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Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we find useful to our readersWhen you indulge in an intense activity be it fitness-related or any other you are prone to sudden injuries. Being injured does hurt but it cannot be controlled and one of the most common parts of your body that impacts are your knees. A medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most injury-prone part of your knees that gets affected especially in athletes.
To recover from an MCL injury you need to have knee braces designed for the same cause to treat your knees and reduce the pain. It does not matter if the intensity of the pain is low or high, knee braces will make you feel better and are good for your knees. Such chronic knee injuries can be tricky but finding the best knee Sleeves should not have to be. That is why we have compiled a list of the best knee braces for MCL in this article for you to make your work easy. Keep reading to find the best one for you.
What is MCL Injury
A sprain or tears to the medial collateral ligament which lies on the inner side of your knees is known as an MCL injury. These are a group of tissues on the inside of your knee that connects your thigh bone to your lower leg bone. The main issue that you face in an MCL is that it keeps your knee from bending inward.
When you perform activities that involve bending, twisting, or direction change is when your MCL can be injured. It is especially injured in athletes when the outside of the knee is hit or during adventurous activities and sports
5 Benefits of Knee Brace for MCL injury
- Reduces unwanted excessive rotation of the knee
- Gives lateral support of the knee
- It helps to limit the range of motion post-surgically
- Gives awareness of the position and movements of the body.
- Protects the graft while healing post-injury or surgery.
List of Best Knee Brace for MCL
1. Doufurt knee brace stabilizer for ACL MCL injury
Doufurt knee brace has an innovative and excellent design. The knee brace on both sides has radian design and in the center of the patella, there is an open design, it fits the knee perfectly and can improve the comfort during use which can make the knee brace comfortable. It comes with an elastic pressure belt and adjustable Velcro design. In the open patella area, it has an inserted medical gel loop for better cover and protection of the knees. This knee brace with side stabilizers saves more effort and also protects the knees. Also gives great support and compression to the knees.
The Knee Support Braces are made of advanced neoprene material. The brace comes in a unique breathable mesh design that helps to increase breathability. To prevent uncomfortable skin conditions the brace absorbs sweat and lets you breathe freely.
It has an outer perforated design that is convenient for perspiration and lets you to freely adjust the tightness, so that the knee brace can be better fixed on the knee. There are two springs on each side of the kneecap to support the memory rebound and relieve the pressure on the knee. This makes it unique and it is medical grade pain relief.
- Made of advanced neoprene material
- Adjustable
- Gives enough support
- Helps relieve the pressure
- Medical grade pain relief
- Comes with side stabilizers
- Comfortable
- The criss-cross design may feel uncomfortable for some
2. Techware pro knee brace support
Techware pro knee brace is the most support and lightweight brace you would like to have. It comes in an open patella design for support and compression around the kneecap and tendon areas to heal knee injuries with 4 flexible spring stabilizers that provide better knee cap protection and stability. Made of lightweight neoprene material and no-slip silicone strips ensure that compression is comfortable, uniform, and stays in place for any physical activity. It does not restrict movement while giving continuous support. It has a gel pad that helps with inflammation and swelling, gives better knee mobility, and exercises performance. It makes sure to give comfortable support and pain relief from any kind of tears or injuries. It is great for athletes as it provides the best support during physical activities and keeps them safe. One of the best options if you want to get a knee brace is this one.
- Alternating hook and loop straps
- Consistent pain relief
- Maximum support and compression
- Better knee stability
- Comes with an open patella design
- Has flexible spring stabilizers
- Maximum comfort
- None
3. Neenca knee brace with side stabilizer
Neenca knee brace will give you a very comfortable experience while you wear the brace. It has Velcro straps and plenty of ventilation holes, The air knit fabric can instantly absorb and evaporate large amounts of water, making it breathable to wear, it dries and absorbs sweat quickly making it a lightweight brace. Has an option of two extra straps that makes it a suitable choice for people with thick thighs to wear comfortably.
It has components such as a patella gel pad, spring side stabilizers, comes with two extra adjustable straps, elastic compression fabric that can help to reduce the pressure of the knee joint and help to recover from meniscus. The patella gel pads surround the kneecap, and the double-sided metal spring stabilizers fit tightly with your knee joint. These elements strengthen side support and maintain joint stability. It is designed specifically for kneecap pain or joint injuries, which can make the knee brace fit your kneecap perfectly. The non-slip silicone strips and high-elastic fabric helps to avoid sliding between workouts. It is definitely the best choice for sports protection and pain recovery.
- High-quality knee brace
- Medical grade pain relief
- Supportive and comfortable
- Better knee stability
- Comes with an open patella design
- Has flexible spring stabilizers
- Adjustable
- Great option for thick thighs
- Can have better durability
4. Shock doctor hinged knee brace for maximum support
Shock doctor hinged knee brace is made from a premium material that ensures great comfort to your knees. It is made up of Latex-free, premium stitching, and integrated flexible side stabilizers that stay in place and include easy grip tabs for accurate fitting. It has a vent for air to flow that helps to reduce the moisture and odor, so that you can workout comfortably anytime. The brace will help to prevent and heal medial and lateral instability, minor patella instability, meniscus injuries, minor ligament sprains, hypertension, arthritis, and more.
