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Best Knee Braces for Hyperextension 2024

20 February 2024

Knee hyperextension is an injury that occurs when a joint has a greater-than-normal range of motion. Although this injury is most common among athletes and patients suffering from certain neurological disorders, it can happen to anyone, which is why it is crucial to protect our knees, especially when we remain active or play sports requiring our joints to move excessively. 

Here at KneeSupports.com, we care about bringing you the most effective knee braces to help with a wide range of injuries. For this article, we've collaborated with product experts and designers to present you with some of our best knee supports for hyperextension caused by different conditions. With this information, you can support your knee in the best way possible and prevent further injury from taking place. 

What Does This Guide Cover?

Looking for something in particular? Here is everything this guide will cover:

Best Knee Support for Post-Surgical Knee Hyperextension

Winner: Ottobock Genu Immobil Vario T Knee Immobiliser Brace 

Product

Why We Love It...

 Adjustable flexion and extension for graduated mobilisation
 Easy application due to hook-and-loop strapping system
 Lightweight, low textile design provides maximum comfort
 Individually washable pads for greater hygiene 

Perfect For...

 Post-surgery support to prevent unwanted movement 
 Reducing pressure leading to further injury 
 Bringing stability to the knee 

Not the Best For...

  Playing contact sports (See our solution)
 Use if you're seeking more flexibility (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: The main priority after knee surgery is to ensure that we're doing as much as possible to avoid injuries such as hyperextension. If the latter applies to you, you should consider the Ottobock Genu Immobil Vario T Knee Immobiliser Brace as the best tool for your post-operation recovery. The flexion and extension angles of this knee brace are adjustable in increments of 10°, which makes it an ideal support for measured early mobilisation required by patients who have just come out of surgery. 

When We Asked Ottobock, They Said: "Our single sized post op range of motion (ROM) knee brace features telescopic side members which allows adjustment dependent on the patients’ height and ensures that the forces of the brace are distributed over the largest possible surface area, reducing any peak pressures."

Runner Up: Donjoy X-Act ROM Post-Op Knee Brace 

Best Knee Support with Hyperextension Blocking Splint

Winner: Allard CROSS Semi-Rigid Hyperextension Control Hinged Knee Brace 

Product

Why We Love It...

 Cross design helps to stabilise knee hyperextension
 Ultra-smooth low-friction banner prevents skin irritation
 Unique design allows for easy one-handed application
 Adjustable ROM to stop excessive knee movement 

Perfect For...

 Mild to moderate knee hyperextension
 Providing knee stability 
 Aiding with osteoarthritis

Not the Best For...

 Use during skiing (See our solution)
 Use after neurological disorders (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: If your aim is to control the recovery of an injury and prevent hyperextension, then the Allard CROSS Semi-Rigid Hyperextension Control Hinged Knee Brace makes for perfect protection to keep the knee stable and avoid any unwanted movements. This knee support includes blocking splints that will allow you to adjust to your desired length, which prevents your knee from shifting into painful positions. 

When We Asked Allard, They Said: "The Allard CROSS Semi-Rigid Hyperextension Control Hinged Knee Brace is great for Hyperextension due to having changeable flexion and extension stops designed to allow the patient to adjust the brace depending on how much movement is appropriate for their specific injury."

Runner Up: Ossur Rebound ROM Hinged Knee Support 


Best Knee Support for Hyperextension After Stroke 

Winner: Ottobock Genu Neurexa Orthotic Knee Brace 

Product

Why We Love It...

 Includes lockable splints to provide firm, rigid knee support 
 Restriction of flexion and extension in 10 - 15° intervals
 Features strapping around the knee to ensure stability 
 Made from soft materials to ensure maximum comfort 

Perfect For...

 Helping to control hyperextension
 Preventing knee instability 
 Helping leg muscle paresis 

Not the Best For...

 Use after surgery (See our solution)
 Use during skiing (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: Neurological conditions such as stroke have a giant impact on the nerves, which can lead to patients experiencing hyperextension of the knee. The Ottobock Genu Neurexa Orthotic Knee Brace features cross-direction straps which sit right behind the knee to help stability and control hyperextension. Additionally, the hinged knee joints and lockable splints of this brace allow you to adjust the support to the appropriate length and ensure that it remains in that position, making it perfect for use post-stroke. 

When We Asked Ottobock, They Said: "An excellent knee brace designed specifically for control of knee hyperextension in neurological conditions. The soft, front opening knee brace is one of the only braces available in the market with firm but adjustable cross directional straps."

