8 Knee Sleeves for Pain Relief and Recovery, According to Doctors (2024)

While there are many ways to combat knee pain, sometimes that persistent, nagging ache needs a little bit more help than OTC pain killers and cushioned walking shoes. That’s why several doctors recommend trying out a knee compression sleeve. The best knee sleeves don’t just aid in pain relief and recovery, but they can actually prevent pain and injury before it starts.

“Knee sleeves offer compression, support, and warmth to increase blood flow to the area, keeping muscles and ligaments flexible to prevent further injuries,” Dr. John Gallucci Jr. M.S., A.T.C., P.T., D.P.T., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy tells us. Considering the complex mess of tendons and ligaments that make up the largest joint in our bodies, this is all extremely positive. Galluci explains that these benefits are ideal for athletes, but they’re also great for anyone who needs extra knee support (A.K.A., all of us).

But like all medical conditions, knee pain comes in all different forms. Some need extra joint support to help them through a run or weight-training, while others deal with knee pain due to injury and chronic conditions like arthritis, tendonitis—and even aging. But Victor Hugo Hernandez, M.D., Chief of Arthroplasty and Adult Joint Reconstruction at University of Miami Health System warns that a knee sleeve isn’t a permanent solution. “Over relying too much on a knee sleeve might lead to weakening of the muscles around the knee if not coupled with strengthening exercises,” he says. Though it’s not a cure-all, the right knee sleeve can absolutely be a tool to help you on your road to recovery.

Ready to get some pain relief and support? Below, our experts break down everything you need to know about shopping for the best knee sleeves, including materials, fit, and cost. Keep reading to see which of these knee sleeves is right for you.

Gallucci sings praises for this 7mm knee sleeve from Iron Bull Strength. “This sleeve is competition-approved by USPA & IPL Approved Gear and offers athletes great support and compression across the whole knee joint and gel strips to lock it in place.”

When it comes to versatility, it hits all the marks of a powerful overall knee sleeve. Its anti-slip technology and fabric ranks high with reviewers who enjoy that they don’t have to pull up or adjust this sleeve during their workouts. And fabric offers a contoured fit that feels totally custom, even though its not adjustable. They also enjoy that the product is durable enough for heavy duty weightlifting or CrossFit while also being lightweight enough for a grocery run.

While some customers initially thought its price tag was slightly steep, they were ultimately convinced by the durability and longevity of this knee sleeve, even when being washed multiple times a week.

At $10 for a two-pack, grabbing this budget-friendly knee sleeve from Amazon is a low-risk, high-reward purchase. Made from a blend of nylon, latex, and spandex, it’s one of the more flexible options on the list, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t do its compression job well.

Many reviewers appreciate how they can maintain their mobility in this sleeve while still reaping the circulation benefits from light compression. The fabric is super comfortable, but it’s probably comparable to your favorite pair of compression leggings. That said, in summer when leggings are too hot, pulling out these sleeves is a great option, especially for the cost.

“The Modvel Compression Knee Sleeve is another great option for those searching for a sleeve with moderate support for daily use,” says Gallucci. He cheekily added that the knee sleeve’s combination of non-slip grips and breathable material “will give you that extra pep in your step that you’ve been missing!”

Reviewers with varying levels of pain—from arthritis to surgery recovery—agree. “This compression sleeve has helped reduce the pain level and it has done better or as good as the hinged and off-loader braces but is much more comfortable to wear all day.” Several users also praised its ability to withstand any kind of slipping, even after wearing it for hours at a time.

This knee sleeve’s poly-cotton blend material is actually part of its magic. Along with the compression that is expected of a knee sleeve, this ones fabric is embedded with body-heat activated semiconductors. According to the brand’s research, those semiconductors release negative ions and infared waves that activate cellular healing process and increase circulation to help eliminate not only swelling but also chronic knee pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis, sprains, or strains.

Reviewers comment that it’s not great for someone needing more than light to moderate support, but they love its pain-combating heat activation and lightweight material that is comfortable enough to wear, even while sleeping. If you’re looking for a knee sleeve for arthritis, one says it’s an “all-time favorite.”

If you’re someone who experiences a wide range of knee pain, an adjustable knee sleeve might be the best fit for you. According to Gallucci, an adjustable knee sleeve isn’t just good for a customized fit but also “can be helpful if your knee tends to swell during or after activities,” he says.

This particular adjustable knee sleeve from Ossur is designed with an open patella and velcro straps to help target exactly where you need the most support. It also has plastic hinges for more lateral stability to help keep your knee firmly aligned. If you’re looking for something with heavy-duty support for knee surgery or injury recovery, this is a great option. But those who need it for athletic support commented that it was a great knee sleeve for running and weight lifting, too. One even boasts that it is better than the one from her doctor.

“My daughter has been wearing knee braces since she was 10 and by far this is the best one to date,” writes one reviewer. “It’s even better, fit and feel (decent padding) than the braces she received from the orthopedist. The buttress can be removed and adjusted for the perfect fit against the patella. Worth the price!”