It will also help to boost your movements as the heavy-duty bilateral dual hinges provide support while allowing you to move comfortably with a four-way stretch Lycra mesh and pre-curved anatomical design, which fits the left and right knee. The compression caused due to braces supports soft tissue, joint alignment, and relief, and boosts therapeutic heat for improved blood flow which aids in healing tendon and muscle. The brace will give you medium stability and support for moderate to major ligament sprains, muscle strains, and unstable joints allowing for use as necessary for recovery.
- Made from premium materials
- Boost your movements
- Comfortable
- Gives moderate support
- Better knee stability
- Improves blood flow
- It may not suit you while running
5. Athledict hinged knee brace support
Athledict hinged knee brace has proven to be most effective and they have even been upgraded for better results. This hinged knee support will protect, recover and relieve your knee pain while allowing full movements to your knees. It also has removable hinges and a highly adjustable strap that allows you to choose how much to support you. This knee brace can wear it in multiple ways and gives a medium to high support level, depending on how you adjust it. Provides your knee with stability that doesn’t hinder your mobility and comfort. Comes with reversed open patella design that ensures comfort at the back of your knee. It also allows you to customize open patella space. The hinges have extra cushioning from the inside to prevent discomfort to your knees. They also provide a lifetime warranty if you are unhappy with the product which is great for everyone. The knee brace will make sure to support and give protection to your knees all day long.
- Gives more support and less discomfort
- Offers good mobility
- Maximum support and compression
- Better knee stability
- Comes with an open patella design
- Lightweight
- Durable design
- Maximum comfort
- None
6. Vive hinged knee brace with open patella support
The Vive hinged knee brace provides comfortable support while recovering from any injuries or surgeries while providing stability to your knees. The reversible, non slip knee brace also provides soothing compression and retains therapeutic heat to reduce swelling and inflammation. It helps to relieve knee pain and promote healing on the left or right knee as needed. The brace is secured with four strong fastener straps. It has an open patella design which helps to relieve pressure on the knee and provides support for ACL and MCL injuries, it also helps to relieve strains and sprains. It is suitable for all adults.
The knee brace comes with two removable hinges to support the knee ligaments, tendons, and joints. Made from tempered aluminum material, the hinge can be easily removed from the integrated sleeves and requires minimum support. designed from latex-free material with a neoprene blend that stays cool and dry all day. The breathable brace is lightweight and the seller also produces a 60 days guarantee which is a great deal.
- Open patella design
- Removable Aluminum Hinges
- Maximum support and compression
- Better knee stability
- Comes with an open patella design
- Extra-Strength Fasteners
- Maximum comfort
- Can have better durability
7. Neenca professional knee brace
Neenca professional knee brace is multifunctional and comfortable to be used. It is a medical-grade knee brace with no allergies and itchiness. This is their upgraded design and the rear of the kneecap is breathable. It comes with a patella gel pad, spring side stabilizers, 2 extra adjustable straps, elastic compression fabric that can significantly effectively reduce the pressure of the knee joint and help the meniscus to recover.
The knee brace has a double-sided metal spring stabilizer that fits tightly with your knee joint and the kneecap is surrounded by gel pads. These elements strengthen side support and maintain joint stability. It is designed specifically for kneecap pain or joint injuries, which can make the knee brace fit your kneecap perfectly. This knee brace is thicker than the other braces so it gives extra comfort. As it is made from high-elastic fabric and non-slip silicone strips it does not slide between your workouts. It is definitely the best choice if you are looking to recover from pain.
- High-quality knee brace
- Medical grade pain relief
- Supportive and comfortable
- Breathable fabric
- Comes with an open patella design
- Has flexible spring stabilizers.
- Adjustable
- High elastic design
- None
8. Knee brace support for knee pain by Exous bodygear
This knee brace has a patented 4-way anti-slip design giving best-in-class support and all-day comfort. It is the most adjustable knee brace that reduces pain in the jumper’s knee patella tendonitis and aids in meniscus tears. The patented strap system creates the cut-away comfort gap behind the knee, thus eliminating unsightly excess that can bunch up with other knee braces creating restricted movement but with this knee brace you can enjoy the motion. stability to the inside and outside of the knee. The 360-degree dual cross torsion compressions will give you the best-in-class sports knee brace. It’s ideal for arthritis, dislocation, and post-surgery injury recovery. Easy to put on for the elderly is breathable and flexible for total all-day comfort. It is super lightweight yet gives support comparable to a much bulkier brace. When you wear this you will be satisfied as it results in a much better fit and less chance of slipping during exercise.
