Are you a sporting man? A disciple of the martial arts? Or maybe you like to swim around from time to time?
Chances are, you have had some injuries in your career.
No one can go through their life without some form of sprained muscles or torn ligaments.
Thankfully, though they may hurt a lot, you can recover with proper medical attention.
If you hurt yourself while practicing or playing around, the first thing you should do is get medical support. But proper caution and preparation go a long way in preventing sports injuries.
MCL braces are a way to stabilize your knee motions to avoid a tear in ligaments due to sudden movements.
This article focuses on the best MCL knee brace you can always find on the market to help prevent knee injuries and keep you in top physical form.
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Top 10 Best MCL Knee Brace Reviews
There is plenty of MCL knee brace you will find out there. But considering the best quality, building material, comfort, and other facts, I narrowed it down to the top 10. This will start to find the best brand of MCL knee brace for you.
If you are looking for just a recommendation or in a hurry, here is your sneak peek.
#1. TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support
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If you need a stable knee brace that is breathable and helps you recover fast, look no further. The Techware Pro Knee brace offers great protection against any form of a torn ligament.
What we liked best about this product:
The bi-directional support that you get with this product is out of this world. You can adjust the left, right, upper, and lower straps to the tightness of your liking. It gives the ultimate support for your kneecap by keeping the orientation fixed.
Quick Rundown:
- Non-Slip Comfort Neoprene.
- Three adjustable bi-directional straps
- Open Patella design
- Comes in 4 Sizes
- Four spring stabilizers
Overall performance:
This product is known to be one of the most cost-effective knee braces in the market. This unit is particularly useful for doing any physically demanding activities as it stabilizes your entire knee. It’s also one of the best braces for lcl injury.
You get vertical strength due to the top and bottom Velcro straps. Kneecap position is locked with the open patella design, which makes it suitable when running. Another added benefit of this design is that it gives your knee some breathability. To protect your knee further against any bumps, you get a padded neoprene layer.
While doing any physical activities, it is natural to build-up sweats. This product absorbs moisture and prevents your knee from sweating and developing a foul smell. Due to the moisture-wicking material, it is also effortless to clean.
The bracer comes in four different sizes to fit most knees. You have the adjustable Velcro strap to customize the size to your liking further. It also comes with non-slip silicone strips to ensure the bracer does not move around while in use.
Pros:
- Amazing value
- Lasts a long time
- Adjustable bi-directional straps
Cons:
- The non-slip strips may seem irritating to some people.
#2. POWERLIX Compression Knee Sleeve
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The PowerLix Knee brace ensures a stable application of pressure on your knee joint which is why it considered as the best mcl knee brace for running. You get excellent muscle support in your workout or any other activity you choose to do. Stay one step ahead of your injury with this amazing knee sleeve.
What we liked best about this product:
The standout feature of this knee brace is the stylish and rugged look. With the flexible mesh look and smooth woven fabric, this is a top-notch product for any activity. It is hard not to fall in love with the product the moment you get your hands on it.
Quick Rundown:
- Four-way compression sleeve
- Special knitted design
- High performance fabric
- High sweat absorption capacity
- Double silicone anti-slip system
Overall Performance:
This product lends you a helping hand when you are down with an injury. The amazing compression you get from this sleeve helps improve your blood flow and aids you in the recovery process. The 80% nylon, 20% Spandex material resists sweat accumulation by absorbing moisture. It is pretty easy to clean too.
Due to the woven materials, this unit is comfortable and ergonomic. The material comes in a unique knitted design that is both stylish and effective in the distribution of even pressure. This product is aimed more towards prevention of injury rather than recovery.
Your knee is held tight and compressed due to the closed design of the sleeve. The fabric is soft and feels smooth on the knee. With the unique design of the knitting, you are kept safe from getting wounded.
Furthermore, it keeps the temperature optimal during workouts or running in your joints at all times. Additionally, the non-slip double silicone provides you with the best grip eliminating the need to readjust every few minutes.
