How To Wear a Knee Support Comfortably

For knee supports to work effectively, they should ideally be worn for long stretches of time throughout the day so that the knee is kept in its optimal healing state for longer. This means that comfort takes a top priority. A brace that digs into the skin, or slides down at awkward times is a brace that no one would want to wear for very long, so making sure it fits comfortably and stays where you want it to is key. 

There are a number of precautions you can take to make sure your knee support doesn't become more of a hinderance than a benefit, and this guide will take you through each of them in detail. Read on to learn How To Wear Your Knee Support Comfortably.

Step 1 - Get the Right Size

Sizing is the first step to achieving perfect comfort. We stock a very broad range of supports that come from different manufacturers, each with their own sizing charts and measurement recommendations. Because of this, finding the right size can be a bit daunting, so we put a great deal of effort into our sizing sections to make things as easy as possible.

We also have some great tips that you can use to help you get the right size. Read our top tips below:

• Tip #1: Some braces require you to take leg measurements in more than one place. If two or more of these measurements don't line up (for example, your thigh measurement is for an S, but your calf measurement if for a M), we recommend choosing the larger size, as the smaller may be too restrictive.

• Tip #2: Most of our braces are designed to be compressive and so may feel uncomfortable at first. You should get used to it after a while, but if a tight brace is out of the question, we recommend choosing the next size up. However, doing so may provide less effective support as a result.

• Tip #3: If you can't remember where you last left your tape measure, you can quite easily take your measurements without one. Simply get a piece of string, wrap it around your leg at the specified measurement point, mark it with a pen, then measure up to the mark with a ruler.

Step 2 - Fit the Brace Properly 

Fitting the brace properly is the next crucial step, and this will of course be different for each type of brace. Each of our supports will have detailed fitting guides with instructions, diagrams and sometimes even a video to make application a straightforward process. Please follow these instructions carefully to make sure you get the most comfortable fit.

Step 3 - Take Steps to Mitigate Chafing

No matter how well your brace fits, chafing can still become an issue, especially if you're playing sports or have dry skin. To combat chafing, try applying talcum powder to the affected area. We also supply high quality, naturally-sourced anti-chafing rubs that eliminate friction between you and your brace. Check out our top anti-chafing products below.

Step 4 - How To Stop Digging

Some of our bulkier hinged braces have an unfortunate drawback. Their protruding hinges, although great for support, can sometimes dig into the skin, causing discomfort or pain. The best way to deal with this issue is to wear something underneath the brace, whether it's a pair of leggings or jogging bottoms. You could also try our Donjoy Armor Lycra Undersleeve, which is specially designed to go underneath your support without bulging.

Stay Comfy and Supported

Wearing a knee support doesn't mean you have to completely abandon comfort for the duration of your recovery. With these tips, you can make your brace feel like a second layer of skin, keeping you fully supported throughout the day with no extra hassle or fuss.

Have any other useful tips for wearing a knee support? Let us know in the comment down below!