Introduction

Living with knee osteoarthritis can make simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs or standing up from a chair feel really challenging. This condition affects many people across the UK, causing pain, swelling and stiffness that can limit day-to-day life. Knee osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage in your knee gradually breaks down, making movement uncomfortable and difficult. Fortunately, the right knee brace can offer valuable support, helping to ease symptoms and boost mobility. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to choose the best knee brace to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Understanding Osteoarthritis and Why Support Matters

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a condition where the cartilage cushioning the joint wears away over time. At its most advanced, sometimes called "bone on bone," the knee joint suffers friction that causes pain, swelling and instability. Giving your knee extra support can help ease pressure, reduce discomfort and improve stability, which is vital for maintaining your independence. Although treatments such as medication and surgery are common, knee braces offer a non-invasive option that’s particularly useful for older adults or those awaiting further treatment. It’s worth noting that a comprehensive review found “no conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of any braces and orthoses for patients with medial knee osteoarthritis,” though certain braces may relieve pain during movement (Mine et al., 2017). Another respected review concluded that “evidence was inconclusive for the benefits of bracing for pain, stiffness, function and quality of life” (Duivenvoorden et al., 2015). Despite this, braces still provide important mechanical support that can help you move with greater confidence.

The Main Types of Knee Braces and What They Do

There are different types of knee braces designed to help people with osteoarthritis, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Compression sleeves are soft, stretchy supports that apply gentle pressure, improving circulation and reducing swelling, though they offer limited stability. Hinged braces have metal or plastic supports along the sides of the knee, helping prevent unnatural side-to-side movements while letting your knee bend naturally. Then there are unloader braces, which are specially designed to shift weight away from the affected part of the knee, easing pain – particularly useful when arthritis impacts one side more than the other. Custom and larger-sized braces are also available for those needing extra coverage or stronger support. Terms like “action reliever knee brace” describe models built to reduce pain during activity. According to a review, “clinicians can consider the use of short-lever elastic knee braces to improve pain on squatting or walking” (Mine et al., 2017). Supporting this, a recent NHS evaluation found that “offloader knee bracing demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain and daily activities at one and six months” (Hetherington et al., 2025). However, the optimal choice of brace remains unclear, with experts noting “long-term implications are lacking” (Duivenvoorden et al., 2015). When picking a brace, take into account official NHS advice, ease of use, comfort for older users, and suitability for your daily routine.

How to Choose the Right Knee Brace in the UK

Choosing the best knee brace means finding one that matches your symptoms and lifestyle. Quality matters: look for breathable, durable fabrics that keep your knee comfortable throughout the day. Getting the right size is crucial — an ill-fitting brace can do more harm than good. For those who need stronger support, extra large sizes exist to ensure a good fit. Adjustable straps and hinges enable you to personalise the support and compression to what feels best. If you have limited mobility, pick a brace that’s easy to put on and remove independently. It’s always a good idea to consult your GP or physiotherapist; many people in the UK can access NHS-provided knee braces or unloader braces with professional fitting and advice. Consider features like breathability and lightweight design, which make wearing the brace more pleasant during daily activities. Price is also an important factor, and you’ll find a variety of options available both through the NHS and trusted UK retailers that combine value with quality.

User Stories and Getting the Most from Your Brace

Many people in the UK report noticeable improvements in their comfort and mobility by using the right knee brace. Some say they can walk further or get back to favourite hobbies like gardening with less pain. To get the best results, make sure your brace fits well and allow yourself time to get used to wearing it gradually. Pairing the brace with gentle physiotherapy exercises can strengthen your knee and reduce stiffness. Importantly, while braces help manage symptoms and support an active lifestyle, they are not a cure. Research shows that “participants using an ÖSSUR brace reported significant improvements in pain and daily activities for up to two years, with quality of life benefits lasting about a year” (Hetherington et al., 2025). However, improvements may weaken over time, as “no significant differences were found at three years” (Hetherington et al., 2025). Also, it’s useful to know that foot orthoses have not been shown to benefit knee osteoarthritis, so focus should remain on knee support (Mine et al., 2017).

Conclusion

The right knee brace can make a real difference in managing osteoarthritis, helping reduce pain and improve your ability to carry out everyday activities. Understanding the types of braces available and seeking professional advice will help you find the best fit for your needs. By exploring these supports and working with healthcare professionals, you can regain comfort and confidence, enjoying a more active and fulfilling life despite the challenges of knee osteoarthritis.

References

• Mine, K., Nakayama, T., Milanese, S., & Grimmer, K. (2017). The effectiveness of braces and orthoses for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 41(2), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364616640926
• Hetherington, S., Watson‐Smith, S., Evison, F., & Miller, C. (2025). Knee Bracing for Unicompartmental Osteoarthritis: A Service Evaluation. Musculoskeletal Care, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.70072
• Duivenvoorden, T., Brouwer, R. W., van Raaij, T. M., Verhagen, A. P., Verhaar, J. A. N., & Bierma‐Zeinstra, S. (2015). Braces and orthoses for treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd004020.pub3