11 Best Knee Braces For MCL (2023): Benefits & Buying Guide
A selection of knee braces that provide the right support to aid quick MCL recovery.
Chandel StallworthNCPT, CPT, CES
Expertise: Pilates, Strength Training, and Corrective Exercise
Experience: 4 years
Chandel is a Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and the owner of Curls & Pilates, a fitness company. She has 4 years of experience and trains some of the top n... more
Aditi Naskar Diploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Expertise: Fitness & Lifestyle
Experience: 3 years
Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication fro... more
Being on your feet most of the time— from having to run errands to the supermarket, a job that requires you to stand or walk, or being an athlete can exert strain on your knees. And this is when a knee brace for MCL comes in handy. Our knees are the most injury-prone joint in the human body, and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in the knees encounters injuries most commonly in comparison to other ligaments, and especially so for athletes (1).
What MCL knee braces do is that they help your knee recuperate from both high-intensity and low-intensity pain and injuries and assist in further injury prevention. While the market is flooded with options, we’re here to make the search a lot simple and less time-consuming for you with our list of the 11 best knee braces for MCL.
In This Article
What Is An MCL Injury?
The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) lies on the inner part of your knee. It connects your thighbone to the lower leg and prevents your knee from bending inward. The MCL can be injured in activities where your leg bends, changes direction quickly, or twists like in sports and adventure activities.
Let’s now look at the 11 best MCL knee braces that you can buy online.
11 Best Knee Braces For MCL
Best With Adjustable Straps:ORTHOMEN HINGED ROL MCL KNEWW BRACE
Image: Orthomen This hinged knee brace is perfect for higher intensity injuries that take a long time to heal. The variety of motion control options for stabilization is suitable for post-operative knee immobilization. This knee brace is equipped with a press and rotate lock setting, adjustable straps, and easy-to-remove gripping buckles.
The telescoping frame from 19” to 24 inches is a one-size-fits-all. The tool-free length adjustment and padded ring design with collateral bars prevent valgus and varus deformity. The adjustable ROM hinge limits knee flexion and extension.
Key Features
- Adjustable ROM hinges
- Rotate and press lock settings
- Motion control options
- Tool-free length adjustment
- Telescoping frame
- Gripping buckles
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Universal size
Cons
- Not suitable for short people
Best Sweat-Proof Design:KEENHEALTH COMPRESSION KNEE BRACE
This sleeve stimulates the blood flow, protects your ligaments, and relieves pain in the knee joint. The compression offers flexibility and enhanced mobility. The form-fitting, premium materials provide 360° protection and comfort while you push your limits. The breathable, sweat-proof design keeps your legs sweat and odor-free.
Key Features
- Form-fitting fabric
- 360-degree protection
Pros
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Easy to wash
- Sweat-proof
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-free
- Available in 4 sizes
Cons
- Might slip off
Pro TipBest Lightweight:FYORE Knee Brace
This hinged knee brace with anti-slip features, non-slip silicone wave, and four straps prevents the brace from slipping down in spite of vigorous activity or long periods of wearing. The open patella prevents displacement, de-stresses the knee area, and keeps the kneecap in place.
This knee brace is made of breathable, lightweight, and eco-friendly neoprene with vent holes that dissipate sweat effectively. The two removable side metal stabilizers and four metal springs support your knees and offer added flexibility. This brace helps the knee rest and recuperate after ACL, MCL, LCL tears, knee inflammation, hyperextension, and runner’s knee.
Key Features
- Adjustable straps
- Removable hinges
- Non-slip silicone wave
Pros
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Eco-friendly
- Sweat-proof
- Available in 3 sizes and colors
Cons
- Bulky
- Hard to put on
Best Non-Slip Grip:Oliomp Knee Brace
The Oliomp Knee Brace is extremely helpful in cases of tears, tendonitis, bursitis, and runner’s knee. The bi-directional strap provides support from both sides, and the open patella design comforts the kneecap and tendon areas to heal knee injuries. The four spring stabilizers with EVA reinforced stabilizer rings protect your knee cap and overall stability.
The gel pad relieves inflammation and swelling, ensuring better knee mobility. The non-slip silicone bead ensures a firm grip and non-slide edging. This knee brace features 3D knitting technology and 4-way stretching material that minimizes sweating, warms your muscles, and helps you relax.
Key Features
- Adjustable bi-directional straps
- Non-slip silicone grip bead
- EVA reinforced stabilizer ring
- 3D elastic weaving
- Open patella design
Pros
- Durable
- Breathable
- Sweat-proof
- Non-slip grip
- 45-day warranty
Cons
- Not long
Best Itch-Resistant:ANOOPSYCHE Knee Brace
This knee brace corrects position, relaxes, and fixes meniscus tears, fractures, ACL and MCL injuries, dislocation, sports injury, and knee neurological illness. It is equipped with four metal springs, an open-patella design, and padded silicone gasket, which protect, stabilize, and support the knees during exercise and keep the joint aligned.
