Braces and Supports for Joint Pain: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

Joint braces and supports can reduce pain, improve stability, and enhance function
Different types serve different purposes—choosing the right one matters
Over-the-counter options work well for many people; custom braces for specific needs
Proper fit is essential for comfort and effectiveness
Braces work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan
Don’t rely solely on bracing—strengthening exercises remain important

Joint braces and supports are among the most accessible and affordable treatment options for arthritis pain. From simple compression sleeves to sophisticated custom orthotics, there’s a wide range of options designed to help stabilize, protect, and support painful joints.

How Braces Help

Mechanisms of Benefit

Compression:

Increases proprioception (joint position awareness)
May reduce swelling
Provides warmth
“Reminds” you to protect the joint

Support/stability:

Limits harmful movements
Supports weakened structures
Improves confidence in the joint

Pain reduction:

Unloads affected joint compartments
Reduces abnormal stress
May improve alignment

Proprioception:

Heightened awareness of joint position
May improve movement control
Feedback during activity

Types of Braces by Joint

Knee Braces

Compression sleeves:

Pull-on elastic sleeves
Provide mild compression and warmth
No rigid support
Good for: Mild arthritis, general activity
Cost: $15-$50

Hinged braces:

Metal or plastic hinges on sides
Provide moderate support
Allow controlled movement
Good for: Ligament issues, moderate instability
Cost: $30-$100

Unloader (offloader) braces:

Specifically for unicompartmental OA
Apply force to shift weight off affected side
Can provide significant pain relief
Good for: Medial or lateral compartment OA
Cost: $400-$1,500+

Patellar (kneecap) braces:

Support or track the kneecap
Buttress style or strap type
Good for: Patellofemoral pain, tracking issues
Cost: $20-$100

Wrist and Hand Supports

Wrist splints:

Immobilize or limit wrist motion
Useful for flares or nighttime
Good for: Wrist arthritis, carpal tunnel
Cost: $15-$40

Thumb spica splints:

Immobilize the thumb
Critical for CMC (base of thumb) arthritis
Good for: Thumb OA, De Quervain’s
Cost: $20-$50

Compression gloves:

Gentle compression to hands
May reduce stiffness
Good for: Hand arthritis, morning stiffness
Cost: $15-$40

Ankle Supports

Compression sleeves:

Pull-on elastic support
Mild compression
Good for: Mild ankle arthritis
Cost: $15-$30

Lace-up braces:

More support than sleeves
Adjustable compression
Good for: Moderate ankle issues
Cost: $25-$60

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFO):

More rigid support
May extend under foot
Good for: Significant instability, drop foot
Cost: $100-$1,000+

Back Supports

Lumbar belts:

Wrap-around support
Various rigidity options
Good for: Low back pain, lifting
Cost: $20-$100

Rigid braces:

Prescribed for specific conditions
Significant immobilization
Good for: Fractures, post-surgery
Cost: $100-$500+

Evidence for Bracing

What Research Shows

Knee braces for OA:

Unloader braces: Good evidence for pain reduction in unicompartmental OA
Compression sleeves: Modest benefit, may improve function
Guidelines: Generally recommended as reasonable option

Wrist/hand splints:

Thumb splints: Good evidence for CMC arthritis
Help manage symptoms during flares
May allow continued function

Ankle braces:

Less research specific to arthritis
Helpful for instability
May improve confidence

Realistic Expectations

What braces can do:

Reduce pain during activity
Improve confidence
Allow participation in activities
Provide temporary support during flares

What braces can’t do:

Cure arthritis
Replace exercise and strengthening
Correct severe deformity
Work equally for everyone

Choosing the Right Brace

Questions to Consider

What joint is affected?
What activities cause the most pain?
Is instability an issue?
Do you need support, compression, or both?
Will you actually wear it?