If you’re recovering from a meniscus or ACL tear, inflammation and swelling, patella surgery, sprains, strains, sports injuries, knee surgery or some other medical-level knee procedure, chances are your doctor will recommend something like the Neenca compression sleeve

This hinged knee sleeve is approved by the FDA as a medical device, meaning that its medical benefits are tangible. The magic of this sleeve lies in the combination of its patented side spring hinges and patella gel pad, which help stabilize and support while reducing inflammation to the tendons and ligaments surrounding your knee—which is particularly suited to those recovering from injury.

Those who have to wear it during activity like physical therapy, also love its moisture-wicking material which keeps sweat at bay and is exceedingly breathable given its high-impact.

One reviewer says of the his recovery journey with the brace: “I have jumpers knee after running a marathon last year. I can hardly walk up stairs normally, but I wore one on each knee and trekked up and down Mt. Adams yesterday with zero knee discomfort during or after.”

While this pull-on knee sleeve could probably benefit a wide range of recreational athletes, its lightweight material and open patella make it a slam dunk for those who want a knee sleeve for running. Due to it’s unique fabric (the brand’s own spin on neoprene), it’s as lightweight as they come while still being both flexible and durable, ensuring that it won’t ruin your stride.

But reviewers enjoy it most for its focus on the patella. The open patella helps the knee cap stay aligned, no matter how hard you run, and it also features adjustable straps both above and below the patella for customizable extra support. For those looking for help recovering from minor to moderate patella injury, this sleeve also comes with plastic side hinges for extra medial support—but if you’re not a fan or don’t need them, they’re easily removable.

When it comes to risk of knee injury, heavy-lifting ranks high on the list. That’s because the amount pressure you put on your knees while lifting weights increases exponentially. Using a stabilizing knee brace can help limit unnecessary damage to the joint.

This powerlifting-approved knee sleeve offers maximum stability to help your knees stay in place through out even the heaviest of weight training without affecting your performance. At 7mm thick, this neoprene knee sleeve is double stitched for extreme durability.

Reviewers love that this sturdy sleeve requires no adjusting and doesn’t stretch out, even with regular use, which is why they lean on the pricier side. The brand recommends measuring your knee cap while standing straight to get the right measurement for the best fit possible. Yeah, that’s how professional they are. If you’re just a casual weight lifting, these might be too intense, but someone serious about their squats, it’s a no-brainer.

“Best knee sleeves in the game,” says one reviewer. “It you know you know. You’ll be hitting PRs left and right.”

A knee sleeve works via gentle compression around the knee joint, which increases circulation. That blood boost has three main benefits, Dr. Hernandez explains to us.

• Injury prevention: “It provides support during activities that put stress on the knees,” he says.
• Pain relief: “Helps manage pain from existing conditions like arthritis or tendonitis,” Dr. Hernandez explains.
• Rehabilitation: “It assists in recovery by reducing swelling and promoting better blood flow,” he adds last.

✔️ Material. When looking for the best knee sleeve for you, Gallucci says to first keep in mind the material. It should made of material that’s both breathable and durable like neoprene, elastic, or stretchy fabric blends. “An athlete might find neoprene to be the best material for them, while an arthritis patient might prefer a more flexible option such as nylon,” he adds.

✔️ Make sure it fits. The only way to get the benefits of a knee sleeve is if it fits properly. If it’s too tight, a knee sleeve can rub at your skin and cause discomfort, or even worse, hinder your circulation—which is the opposite of its purpose. If it’s too loose, it can slip off. Gallucci’s hot tip? “Buy a few different sizes to find your perfect fit then return the rest!”

✔️ Adjustable vs. non-adjustable. Adjustable straps are great for a customized fit, so if your knee is going through size changes because of swelling or injury, that might be your best bet. Non-adjustable offers uniform compression throughout, making it more effective in stabilizing the entire knee, which is recommended for activities like running and weight-lifting. They’re also great for daily use.

✔️ Consult your doctor. Like all medical treatments, your doctor knows best. All our experts recommended checking in with a medical professional before purchasing to make sure you know what knee issue needs to be addressed.

Knee sleeves should only be worn in limited amounts, according to our experts, so as not to create any kind of reliance on it.

“It can be worn for activities that strain the knee, such as exercise or prolonged standing, and for a few hours afterward to manage swelling and pain,” says Tajin. “But they should not be worn continuously for more than a few hours at a time without breaks.”

There are not many risks to wearing a knee sleeve, but there are a few things to consider before you pull one on. According to Gallucci, there is a risk of a poor fit. “Wearing a too tight sleeve can restrict blood flow, leading to numbness or increased swelling—we don’t want that!” he says.

He also warns of wearing the sleeve too frequently, which can weaken the muscles in the knee, rather than help rehabilitate them. That’s why wearing a knee sleeve should always be done in conjunction with exercise or in limited quantities. “It’s important to use your knee sleeve as a supplement to, not a replacement for, proper conditioning and strengthening exercises,” he adds.