- ● 4-way patented anti-slip design
- ● Reduces the pain
- ● Comfortable
- ● Gives moderate support
- ● Better knee stability
- ● Best-in-class knee brace
- ● Cannot be washed easily
9. Donjoy Reaction web knee support brace
Donjoy knee brace has a web design that absorbs shock, and reduces the pain away from your knee. To provide stability for the knee its flexible hinges and elasticity work together by absorbing shock and shifting the weight away from the painful areas of the knees. The good part is it is breathable and comfortable. The elastomeric web design helps to reduce pain across the knee.
It helps by reducing pain and absorbing shock. The patella on all sides stabilizes and brings the patella in the correct tracking position to reduce pain from the knees and joints. The open framework of the web, in combination with the mesh backing, creates a comfortable fit and a breathable solution for the relief of anterior knee pain. The lightweight design makes this knee brace ideal for all-day use and an ideal choice with an innovative design.
- Innovative web design
- Breathable fabric
- Comfortable to wear
- Helps reduce knee pain
- Gives good supports
- Open patella design
- Lightweight to wear
- Flexible design
- The quality of web design can be better
10. Physix gear knee support brace
Physix knee support helps to keep the brace safe in place for women and men both; it would not even roll down after use and is ideal for athletes, runners, hikers, bikers, weightlifters, sports players & more. The knee brace will absorb sweat from it while running which will ensure to keep the odors away and stay cool for all day long. One can use it actively. The Physix knee brace is suitable for men and women, it comes with a premium elastic fabric blend designed for heavy-duty support yet lightweight enough to be worn under pants or workout leggings and allows a full range of motion.
The knee brace also reduces pain, and injury by supporting and comforting the knee for people with a meniscus tear, ACL, MCL, arthritis, post-surgery swelling, sports injury, and joint aches. They also have braces for plus size and petite people which gives knee relief & protection for all sizes. This soft & smooth knee brace for running women won’t cause chafe or soreness to your skin. One compression brace is enough to be used as a right or left knee brace which can be used by women, men, and teens when their knees need support.
- Sweat-free knee brace
- Can be used by everyone
- Heavy-duty support
- Premium elastic fabric
- Anti-slip
- Comfortable
- Suitable for plus size
- None
Things to Consider While Choosing Knee Brace for MCL injury
1. Size and fit
When it comes to finding the right knee brace, fit is one of the most important factors. If you do not have a knee brace that does not fit you properly you may end up not using it anymore. The large size may slip and beat the purpose of wearing one while a smaller one can restrict blood flow. Your knee brace has to be comfortable and of the right fit so that you can actually wear it and be comfortable.
2. Comfort and Material
Lycra and Perforated neoprene are the most comfortable material that allows you to breathe compared to other materials. You need to go for a material that is durable and breathable. A poor-fitting brace, or one that’s tight and has a roughened edge, can cause skin issues because of the roughness. It should not even be thick as that can be uncomfortable. The brace must be of accurate fit but not too tight as well as it can restrict blood circulation.
3. Brace type
Knee braces come in many styles, the most common one is the hinged brace; others are compression sleeves, bands, wraparound braces, straps, unloader braces, prophylactic, and rehabilitative braces. You should always consult your doctor and check which one suits you the best.
4. Side Stabilizers
Choose a knee brace with side stabilizers. As Brace with stabilizers protect the knees and help you to be comfortable without having to put much pressure on the knee
5. Adjustable
The braces should have an adjustable strap that helps you with the movement and can sustain you for a longer time. Knee braces that have an open patella design help you to adjust the size according to your need. So make sure to look for an adjustable knee brace always.
6. Protection and weight
When looking for the right knee brace, having a lightweight brace can impact its effectiveness. To not worsen your MCL injury, always look for the one that would fit you comfortably and protect you while being able to move around. You use it to protect your knee so look for the right one that can support it too.
FAQ’s
How Long to Wear a Knee Brace for MCL Injury?
While using a knee brace you must avoid putting pressure on your leg for 2-4 weeks after the injury depending upon the condition. If you have moderate and grade 2 injury you need to wear them for about a month. If it is a more severe or grade 3 injury you need to keep wearing it for a longer duration recommended by your doctor.
In a day you can wear it during any activity that puts pressure on your joints and for the time recommended to you. Wearing it all day or too long can even worsen the condition of your knees.
How Long Does MCL Take to Heal
Depending on how severe your injury is it takes time to heal. If you have a grade 2 tear it may take up to a month and 7-8 weeks for a grade 3 tear. For it to heal faster, you need to take proper care and follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Conclusion
A knee brace is ideal for MCL injury and gives you the comfort that you need. It also gives pain relief and makes it easier to perform any physical activity or sports. You must consult your doctor before using one. Hope this article helps you to then choose the one suitable for you from the list of 10 best knee braces for MCL injury. Thank you for reading.
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