Pros:
- Great compression
- Fashionable design
- Flexible size options
Cons:
- Not enough support
#3. Athledict Knee Brace Compression Sleeve
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It is time to say goodbye to MCL injury with the Athledict Knee compression bracer. With this product, you get targeted compression and support where you need without compromising on comfort. You will soon be enjoying your activities pain-free.
What we liked best about this product:
This mcl knee wrap comes with a strap that you can use to put more pressure on your desired location. It is an important feature that is often overlooked by many other braces. What this allows you to do is shift the weight to your liking, giving you plenty of freedom in setting it up to your specific requirements.
Quick Rundown:
- Multiple support level
- Removable and adjustable X-strap
- Unique Anatomical Shape
- Targeted compression
- Anti-slip Silicone
Overall Performance:
This knee brace is pretty standard in the list of best MCL braces for good reasons. It gives you the relief that you are looking for, be it from an injury or arthritis or any other medical condition.
Rated highly due to its support system and design; this product is guaranteed to get you out in the field as early as you could expect.
It comes in 7 different sizes to suit just about anyone. Due to the anatomical shape of the brace, you get fantastic support, stability, and pain relief. The inclusion of the X-strap further enhances the stability and support provided by this product.
On top of being effective, it is also very stylish. With the sleek black color and red line on the edges, this product stands out as one of the most fashionable braces you could find. This is also highly breathable and has an excellent sweat absorption capacity to keep your knee feeling fresh and not too congested.
Pros:
- Inclusion of the X-strap
- Very stylish looking brace
- Great pain relief
Cons:
- Come only with one sleeve
#4. Hinged Knee Brace: Shock Doctor 875 Compression Knee Brace
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Know that keeping yourself free from pain is worth the investment when you injure your knee. With the Shock Doctor 875 knee brace, you can do your regular activities without causing further damage to your wound.
What we liked best about this product:
It is hard not to be impressed by the fitting of this product right out of the box. This knee wrap brace is designed to adjust to your knees natural shape and contour. So, it will get comfortable the more you use it. Additionally, the bilateral hinges present in the product makes it one of the best stabilizers that you can find.
Quick Rundown:
- Moisture and Odor prevention
- Pre-curved anatomical design
- Heavy-duty bilateral dual hinges
- Four-way stretch spandex
- Latex-free
Overall Performance:
This product is one of the most advanced ones you can find in the market. With a protection level 3, it gives you maximum comfort and pain relief. To provide extra stability, it comes with tempered aluminum stays and bilateral support hinges.
You do not need to worry about past injuries catching up to you with the increased performance you get with this product. It comes with premium stitching and an open patella design. This free knee system helps keep your kneecap in place even in the most difficult activities.
Moreover, you get increased breathability due to this design. The Lycra binding in the product ensures you get maximum compression right where you need it. With this purchase, you get the X-fit straps which is patent pending for additional comfort and security.
To further help the recovery, N-Tex neoprene absorbs moisture and retains heat, allowing you to apply therapeutic warmth. It comes with finger tabs that give you grip when you are putting it on.
It also comes with an Integrated Antimicrobial Technology that reduces the foul smell caused by bacteria. This product is completely latex-free.
Pros:
- X-fit Strap design
- Amazing stability control
- Great heat retention capacity
Cons:
- First fit might feel a bit uncomfortable
#5. King of Kings Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
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Are you done with big, high-profile bracers? Do you need something with a little more subtlety without throwing away stability and support? King of Kings compression knee brace might be precisely what you are looking for.
What we liked best about this product:
This is the perfect running bracer due to the DuPont Cool Max design. The wicking performance you get from this sleeve is unmatched. It allows you to stay cool and provides you with the best breathability possible.
Quick Rundown:
- Three-layer design
- Perforated neoprene allows breathing
- Fitted with two spring steel side stays
- Fully adjustable
- Anti-slip brace
Overall Performance:
This brace comes in a single size that fits most people. You can use it either for your left leg or the right one. With an ergonomically designed knee support, it gives you full security and stability to your knee joints. It is the perfect blend of comfort and safety.
With an incredibly lightweight design, this product comes fully adjustable. It is fitted with two spring steel side stays for maximum security. Additionally, due to non-slip perforated neoprene, it remains on your knee without requiring you to readjust here and there.
