How to Wear a Knee Brace

Last Updated: December 9, 2020 References

If you’re recovering from an unfortunate knee injury, a supportive brace may be just what you need. A good knee brace limits your range of motion, which helps to reduce pain and accelerate the healing process. In order to receive these benefits, however, it’s essential that you’re wearing it correctly. Select a brace that’s designed to provide support for your specific level of injury, and wear it as recommended to keep yourself protected until you’ve made a full recovery.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Putting on the Knee Brace

1
Choose the right style brace. The type of brace you end up with will depend on how severe your injury is. If you only have a mild sprain, you may able to get away with a simple compression sleeve.^{[1]
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Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.} For more serious tears or fractures, you’ll probably need a heavier-duty hinged brace reinforced with plastic or metal.^{[2]
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- Your healthcare provider, usually a doctor or physical therapist, will usually supply you with a brace that’s best suited for your injury. There is some degree of trial and error in this process, so if your brace doesn't fit well initially, let them know and they can help you find the right size or style.
- It will also be important to find a brace in a size that fits you. Sizes are usually displayed on the backside of the packaging, and commercial models may be available in standard sizes.
- Ask your doctor about getting a second brace so that you can keep your braces clean. When you switch out braces, wash the one you just removed according to the instructions that came with the brace.
2
Pull the brace on over your leg. Start by rolling up your pant leg to get it out of the way. Slip your foot into the top of the brace (the area where it widens to accommodate your thigh) and out through the bottom. Slide the brace up your leg until it rests over your injured knee.
- If the brace you’re using is a wrap style as opposed to a sleeve style, place the inside of the pad against your knee, then wind the straps around.^{[3]
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3
Center the brace on your kneecap. Most braces have a small hole in the front to indicate which way they should go on. When worn correctly, the point of your kneecap should be visible through this hole. This will offer greater comfort and keep the skin beneath the brace ventilated.^{[4]
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- Align the brace so that the hole doesn’t pinch or catch your skin.
- Make sure the brace won’t slide up or down before you secure it.
4
Tighten the straps. For compression sleeves, you’re done once you’ve got the brace on properly situated. If there are additional straps, guide these around the back of the brace and secure them in front using the Velcro strips. Your brace should be snug, but not too tight.^{[5]
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- You should be able to fit one or two fingers into the space between the brace and your leg. If you can’t, the brace probably needs to be relaxed a bit.
- Fastening the lower strap first will steady the brace and help you achieve a more stable fit.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Sporting a Knee Brace Comfortably

1
Put the brace on under other clothes. When it’s cold outside or you’re in a place with a strict dress code, like school or work, it may be necessary to keep your brace covered up. Pick out loose-fitting garments like jeans or sweatpants that the brace will fit underneath easily. This will also keep the outline from being quite as visible.
- Always strap on the brace first, followed by your clothes. It will work better the closer it is to the limb itself.
- Athletic style clothing tends to be baggy and offer a little stretch, which may be easier to manage than fitted pants.
2
Wear shorts. Most people will find that it’s easiest to get the brace on and off with no extra material to get in the way. Shorts will provide immediate access to your injured leg while promoting airflow so you don’t get too hot and stuffy.
- Shorts are perfect for accommodating longer types of braces (like hinged functional braces) which sit higher up on the leg.
3
Remove the brace periodically. This will relieve the pressure around your knee and give your skin a chance to breathe. Be careful not to put too much weight on your injured leg while you’re not wearing the brace. It will probably be best to remain sitting or lying down.
- You should remove your brace before showering or swimming to keep it from getting wet.
- Make sure to speak to your doctor about whether it’s okay to go unsupported, and for how long. Removing the brace periodically helps prevent marks and further injury, so it's an important step. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding brace removal.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Safeguarding Yourself from Further Injury

1
Follow the doctor’s orders. Always listen to and trust your physician when it comes to dealing with debilitating injuries. They’ll be able to tell you all the important details you need to know, like the best way to wear the brace, how long you’ll need it and what types of movements to avoid.^{[7]
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- It may be that you’ll only need to wear your knee brace for part of the day or during certain types of activities. More serious injuries may require you to wear the brace at all times.^{[8]
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- If you struggle tolerating your brace, talk to your doctor. They may advise that you can take it off at certain times, but wear it when you're sleeping or doing sedentary activities such as watching TV.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have about your injury or the rehabilitation process.
2
Keep your weight off your bad knee. Tread lightly when you walk to prevent placing unnecessary strain on the joint. When standing, try not to lean or shift your weight over your bad leg. Until your knee is strong enough to support your full weight, it will be unstable and vulnerable to changes in pressure.^{[9]
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- If the injury is severe, you may also need crutches to walk for the first few days or weeks.
- Limping is normal and even helpful, since it limits the amount of time you spend on one leg.
3
Restrict your range of motion. Knee braces are meant to keep you from bending your injured leg too much.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.} Even so, be careful about how much movement you put your knee through while wearing your brace. Flexing or rotating the joint too much may make the injury worse.^{[11]
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- For the most part, you’ll want to keep your knee straight, relaxed and elevated while you’re trying to healing.
- Avoid any movement that places the joint in a painful position.
- Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to drive during your recovery process.
4
Wear the brace during any type of physical activity. Assuming your doctor has said it’s okay, you may be able to resume exercising or playing sports once your knee has begun healing. It will still be important to wear your brace correctly while active. Keep intense actions to a minimum, and avoid load-bearing exercise like weight lifting, unless otherwise instructed.^{[12]
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- Don’t push yourself too hard. If you experience any unusual pain or discomfort, stop what you’re doing immediately.^{[13]
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- A brace might also come in handy for preventing injuries in sports that frequently put the knee in vulnerable or unstable positions, such as football, soccer, hockey or gymnastics.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

Do knee braces help with knee pain?

Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Kevin Stone is an orthopaedic surgeon and the founder of The Stone Clinic, a leading orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, and rehabilitation clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Stone specializes in knee, shoulder, and ankle repair, using biologic reconstruction and joint replacement. He holds a BS in Biology from Harvard University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Stone completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard University and in General Surgery at Stanford University. He then completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic Research and Surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Tahoe Orthopaedics. He lectures around the world as an expert in cartilage and meniscal growth, replacement, and repair and holds over 40 U.S. patents on novel inventions to improve healthcare. Dr. Stone is a physician for Smuin Ballet and has served as a physician for the U.S. Ski Team, the U.S. Pro Ski Tour, the United States Olympic Training Center, and World Pro Ski Tour.

Kevin Stone, MD

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

Expert Answer

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Yes, some types of braces do help with pain. The other main benefit of knee braces is that they remind you to be more protective of your knee while you're wearing it.
Question

I am advised to wear a knee brace, and it is to be worn under my cloths. It does not fit under my denims, and it is too cold to wear shorts. Can I wear it over my denims?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

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No, not really. It will not work well on the outside of clothes. Try a looser fitting long pant.
Question

I have the alps brace #KBHW/P and I am having a hard time removing it. I can get it on good but have to have help getting it off. Is there a simple way to do this?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

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No, not really. Due to the position the brace is in a lot of people need help removing it. This is normal.

Warnings

Your doctor’s instructions are not just advice—failing to follow the directions you’re given may make your recovery more difficult.

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Be careful when standing or walking on slick, shifting or unstable surfaces, like the floor of the shower or sand.

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