How to Fit a Knee Brace

All sorts of knee braces are available to help treat knee injuries and to prevent future injuries. Different types of braces provide different methods of protection. For example, a prophylactic knee brace is used for uninjured knees in order to prevent injury by relieving extra stress. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the usage of knee braces for an injured knee should be combined with a rehabilitation program, and the usage of knee braces on an uninjured knee should be discussed with a doctor prior to choosing a type of brace.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth measuring tape
  • Knee circumference measurements
  • Knee brace
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit a knee specialist, such as an orthotist or orthopedic, who will assess your knee pain and decide what type of knee brace will work best. If you decide not to visit a doctor, read the labels on the knee braces available at the store to find one that fits your symptoms best. Options include prophylactic braces, rehabilitation braces, functional braces and more.

    • 2

      Measure directly above your knee, over the kneecap and directly under you knee, to see what size knee brace you'll need. Bring these measurements with you to the store when shopping for an off-the-shelf knee brace. Though these braces usually come in standard small, medium and large sizes, measurement numbers will be listed in each of those categories.

    • 3

      Shop at a store that specializes in braces and health equipment. This way, the workers should be able to help you find what you need, and they will allow you to try on the knee braces. Otherwise, you may have to return numerous braces before you find one that suitably fits your knee.

    • 4

      Opt to purchase a custom knee brace in order to find an exact fit. A doctor will take several measurements of your knee and leg, which will be sent to a manufacturer to make a brace with those exact measurements. It could take weeks for you to receive the custom brace.