeve is made from a material that is very gentle on the skin without causing any skin irritation. The composition of the under knee sleeve is 85% nylon and 15% spandex.
It is also versatile, smartly converts from the right leg to left.
The knee brace does not only stabilize the knee cap but also give lateral support to the knee joint. The undersleeve provides the best compression needed to the knee joint.
It is made in different sizes from X-small to XXX-large to fit every knee sizes. Make sure to measure the circumference of your knee appropriately and check the sizing chart for correct choice.
EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector
Quick Features
- Open Patella design
- 4-ways support strap with side stabilizer
- Comfort gap for ventilation
- High-quality neoprene
- Support calf size of 16-18 inches.
Looking for the best knee brace for patellofemoral pain syndrome, we came across EXOUS Knee Brace and it is specifically built to help relieve jumper’s knee and also protect against sustaining one.
It provides compression in a unique 4-way from all sides and angles giving both lateral and medial support to give real stability to a weak knee.
There are four adjustable straps at the upper and lower side of the knee cap which gives the patella tendon and patellofemoral pain great relieve and also stabilize the knee cap.
Only one size available which conveniently fits calf size 16 – 18 inches with maximum upper thigh 20 inches (measure 3 inches above the knee). The strap is firmly fixed with strong medical Velcro, so there won’t be slipping issue.
To give good support to the knee sides, there is side stabilizer to help achieve this. This ensures that there are no irregular movements sideways that could cause injury in the knee joint.
The design is smartly done to enhance comfort. For better ventilation, there is a comfort gap at the back of the brace just behind the knee cap. This ensures airflow to remove excess heat that could lead to too much sweating and heat.
It is made with high-quality neoprene which has a thickness of 3.5 mm. it is open patella designed, adjustable and smartly hugs the knee for proper support.
Vive Hinged Knee Brace – Best Hinged Knee Brace for Patellofemoral Pain
Quick Features
- Aluminum hinges for lateral support
- Open Patella design
- Adjustable to fit almost all knee size
- Made from high-quality breathable material
Get the best support and stability for your knee with Vive hinged knee brace which has aluminum hinges for lateral support and stability of the knee components.
The hinged can be removed should you deem it fit. The knee brace does improve medial and lateral stability, helping in reducing injury, assists recovery and helps with patellar tracking.
There is only one size available which conveniently fits most knee sizes. It gives the right compression to the knee cap and helps reduce patellofemoral pain syndrome.
It is made of high-quality breathable material which enhances all-day wearing without causing any form of irritation to the skin.
The straps are adjustable and they fit perfectly through the strong medical Velcro. No issue of having to readjust, once you strap it, it stays perfectly.
Vive stands by their product. If you are not satisfied with this product, you can simply return it within 60 days with your money paid back 100% within these 60 days.
If you are considering a knee brace for jumper’s knee, we recommend this knee brace as one of the best you can lay your hands on. The comfort matched together with protection, compression, and support makes it one of the best and ideal knee brace for PFPS.
See Also: Best Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace for Running
Hinged Knee Brace: Shock Doctor Maximum Support Compression Knee Brace
Quick Features
- Made in different sizes
- Anti-microbial and airflow vented technology
- High-quality latex-free material
- Integrated side stabilizer
- Adjustable strap with strong medical Velcro.
One of the major cause of PFPS is the instability knee joint resulting in that excruciating pain on the knee cap and around the knee cap. Therefore, a suitable knee brace for this condition must stabilize the knee cap and help heal medial and lateral instability.
Your knee will feel secure again using this knee brace and you will never have to sacrifice your comfort to keep your knee safe during your recovery process.
While being protected completely through the heavy-duty bilateral dual hinges, your movement is also not restricted. This makes it suitable for sporting activities like running, jumping and other activities.
It is made in different sizes as well from small size to XXX-large. No matter what your size it, you will definitely find the right one for you.
We also love the mode of construction. It is designed with anti-microbial and airflow vented technology which helps reduce odor, bacteria, and moisture for better all-day comfort while in use.
It is made from high-quality premium material which is latex-free. It is nicely stitched with an integrated side stabilizer. It stays in place and includes easy grip tabs for accurate fitting.
It is a good knee brace and we strongly recommend as one of the best knee braces for patellofemoral pain syndrome.