Over-the-Counter vs. Custom

OTC options good for:

General compression
Mild to moderate support needs
Trying bracing initially
Budget constraints

Custom bracing better for:

Specific unloading needs
Unusual anatomy
Maximum effectiveness needed
Complex joint problems

Getting Fitted

For OTC braces:

Measure according to package instructions
Try on before purchasing if possible
Ensure snug but not painful fit
Check for pressure points

For custom braces:

Requires professional fitting
Molds or measurements taken
Adjustments made as needed
Follow-up for modifications

Specific Recommendations

Knee Osteoarthritis

For medial compartment OA:

Unloader brace: Most effective
Shifts weight to healthy side
Consider if surgery not wanted/possible
Significant investment but can be transformative

For general knee OA:

Start with compression sleeve
Add hinged brace if more support needed
Consider patellar support if kneecap involved

Hand Arthritis

For thumb base OA:

Thumb spica splint: Highly recommended
Wear during activities that aggravate
May use at night during flares
Allows healing and reduces pain

For finger OA:

Ring splints (silver or plastic)
Support during deformity progression
Help maintain alignment
Both functional and cosmetic

Ankle Arthritis

General approach:

Start with compression sleeve
Add lace-up for more support
Custom AFO for significant issues
Consider rocker-bottom shoes in addition

Living with a Brace

Tips for Success

Wearing schedule:

Follow recommendations for duration
Don’t over-rely on brace
Wear during challenging activities
May not need constant use

Skin care:

Keep skin clean and dry
Watch for irritation
Use moisture-wicking materials
Address pressure points early

Maintenance:

Clean according to instructions
Check for wear
Replace when necessary
Ensure straps/closures work

Common Problems and Solutions

Too tight:

Loosen straps
May need larger size
Check for swelling changes

Slips down:

May need smaller size
Adjust straps
Consider different style

Uncomfortable:

Check fit
Try different brand
May need custom option
Wear liner/sock underneath

Skin irritation:

Keep area clean/dry
Use barrier products
Try different materials
Ensure proper fit

Cost and Insurance

Price Ranges

Type	Price Range
Compression sleeve	$15-$50
Basic hinged brace	$30-$100
Unloader brace	$400-$1,500
Wrist splint	$15-$50
Custom orthotic	$200-$2,000+

Insurance Coverage

Often covered:

Custom braces with prescription
Medical necessity documentation
Through DME (durable medical equipment) benefit

Usually not covered:

Over-the-counter braces
Purely convenience purchases
Duplicate braces

To improve coverage chances:

Get prescription from doctor
Documentation of need
Use in-network supplier
Check your specific plan

When Bracing Isn’t Enough

Signs to Consider Other Options

Brace no longer provides relief
Needing brace constantly to function
Joint deformity worsening
Pain limiting important activities
Quality of life significantly affected

What’s Next

If bracing has been maximized:

Discuss injection options
Consider physical therapy reassessment
Explore surgical options
Review overall treatment plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a knee brace all day?

For most braces, yes, though it’s good to remove periodically to check skin and let it breathe. Compression sleeves are generally fine for extended wear. More rigid braces may have specific wearing schedules—follow your provider’s recommendations.

Will wearing a brace make my muscles weaker?

This is a common concern. While excessive bracing can reduce muscle use, appropriate bracing that allows you to be more active overall is beneficial. The key is combining bracing with strengthening exercises, not using the brace as a substitute for exercise.

How do I know if I need a custom brace?

Consider custom if: OTC options don’t fit well, you have unusual anatomy, you need specific unloading, or maximum effectiveness is important. A physical therapist, orthopedist, or orthotist can help determine if custom is warranted.

Are expensive unloader braces worth it?

For appropriate candidates (unicompartmental knee OA), unloader braces can be very effective. If they allow you to delay surgery, remain active, and reduce pain significantly, the investment may be worthwhile. Try one with return policy if possible.

Can I exercise while wearing a brace?

Usually yes, and this is often when braces are most helpful. Many people wear braces specifically for exercise or activities that aggravate their joints. Make sure the brace is designed for the activity level you’re doing.

Looking for more supportive options? Read about walking aids and mobility devices or learn about ergonomic tools for arthritis.

Last medically reviewed: February 2025

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For complex joint problems, consult with a healthcare provider, physical therapist, or certified orthotist to determine the most appropriate bracing option.