The world of knee braces can be overwhelming, with so many different brands and models to choose from. Two of the most trusted names in the industry, Donjoy and Breg, offer a wide range of knee braces, uniquely designed to suit a wide range of scenarios.
Whether you're an athlete recovering from an injury, someone dealing with chronic knee pain, or simply looking for added support during physical activities, a well-fitted knee brace can make a significant difference in your comfort and overall well-being.
But before you can enjoy the benefits of these top-quality products, one crucial question must be answered: What size knee brace do I need? An ill-fitting knee brace won’t help your healing journey, and can even cause pain and discomfort. So, how do you go about sizing a knee brace?
This article will teach you how to measure knee brace sizes and provide you with a knee brace sizing chart that will help ensure you end up with a brace that fits snugly and provides the support required to help your body heal safely and quickly.
So, how do I know what size knee brace I need? Let’s find out!
Are Knee Braces One Size Fits All?
Knee braces are incredibly versatile tools designed to provide support, stability, and relief for a wide range of knee-related issues. However, the idea that they are one-size-fits-all couldn't be farther from the truth - that’s why each brand has a different size chart for knee braces.
Knee braces must be tailored to the unique anatomy and requirements of the individual wearer. Knee sizes and shapes can differ significantly. Height, weight, muscle mass, and even the shape of the knee joint itself play a crucial role in determining the right brace size and fit.
Why Getting the Right Knee Brace Size Can’t Be Overlooked
Sizing a knee brace matters more than you might think. The correct knee brace size can make the difference between a brace that provides effective support, comfort, and injury prevention and one that falls short of meeting your needs.
Here are some of the main reasons why learning how to measure knee brace sizes is so important.
Comfort & Mobility
One of the most significant reasons for ensuring the right knee brace size is comfort and mobility. A knee brace that’s too tight can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and even impede blood circulation. One that’s too loose may not provide the necessary support, rendering it ineffective.
An improperly sized knee brace can restrict your natural range of motion, making it difficult to perform daily activities or engage in physical therapy exercises. This limitation can hinder your recovery process and overall quality of life.
Support & Stability
The main purpose of a knee brace is to provide support and stability to the injured or weakened knee. An ill-fitting brace may not offer the necessary support for your specific condition. This can result in inadequate protection for your knee, increasing the risk of further injury.
A poorly sized brace may also fail to stabilize the knee joint effectively. This lack of stability can compromise your ability to bear weight on the injured knee, making simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs challenging.
Prevention of Further Injury
Knee braces are often used not only for post-injury support but also as a preventive measure in sports and physical activities. Wearing the wrong size brace in these scenarios can lead to unintended consequences.
Athletes using knee braces to prevent injuries during sports must ensure a proper fit. An incorrectly sized brace may not offer the intended protection, leaving them vulnerable to potential harm. That’s why it’s important to follow the right knee brace sizing chart.
If you’re recovering from knee surgery, your brace is playing a big role in your healing process. An incorrectly sized brace can hinder rehabilitation efforts, delaying recovery and potentially leading to complications.
How Should a Knee Brace Fit?
So, what size knee brace do I need? Before we answer this question, it’s important to understand how a knee brace should fit when sized correctly. A properly fitted knee brace should strike a balance between providing support while still allowing for comfortable movement.
A knee brace should fit snugly around your knee joint, providing a sense of compression without feeling overly tight. This snug fit helps support the injured or weak area and minimizes unnecessary movement.
At the same time, there should be no pinching or bunching of fabric around the knee or behind it. If you notice wrinkles or folds in the brace material, it may indicate an improper fit.
If your knee brace includes straps, they should fasten securely without causing excessive pressure points. Straps should provide additional stability and should not dig into your skin.
How to Measure Knee Brace Size Quickly and Easily
Learning how to measure knee brace sizes properly is the key to finding the perfect knee brace size to meet your needs. By following a few simple steps and utilizing the right tools, you can ensure a hassle-free and effective sizing process. Here’s how to get started.
Tools Needed
A soft, flexible tape measure is essential for taking precise measurements. It should be long enough to comfortably wrap around your knee.
A full-length mirror can also be helpful, especially if you need to measure your knee without assistance. It allows you to see the positioning of the tape measure more clearly.
Key Measurement Points
To determine the correct size for your knee brace, focus on the following key measurement points:
- Circumference of the knee: Measure around the widest part of your knee joint. This point is typically just below the kneecap. Make sure the tape measure is snug but not tight against your skin.
- Thigh circumference (for some knee brace types): If you're selecting a knee brace that extends above the knee (such as a hinged brace), measure the circumference of your thigh, approximately 6 inches above the center of your kneecap.
- Calf circumference (for some knee brace types): If your knee brace extends below the knee, measure the circumference of your calf, about 6 inches below the center of your kneecap.
To make sure you’re taking accurate measurements, stand or sit up straight, and keep the tape measure horizontally level around your knee.
So, What Size Knee Brace Do I Need?
So, what size knee brace do I need? Once you understand how sizing a knee brace works, it’s time to find the exact size that suits your needs. Let’s take a look at how to use a size chart for knee braces to find a brace that fits you snugly and comfortably.