EzyFit Knee Brace Support
Quick Features
- Non-slip silicone gel lines
- Double-stitched curved edges
- Made with flexible, breathable neoprene material
- 3 sizes to suit most body types
- Fit both male and female
A very good patella knee brace made by EzyFit made specifically to compress and support your knee joint and knee cap, providing the best support to your knee joint.
It is one of the best knee braces for PFPS out there which you can confidently wear as an athlete, runner and feel very safe and confident.
If your knee circumference is within 9 inches to 24 inches, you will definitely find your size as it is made in different sizes.
While in use, you will not only feel safe and protected, but the comfort that comes with it makes it the best bet for you. You won’t feel any distress and your daily activities is not hindered whatsoever.
Three straps are available to give perfect fit and support. This also gives the even compression which help relieves knee pains associated with any sustained knee injury.
The open patella design helps stabilize the knee cap while the three straps give the best support to around kneecap and stabilize the knee joint.
Your knee is safely secured and stays in place during any rigorous exercises or sporting activities.
Like other braces, it is made with 3.5mm high-quality neoprene with nylon and polyester blend for easy wash and wears.
Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap – Cold/Hot Gel Compression Brace
Quick Features
- Adjustable knee brace for all knee size
- Hot or cold therapy included
- High-quality neoprene material which is latex-free
- Three removable Arctic Flex gel packs
With this lovely knee brace from Vive, you will get the best soothing pain relief. Added to the compression which you are sure to get is also hot and cold therapy. This effectively helps reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation from muscle fatigue.
The soft knee brace also provides comfortable relief for sprains and strains, ACL, arthritis, sports injuries, surgery and more.
Also included with the knee brace is a removable arctic flex gel for hot and cold therapy. This is mostly used when you need to heal up from already sustained knee injury. But for protection, you might not need to use the arctic flexible gel.
For targeted relief, two pockets are located on the front and rear end of the knee.
To give the best compression for your knee, the knee brace is made with four adjustable straps. They are secured with strong fastener. The knee brace smartly converts to both right and left knee and very suitable for both men and women.
It is a one size fit all type of knee brace and will support knee circumference up to 21 inches.
The knee brace is made with high-quality neoprene, machine washable and very comfortable to the skin as it is also latex-free. It is light in weight and doesn’t cause any unnecessary load or weight to the knee.
Buy confidently with its 60 days money-back guarantee.
King of Kings Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Quick Features
- Perforated neoprene provides excellent breathability
- 2 spring steel at the side to give added side support
- 3-layer engineered design to provide superior comfort
- High quality and breathable material
- Adjustable straps with strong medical Velcro.
King of kings knee brace is one of the best patella stabilizing knee brace and we find it to be appropriate and among one of the best knee brace for patellofemoral pain syndrome.
If you engage in running or strenuous exercise, this knee brace might just be the right gadget to purchase to prevent you against runner’s knee.
It has a lot of qualities that make this knee brace a suitable brace to support, hold and compress the knee joint and prevent injury or help recover faster from an already sustained one.
The material used in making the brace keeps the skin cool always, removing completely any form of irritation and rashes on the skin.
It is designed to be very light in weight. It constitutes no weight to your knee while it holds the knee joint in the required position effectively.
The straps are also adjustable to put you in control. This makes it possible to customize the level of compression you want.
For added support and protection, it is made with 2 spring steel at the side to give added side support to the knee.
The knee brace applies compression directly upon the knee and the design protects the knee joint from harm when you engage in physical activities.
100% money-back guarantee in case you do not like the product. So you can buy and try it out with assurance.
Recommended Reading: Best Knee Brace for Patellar Tendonitis
Will A Knee Brace Help Patellofemoral Syndrome?
The simple answer is YES. The knee brace will help prevent this situation or help recover from an already sustained one.
It helps align the knee joints and knee components (bones, ligament, tendons, and others) to their rightful position, thereby relieving knee pains and helps you recover faster.
Conclusion
Patellofemoral pain syndrome PFPS is very common for athletes and people who undergo strenuous exercises. Nevertheless, they are not alone in this; PFPS can also come as a result of a heavy hit on the patella. When this occurs, the best knee brace for patellofemoral pain syndrome is inevitable. They help in placing the knee components into their rightful place. The compression they provide also helps reduce every pain associated with this knee issue.
We have taken our time to bring you the best knee brace you can get for runner’s knee and we strongly believe they will be a great buy.