The three adjustable straps can be attached to any exterior point, while the silicone slip belt keeps the brace fixed on your knee without falling off. This lightweight knee brace can be worn under jeans and sweatpants for comfort and ease of movement. The tiny perforations help reduce itchiness, sweat, and odor. It is easy to wear and also protects your knees during running, climbing, hiking, basketball, volleyball, football, and tennis.
Key Features
- 3 velcro belts
- Open patella
- Silicone non-slip strips
Pros
- Easy to wear
- Universal fit
- Sweat-resistant
- Odor-proof
- Itch-resistant
- Lightweight
- 60-day money back
- 2-year replacement warranty
Cons
- Weak velcro
Quick TipBest With Maximum Support:Arrow Splints Knee Brace
Image: Karmlifestyle This knee brace offers optimum support for arthritis, ACL, MCL, PCL, and meniscus injuries and keeps the joint warm. The dual-side stabilizers and open patella design offer maximum support and ensure knee stability and position. The three extra-strong fasteners with double wave restrict unwanted knee movement for a proper rehab. This knee brace is lightweight and enhances medial support and lateral stability.
Key Features
- Non-slip grip
- Dual-side stabilizers
- Open patella design
- Extra strong fasteners
Pros
- Affordable
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Lightweight
Cons
- Heavy
- Not durable
Best Open-Patella Design:KARM Knee Brace
Image: Karmlifestyle The Karm Knee Brace can be used for your daily activities like grocery shopping or walking your pet, sports like basketball and running, or if you have medical conditions like sprained knee, cartilage irritation, tendonitis pain, or ligament injury. The three adjustable hook and loop straps keep the knee brace in place.
The open-patella design reduces pressure on the patella and knee joint, while the sewn-in straps ensure a comfortable fit. This knee brace is made of 60% neoprene material that helps increase blood flow and retain heat to protect the muscles. This product also supports cross-training, Zumba, weightlifting, bodybuilding, gym workouts, MMA, boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and martial arts.
Key Features
- Dual size stabilizers
- Open patella design
- Double anti-slip strips
- Adjustable hook and loop straps
Pros
- Not bulky
- Available in 9 sizes
- Easy to put on and remove
- Available in 4 colors
- Breathable
Cons
- Expensive
- Weak straps
Best Breathable:Physix Gear Sport Knee Brace
Image: Physix Gear Sport The Physix Gear Knee Support Brace does not stop blood circulation or stretch out after a few uses. It prevents stiffness and keeps your joints warm. You can adjust the compression by raising and lowering the sleeve. This knee brace is lightweight, easy to wear and remove under clothes, and is made of breathable lycra and nylon.
Key Features
- 4 way stretch fabric
- Flexi knitting
- Non -slip silicone grip wave
Pros
- No chafing
- Stabilizes osteoarthritis
- Adjustable compression
- Available in 5 sizes
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Easy to wear and remove
Cons
- Rolls down
Best Latex-Free:Bracco Knee Brace
The Bracco Knee Brace absorbs stress and dampens vibration with the silicone-gel ring around the knee cap. The dual spring stabilizer system offers supreme flexion during the recovery process of knee injuries, post-surgery, reduced ligament, meniscus tear, sprains, and swelling.
This knee brace offers firm support, boosts blood circulation, and provides pain relief. The broad sleeve with a three-strap binding system ensures firm grip and immobilizes joint movement. The removable splints are easy to wash, and the breathable neoprene moist-wicking design is 100% latex-free. This knee brace is also suitable for routine running, hiking, walking, workout, and baseball.
Key Features
- Silicone gel ring
- Dual spring stabilizer system
- Removable splints
Pros
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Breathable
- Latex-free
Cons
- Clunky
Best With Adjustable Closure:EzyFit Knee Brace
The EzyFit Knee Brace offers the utmost comfort during running, hiking, walking, sports, and exercising. It also helps you recover from knee surgery, arthritis, ACL, MCL, LCL, and tendonitis. The anti-slip bi-directional straps wrap in any angle, providing flexibility, while the open patella keeps the knee joint in place during movement.
The quadruple stabilizers on either side of the brace offer maximum lateral support. This product also features three adjustable closures, non-slip silicone gel, and double stitched curved edges. It is made of breathable neoprene, which molds to your knee and offers effective heat therapy for fast recovery.