Runner Up: Allard CROSS Semi-Rigid Hyperextension Control Hinged Knee Brace 


Best Knee Support for Hyperextension During Football 

Winner: Allard Selection Optima Pull-On Knee Support 

Product

Why We Love It...

 Adjustable ROM to fit sleeve according to your liking
 Features silicone "Stay-Up" splint that prevents slippage 
 Pull-on sleeve allows for easy application and removal 
 Proven method for recovery from knee hyperextension

Perfect For...

 Mild to moderate knee hyperextension
 Mild to moderate knee instability
 Post surgery

Not the Best For...

 Use after neurological disorders  (See our solution)
 Use during skiing (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict:  Hyperextension injuries are most common in athletes, so if you play football or remain physically active, it is worth investing in an effective knee brace that will protect your joints appropriately. The Allard Selection Optima Pull-On Knee Support is ideal for athletes recovering from an injury or from surgery, and for those seeking knee protection while playing sports. The firm yet flexible design of this knee brace will prevent the knee from bending backwards beyond its healthy limit while allowing freedom of movement required during exercise. 

When We Asked Allard, They Said: "The Allard Selection Optima Pull-On Knee Support is great for Hyperextension during football as it allows the patient to adjust the amount of tension needed in relation to the amount of hyperextension. It is a soft brace and you can change the flexion and extension stops."

Runner Up: Donjoy Armor Knee Brace with Fourcepoint Hinge 

Best Knee Support for Hyperextension During Skiing

Winner: Donjoy Armor Knee Brace with Fourcepoint Hinge 

Product

Why We Love It...

 Short calf design to fit into ski boots and skates 
 Adjustable resistance threshold based on recovery stage 
 Made with mouldable, medial swooping frame for custom fit
 Provides support with "Four Points of Leverage" system

Perfect For...

 Hyperextension prevention 
 Moderate to severe ACL instability
 Use while recovering from knee surgery

Not the Best For...

  Use after neurological disorders (See our solution)
 Playing contact sports (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: If you practise skiing, check out the Donjoy Armor Knee Brace with Fourcepoint Hinge. Featuring a rigid aluminium frame and adjustable resistance threshold, this lightweight knee support provides ideal protection and stability for impacted knees. Additionally, the short calf design of this brace means it can accommodate perfectly within your ski boots to ensure a comfortable skiing experience while preventing potential hyperextension and other injuries. 

When We Asked Donjoy, They Said: "The hinge on the Donjoy Armor Knee Brace is designed specifically to protect the ACL by preventing hyperextension, and the frame is manufactured from a rigid aluminium to protect if the patient takes a fall, which makes it ideal for activities like skiing.

Runner Up: Donjoy Armor Knee Brace with Standard Hinge 

Best Knee Support for Hyperextension During Contact Sports 

Winner: Ottobock Genu Direxa Stable Long Wraparound Knee Brace 

Product

Why We Love It...

 Adjustable ROM to enable or prevent flexion and extension
 Designed to fit closely to stop from moving out of place
 Made from breathable fabrics for increased comfortability 
 Features air cooling system to prevent knee from sweating 

Perfect For...

 Hyperextension prevention
 Providing knee compression
 Knee joint stabilisation 

Not the Best For...

 Use after neurological disorders (See our solution)
 Use during skiing (See our solution)

Editor's Verdict: It's easy to get injured while playing contact sports, but with the Ottobock Genu Direxa Stable Long Wraparound Knee Brace, this shouldn't be a problem. Featuring a straightforward wraparound design, this knee support is adjustable, which helps prevent excessive joint movement caused by too much flexion or extension. With the Ottobock Genu Direxa knee brace, you can play contact sports minus the worrying thought of suffering a hyperextension injury. What's more, this knee support also brings compression and stability that can help relieve existing knee pain. 

When We Asked Ottobock, They Said: "A soft, flexible, compressive and slimline pull on knee brace, suitable for contact sports. The Genu Direxa Stable supports sensorimotor function and prevention of hypextension at the knee joint. "

Runner Up: Donjoy Armor Knee Brace with Standard Hinge 

Successfully Prevent Or Recover From Hyperextension Injuries

Knee hyperextension is a much more preventable and curable injury with the right brace to support it. This guide has introduced six highly effective knee braces for several situations that can put you at risk of knee hyperextension injuries. Whether you require support post-operation or seek a knee brace that will protect your knees while playing contact sports, our suggested products will provide whichever support you need to ensure that your joints stay away from unwanted excessive movement. 

We hope that the products suggested on this guide will fit your needs. However, if you haven't found what you are looking for, feel free to browse the rest of our Hyperextension Knee Supports range. 

Have any specific questions about any of our knee supports? Let us know in the comments and we'd be more than happy to help.