Whether you are dealing with arthritis, MCL, or ACL, this is the perfect knee brace. Athletes use it regularly in different sporting activities like football, basketball, or skiing. You can use it post-surgery to speed up your healing process further.
Pros:
- Extremely light
- Unparalleled wicking capability
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- Fades too soon
#6. Shock Doctor 870 Knee Brace
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Experience ultimate pain relief with another knee brace from the folks at Shock Doctor. The 870 is a moderate sleeve of performance level 2 designed to give you the highest level of satisfaction.
What we liked best about this product:
This product provides a moderate level of support for moderate sprains and injuries. It does not over-compress and allows you a certain amount of adjustability. Furthermore, it helps prevent instability in your movement by securing your knee joints properly.
Quick Rundown:
- Four-way stretch Lycra mesh
- Premium stitching assembly and patella support
- Neoprene for airflow
- Pre-curved anatomical design
- Flexible side stabilizer stays
Overall Performance:
The 870 by Shock Doctor is a performance level 2 product with dual hinges. Its features include conical shape and anatomically correct straps. The straps properly wrap the leg with tapers above and below the knee for a comfortable and consistent compression.
Side stabilizer stays are integrated into both sides of the knee providing very moderate and comfortable support eliminating the rigid feel of stability hinges. The 870 has an anatomical pre-curved design which greatly enhances the fit and comfort as well as improving stability performance
The Comfort Flex four way stretch Lycra mesh located at the back of the knee provides a full range of motion. It also greatly enhances the moisture absorption capacity of the product and allows breathability. All in all, you get a great product at a very affordable price.
Pros:
- Moderate level of support
- Does not over-compress
- Anatomical pre-curved design
Cons:
- Stitching is not long-lasting
#7. BLITZU Flex Plus Compression Knee Brace
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Recover faster with the help of Flex Plus by Blitzu, one of the top rated mcl knee brace in the market. This product dramatically enhances your stability in the aftermath of an injury by giving you high compression on your knee joint.
What we liked best about this product:
The best thing about this product is how it promotes a fast warm-up in your muscles. It minimizes muscle-oscillation and micro-tearing by providing a gradual and consistent compression. The stability in alignment you get with this bracer is impressive.
Quick Rundown:
- Reinforced patella stabilizer
- Comes in pairs
- POWER+ premium performance fabric
- Blitzu POWER + superior grade circular knit structure
- Comes in three sizes
Overall Performance:
The anatomical shape of the product provides you with a perfect and comfortable fit. It drastically reduces the risk of further injury. You do not have to worry about discomfort and focus quickly on your daily activities. It comes in three distinct sizes that make this suitable for just about anyone.
By keeping your muscles in place, this bracer reduces muscle fatigue and improves your performance. This product glides over your leg and wraps around your knee area to give you a graduated compression. Due to this, you get an improvement in blood flow and reduction in blood lactates.
This powerful and flexible knee sleeve is perfect for someone suffering from a sore ankle. Medical conditions such as Arthritis, MCL, or ACL can be relieved to some extent with this product. It provides one of the best fitting and highest pain reliefs you will find on the market.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- High pain relief
- Flexible fitting
Cons:
- May seem irritating on sensitive skin
#8. ANRI.E. Knee Brace Support
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Make way for ANRI.E. as one of the underdogs of knee bracers. Their low-profile knee brace supports are a cost-effective way to get rid of the pain from that old injury you had.
What we liked best about this product:
This very affordable knee brace comes with an advanced level of protection rating. With its breathable open patella design, you do not have to worry about your knee sweating up and can get on with your daily activities free of pain or irritation.
Quick Rundown:
- Anti-slip Silicone strips
- Metal side bars
- Adjustable straps for better tightening
- Silicone Patella fixing ring
- Breathable fabric
Overall Performance:
The material of the brace is soft and well-ventilated. With a great moisture absorption capacity and breathable fabric, you do not have to worry about smelling bad. On top of that, it is not that hard to wash with warm water and dries easily.
