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Best Knee Supports for Knee Replacements 2024

5 January 2024

Knee replacement surgery (aka arthroplasty) is a major invasive knee operation that can leave you out of action for months due to intense physical pain and a great deal of swelling. In the first few weeks you may not be able to move at all, and doctors recommend plenty of rest before attempting any major movement.

Once you feel ready to move again, the best course of action is to wear a knee support that will make your re-introduction to walking as easy and painless as possible. With the NHS reporting that over 100,000 people undergo knee replacements every year in the UK, we did some digging to find the Best Knee Supports for Knee Replacement.

What Will This Guide Cover?

This guide features the best options for knee replacement recovery, including high-quality supports that cater for any budget. We've also thrown in some other useful items that will further assist your recovery. Use the quick links below to go straight to what you're looking for.


Best Overall Knee Support for Knee Replacement

Winner: Donjoy OA Nano Offloading Osteoarthritis Knee Brace

Donjoy OA Nano Offloading Osteoarthritis Knee Brace

Why We Love It...

 Offloads pressure from the injured area during recovery
 Helps the user avoid surgery entirely if worn preventatively 
 Clinically proven four-point offloading technology
 Comfortable fit to help you stay active while moving freely

Perfect For...

 Pre- and post-op support
 Moderate activity levels
 Hiking, running, golf, garden boules and more

Not the Best For...

 Affordability (See our solution)
 Compression (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: Designed by a dedicated team of experts, the Donjoy OA Nano provides by far the best level of protection before and after surgery. Using the patented four-point hinge system that Donjoy is known for, this technical knee brace offloads weight away from your knee, helping you walk with little-to-no pain.

When We Asked Donjoy, They Said:  "This knee brace is ideal for people who need a knee replacement, and can be worn right up until the day of surgery and beyond"

Runner Up: Donjoy OA Adjuster 3 Offloading Osteoarthritis Knee Brace


Best Pain Relief Knee Support for Knee Replacement

Winner: Thuasne Action Reliever Osteoarthritis Knee Brace

Thuasne Action Reliever Osteoarthritis Knee Brace

Why We Love It...

 Offloads pressure away from the area affected by arthritis
 Applied three-way corrective force to maintain true alignment
 Breathable materials and anatomic shape for comfort
 Almost imperceptible when worn underneath clothing

Perfect For...

 Pain relief and prevention
 Mild activity levels
 Dog walking, shopping, day-to-day tasks

Not the Best For...

 Affordability (See our solution)
 Active use (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: Thuasne ran a controlled study on to see how long patients could walk pain-free while wearing the Action Reliver Knee Brace, and the results are astounding. Those who wore the brace found that they could walk an extra 2km a day after an eight week period, and even found that patients could prevent the need for surgery with prolonged use.

When We Asked Thuasne, They Said:  "Our study shows that by wearing the brace, the pain on exertion was reduced and the pain-free distance extended. Patients who wore the brace for two years or more did not require surgery at eight years follow-up"

Runner Up: BioSkin Gladiator Hinged Pull-On Knee Support


Best Active Knee Support for Knee Replacement

Winner: Bauerfeind GenuTrain Active Knee Brace

Bauerfeind GenuTrain Active Knee Brace

Why We Love It...

 Unloading support gives you more confidence when walking
 Secure fit and excellent elasticity for active uses
 Integrated massage pad helps reduce swelling quickly 
 3D Train Active knit provides optimal neuromuscular stability

Perfect For...

 Pain relief and swelling reduction
 Moderate-high activity levels
 Sports, running, walking, hiking and more

Not the Best For...

 Patella instability (See our solution)
 Ligament weakness (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: Featuring light, compressive materials, flexible synthetic stays and a massaging patella pad, the Bauerfind GenuTrain Knee Brace is ideal for those who want to stay active after surgery. The spiralling stays provide excellent stability while allowing free movement, and stimulating nubs massage the knee for extra pain-relief. Once you've recovered enough to get moving again, this support will make your return to sport less daunting.

See What Bauerfeind Customers Say: "I had a full knee replacement 3 months ago and was having problems with pain and inflamation. It has now settled. This is fantastic as I am on a World Cruise and it has been making my walking much more comfortable" - Jean S

Runner Up: Ultimate Performance Advanced Elastic Compression Knee Support


Best Value Knee Support for Knee Replacement

Winner: Actimove Arthritis Care Warming Knee Support

Actimove Arthritis Care Warming Knee Support

Why We Love It...

 Ceramic fibres provide targeted warming compression
 Warms the joint to provide pain relief and reduce swelling
 Light and flexible for increased movement and comfort
 Latex and neoprene-free for reduced irritation 

Perfect For...

 Relief from ongoing pain years after surgery
 Mild activity levels
 City walks, dog walks, shopping

Not the Best For...

 Hot weather (See our solution)
 Walking assistance (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: If you're working within a budget and want more affordable relief from pain, the Actimove Arthritis Knee Support is your best option. This lightweight sleeve is made with ceramic fibres that deliver warming compression to improve blood circulation and proprioception. Though this brace won't help you walk like the more expensive options will, it still provide excellent pain relief.