Key Features
- Bidirectional straps
- Open patella
- Dual stabilizers
- Non-slip silicone gel
- Double-stitched edges
- 3 adjustable closures
Pros
- Available in 3 sizes
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short
Best With Pockets:DONJOY PERFORMANCE BIONIC KNEE BRACE
Image: Donjoyperformance This wrap-around brace is easy to wear and remove. The hex-shaped patella provides support, stability, and free movement. The bilateral polycentric hinges have hyperextension stops that keep the damaged and unstable joints from getting in the way of activity.
The TPR pull straps offer the perfect fit, and the perforated neoprene ensures breathability. This rehabilitation aid also comes with a pocket to hold your cards and keys. The anti-migration technology prevents slip, and the reflectivity enhances visibility in low light conditions.
Key Features
- Polycentric hinges
- TPR pull straps
- Anti-migration technology
Pros
- Sturdy
Cons
- Weak velcro straps
Let’s look at a few benefits of MCL knee braces.
Benefits Of Using MCL Knee Braces
- Provide lateral support
- Prevent unwanted movement and rotation
- Limit motion post-surgery
- Assists in post-surgery recovery
- Protect the graft
Before buying a knee brace for MCL, consider these factors to make an ideal choice.
How To Choose The Best Knee Brace For MCL
- Material: Choose a material that is durable and breathable. Perforated neoprene and lycra are durable and also allow breathability.
- Side Stabilizers: Stabilizers on braces not only protect the knees better but also save them from the extra effort. Therefore, choose a knee brace equipped with side stabilizers.
- Adjustability: The straps should be adjustable for a comfortable fit and to keep your knee stabilized during any activity. Also, braces with an open patella design help you adjust the size according to your need. Thus, look for a product with adjustable straps or open patella design.
- Hinges: Hinged design knee braces keep your knee aligned properly post-injury and offer higher joint protection than other braces.
- Brace Type: Knee braces come in different types – hinged, slip-on, wrap-around, open/closed patellar knee braces, unloader braces, prophylactic, and rehabilitative braces. Select one that addresses your issues and also fits you perfectly.
- Protection: Knee braces help restrict the range of motion that are likely to worsen your knee condition. They provide support and protection and work in various manners for various cases.
- Comfort: The brace must be snug but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. A knee brace with thick knee padding makes it more comfortable.
- Size And Style: It is important to wear the right size brace because a big size would slip, and a small one would constrict blood flow. Measure all around the leg six inches above and below your kneecap. Match this measurement with your product and pick accordingly. The doctors will recommend the brace style after evaluating your condition.
The Bottom Line
Using the right knee brace daily until your knee is back to normal is very crucial. It provides support and stability and reduces the strain on the ligament. For a variety of motion control options, useful for post-injury knee stabilization, opt for the ORTHOMEN HINGED ROL MCL KNEWW BRACE.The KEENHEALTH COMPRESSION KNEE BRACE has a breathable and moisture-wicking design offering flexibility, while the Physix Gear Sport Knee Brace helps avoid pain by perfectly adjusting to the contours of the knee. Chandel Stallworth, a nationally certified Pilates instructor, and the owner of Curls & Pilates, a fitness company, suggests, “While a knee brace will help stabilize your joint, be sure to exercise your quads, glutes, and hamstrings so that you can work to no longer needing a knee brace.” So, pick the best MCL support knee brace that’s suitable for you from our list and safeguard your physical well-being!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Aditi Naskar, the author of this article, has a diploma in health & wellness. Her extensive research and continued eye on various healthcare products bring out the best for readers to choose. The list of best knee braces for MCL is compiled by her after extensive research and reading many consumer reviews online. She says that these braces are a must-have if you have a job that demands hours of standing, walking, or being an athlete. These braces are a great way to prevent injuries and keep pain at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I tore my MCL or meniscus?
A popping sound during injury might mean an MCL tear. Also, there will be swelling, stiffness, or pain while straightening or rotating the knee.
How long does it take for the MCL to heal?
Depending on the intensity of the tear, the healing period is a few days to a week for grade 1 tear, 2-4 weeks for grade 2 tear, and 8 weeks or more for a grade 3 tear.
How do you make your MCL heal faster?
Use an ice pack immediately, elevate the knee using cushions, strap on a brace or bandage, and get physiotherapy.
How long should you keep a knee brace on?
You should wear a knee brace as long as it helps you recover from specific muscle injuries or surgeries. Typically, it is worn for at least 2 months after the damage to improve knee movement. Also, you must wear them as long as you are indulged in standing, walking, or other activities to experience optimum healing progress.
- Andrews, Kyle et al. “Review: Medial collateral ligament injuries.” Journal of orthopaedics vol. 14,4 550-554.
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