General Advice on Sizing a Knee Brace Correctly
How do I know what size knee brace I need? In general, the best way to make sure you’re sizing a knee brace correctly is to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Manufacturers often provide detailed sizing instructions and charts specific to their products. Be sure to consult these guidelines for the most accurate sizing information.
It's also a good idea to measure both your knees and use the larger of the two measurements when choosing your brace size. Keep your intended activities in mind when selecting a brace. If you play sports or are physically active, you may want a snugger fit for added support.
Online reviews and user feedback can be valuable sources of information. Others who have similar needs and measurements may share their experiences with specific knee brace models and sizes.
Donjoy Knee Brace Size Chart
Each manufacturer goes about sizing a knee brace differently. So, what size knee brace do I need if I’m choosing a Donjoy brace? You can follow this Donjoy knee brace size chart to get an idea of their sizing:
|
Size |
Thigh |
Knee Center |
Calf |
|
XS |
13" - 15.5" |
12" - 13" |
10" - 12" |
|
S |
15.5" - 18 .5" |
13" - 14" |
12" - 14" |
|
M |
18.5" - 21" |
14" - 15" |
14" - 16" |
|
L |
21" - 23.5" |
15" - 17" |
16" - 18" |
|
XL |
23.5" - 26.5" |
17" - 19" |
18" - 20" |
|
XXL |
26.5" - 29.5" |
19" - 21" |
20" - 22" |
|
XXXL |
29.5" - 32" |
21" - 23" |
22" - 24" |
Remember to cross-reference your measurements with the specific Donjoy knee brace you are interested in, as some models may have unique sizing requirements. Also, make sure you learn how to put on a Donjoy knee brace properly, for maximum comfort and performance.
Breg Knee Brace Size Chart
What size knee brace do I need for a Breg brace? If you’re choosing a Breg knee brace, such as the top-rated Breg Fusion knee brace, the sizing is slightly different compared to the Donjoy knee brace size chart. Here’s a Breg knee brace size chart for comparison:
|
Size |
6" Above Mid Patella |
6" Below Mid Patella |
|
XS |
13" - 15" |
10" - 12" |
|
S |
15" - 18" |
12" - 14" |
|
M |
18" - 19.5" |
14" - 15" |
|
M+ |
19.5" - 21" |
15" - 16" |
|
L |
21" - 24" |
16" - 18" |
|
XL |
24" - 27" |
18" - 20" |
|
XXL |
27" - 30" |
20" - 23" |
Again, make sure you cross-reference your measurements with the specific brace you’re purchasing, as the Breg knee brace size chart may vary for each individual brace. Learning how to put on a Breg knee brace properly also helps you get the most out of your brace with each wear.
More Considerations Beyond Knee Brace Size
While sizing a knee brace properly is essential, there are other things to keep in mind when learning how to choose a knee brace. Let’s look at the other considerations you should make when finding a brace that meets your unique needs.
Materials & Flexibility
Consider the materials used in the construction of the knee brace. Neoprene, nylon, and elastic fabrics are common choices, each offering different levels of breathability, durability, and compression.
Depending on your condition, you may require a brace with varying degrees of flexibility or rigidity. For example, a hinged knee brace may offer more stability but less flexibility compared to a sleeve-style brace.
Make sure you understand the difference between a knee brace vs knee sleeve, and know which is best suited for your specific needs.
Adjustability Features
Some knee braces come with adjustable straps and fasteners that allow you to fine-tune the fit and compression. These features can be particularly beneficial if your knee's size or swelling changes during the day.
Consider if the brace can be customized or adjusted by a healthcare professional to ensure an optimal fit for your unique anatomy. Make sure you understand how to keep a knee brace from sliding down by adjusting and sizing it properly to begin with.
Activity Level & Use
If you plan to use the knee brace for sports or active pursuits, look for models designed with sport-specific features. They often provide enhanced stability and support for dynamic movements.
For post-operative or injury recovery, comfort during rest is essential. A brace with cushioning and a snug but not overly tight fit can help alleviate discomfort. Make sure you also choose a brace that can help you reduce post-surgery swelling.
Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out If You Still Feel Any Uncertainty About Sizing a Knee Brace!
What size knee brace do I need? If you’re still not sure, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Ortho Bracing! We’re experts in knee braces and all things orthopedic, and can help you determine the right size and style of brace for your needs.
Our experts are available 24/7, and can also help you with your other orthopedic needs, including how to use Breg polar care cube for knee and how to wash a knee brace.
We can also show you the best cold therapy machines for post-op patients, explain when should you use cold therapy, and help you understand the benefits of electrotherapy. Plus, we have an incredible selection of knee braces and other orthopedic products at prices you simply won’t find elsewhere!
Final Thoughts on How to Measure Knee Brace Size
So, how do I know what size knee brace I need? By using a size chart for knee braces, you can find a brace that will fit safely and securely around your knee. Once you determine the correct size using a knee brace sizing chart, visit Ortho Bracing to explore our range of quality braces!
We stock only reliable, leading orthopedic brands, including Donjoy products and Breg products. Don’t miss our polar ice machines, Chattanooga electrotherapy units, and Chattanooga ultrasound machines to further improve and enhance your recovery.
Enhance your recovery and athletic performance with a top-quality knee brace from Ortho Bracing!