See What Our Customers Say: "This knee support is really effective, I noticed the difference right away" - David

Runner Up: Oppo Closed Patella Pull-On Knee Support


Best Crutches for Knee Replacement

Winner: M+D Anatomical Forearm Crutches (Pair)

M+D Anatomical Forearm Crutches (Pair)

Why We Love It...

 Very comfy and very supportive walking aid crutches
 Allows you to move around without jeopardising your knee
 Arm cradles evenly distribute weight along your arms
 Features a hinged armrest and swing-away grips for easy use

Perfect For...

 The first few weeks after surgery
 Pairing with a knee support
 On-the-move protection

Not the Best For...

 Active use (See our solution)
 Healing (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: In the first week after surgery, the knee is going to need a lot of rest, and ideally you should only be walking with help from a good set of crutches. That's where the M+D Forearm Crutches come in. These advanced, next-generation crutches feature an ergonomic design that provides superior comfort, support and mobility. Though you might need to dip further into your pocket, the quality you get is definitely worth it.

See What Our Customers Say: "These crutches are a revelation! Once I got used to them and got the height right they are excellent and have helped me enormously to walk again" - Robert

Runner Up: Days Lightweight Comfy Grip Double Adjustable Elbow Crutches


Best Walking Stick for Knee Replacement

Winner: HurryCane Folding Tripod Walking Stick (Purple)

HurryCane Folding Tripod Walking Stick (Purple)

Why We Love It...

 Lightweight cane with pivoting tripod rubber base
 Helps take the strain off of the knee when walking
 Base includes three feet for excellent grip on rough terrain
 Folds into a compact size for easy storage and transport

Perfect For...

 Affordable pressure relief
 Pairing with a knee support
 On-the-move protection

Not the Best For...

 Active use (See our solution)
 Healing (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: If the offloading braces at the top of this list are a little too pricey, there's a more affordable alternative. The HurryCane Walking Stick helps you take pressure off the knee just like an offloading brace, but without spending an arm and a leg. The only drawback is that you won't be able to stay as active as you can with an offloader.

See What Our Customers Say: "So good I bought another as a spare. A big advantage over a traditional one-point-of-contact stick." - Howell

Runner Up: Homecraft Black Folding Walking Stick


Best Pedal Exerciser for Knee Replacement

Winner: OxyCycle 2 Passive Pedal Knee Exerciser

OxyCycle 2 Passive Pedal Knee Exerciser

Why We Love It...

 Exercise pedal machine for at-home knee rehabilitation
 60 watt motor provides a low-stress workout for sore knees
 Helps to progressively strengthen your knee joint
 Lightweight and compact design for use at home

Perfect For...

 Rehabilitating your knee
 Staying active during recovery
 At-home rehabilitation

Try an Upgrade: Enjoy a greater variety of resistance training with the OxyCycle 3 Passive Pedal Exercise

 

Editor's Verdict: In the later stages of recovery, getting the knees moving again is the key to effective rehabilitation. A simple, easy and pain-free way to do this is with the OxyCycle 2 Pedal Exerciser, which provides a low-resistance workout from the comfort of your own home.  

Runner Up: OxyCycle 1 Active Pedal Knee Exerciser

Best Ice Pack for Knee Replacement

Winner: Aircast Knee Cold Therapy Cryo/Cuff with Cold Therapy Cryo/Cuff Cooler Saver Bundle

Aircast Knee Cold Therapy Cryo/Cuff with Cold Therapy Cryo/Cuff Cooler Saver Bundle

Why We Love It...

 Provides ice cold targeted compression for up to 8 hours
 Uses a gravity-fed system to continually recirculate water
 Anatomically shaped cuff offers complete knee coverage 
 Designed to be as safe and easy to use as possible

Perfect For...

 Pre- and post operation use
 Post-workout use
 Reducing pain and selling

Try an Upgrade: Enjoy automatic compression with the Aircast Cryo/Cuff Automatic Therapy IC Cooler.

 

Editor's Verdict: Doctors recommend icing the knee 3-4 times a day for the first few weeks after surgery because swelling in this period can be particularly bad. This can turn out to be quite a chore after a while, especially when you have to constantly get up and re-freeze your ice pack. The Aircast Cryo/Cuff Cooler Bundle does all the work for you, recirculating ice cold water through to a compressive cuff so that you never have to leave you seat.

See What Our Customers Say: "My wife had a second knee replacement - the Aircast system has been brilliant in reducing swelling and lowering pain - she just wishes she had purchased when she had her first knee replaced!"

Runner Up: Dura Soft Knee Sleeve Knee Ice Pack Wrap

Stay Moving Throughout Recovery

Going in for a knee operation is understandably daunting, but by using these knee supports, your recovery will be a walk in the park! If you're still not quite sure about any of the products shown here, we have a whole lot more to offer in our full range of Knee Supports for Knee Replacement

To further reduce pain, why not go in for a comfortable pair of compression stockings. These are highly recommended by doctors, and will often be given to patients in the hospital immediately after surgery.

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments how your knee replacement recovery journey is going, and whether you have any other tips to make the process go smoothly.