The anti-slip silicone strip keeps the position of the product stable. Silicone patella ring in the open center part holds your kneecap in place comfortably. There are elastic metal springs on both sides of the product that adds to the stability in your knee movements.
This product comes with an adjustable modern strap with soft edges which allow you to adjust the size of the brace to your liking. As a result, it has a one size fits all format that saves you the hassle of running around and checking the proper fit for you.
Pros:
- Very comfortable and minimalistic
- Breathable material
- Adjustable size
Cons:
- May not fit more muscular knees
#9. EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector
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The Exodus EX-701 is explicitly designed to provide advanced functional support for a range of knee problems. From patella tendon pain to ACL and MCL ligament problems this product aids in pain and injury prevention to the highest level
What we liked best about this product:
The unique four-way strap system integrated into the product makes it stand above the others in the market. This ensures that the brace stays in place without any slight possibility of slipping while you work on your activities.
Quick Rundown:
- Four-way strap system
- Open patella design
- Side stabilizers
- Comfort gap on the back of the knee
- Dedicated Patella band for Jumper’s knee pain
Overall Performance:
This performance knee brace is noticeably different by design to many other neoprene braces you find on the market. The secret is in its innovative four-way independent strap system which gives it advanced custom support and improved comfort in many different ways
The built-in double lateral stabilizers integrate with the four-way strap design to help with mild instabilities in your knee area. Thus, it creates a firm and flexible all-round support in a weak knee.
It comes with a Comfort gap on the back of the knee, eliminating excessive materials preventing your full motion. This allows you to bend your knee comfortably without feeling any restrictions. Whether you use it for exercise or post-surgery, it is sure to provide you with the highest amount of freedom.
Pros:
- Extra thick premium Velcro
- Suitable for exercise
- Fits both left & Right Knee
Cons:
- Needs some time to get used to.
#10. CompressionGear Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
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Everybody can enjoy a good workout with this knee brace from Compression Gear. Featuring a lightweight and low-profile design you can wear it discreetly under or above your outfit.
What we liked best about this product:
The design of the product allows you to put it on in a hurry. With the adjustable Velcro strap, you can choose the perfect tightness. You can use the full motion of your knee due to the high flexibility and lightweight design of this knee sleeve.
Quick Rundown:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Supports a full range of motion
- Adjustable straps
- Premium Neoprene material
- Anti-Slip Technology
Overall Performance:
The Compression Gear knee brace gives you relief from any type of knee pain you have with its extra-soft and cushioned material. With a ton of breathability, you don’t have to feel discomfort while doing any rigorous activities. This low-key product is subtle yet effective in giving you pain relief.
This adjustable product comes with an open patella design with high-quality Velcro straps. The durable neoprene extra thick fabric ensures the protection you need and improves the blood circulation in your muscles and tendons. Additionally, this neoprene fabric is highly flexible and moisture absorbing.
Putting it on your knee requires only three simple steps. First, open up the Velcro straps. Then hold the center of the open patella over your kneecap with the logo above your knee. Finally, tie up the middle strap followed by the other straps to the tightness of your liking.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Durable Neoprene fabric
- Great sweat absorption capacity
Cons:
- May not fit bigger knees
Choosing the Best MCL Knee Brace
Choosing the right brace not only makes you recover faster but also relieves your pain if it gets too much to handle. We have prepared the following guideline to help you understand how to choose the perfect MCL knee brace for you.
What is an MCL injury?
MCL or Medial Collateral Ligament is the ligament located on the inner side of your knee. Four important ligaments are working to stabilize your knee joint, and MCL is one of them.
A tear or sprain in the ligament can lead to severe pain that increases with every passing hour. Furthermore, your knee starts to swell and becomes tender. You may or may not notice bruising depending on the extent of your injury. If left unchecked after several hours, you might not be able to move your knee at all.
MCL injuries are more common than you might think. You can hurt it while bending or twisting. Stepping a little too hard while changing directions suddenly can also lead to a torn MCL. During Sporting activities such as football or hockey, hitting on the outside of the knee can cause MCL injury.
So, as you can see, MCL injuries are not that rare. Most instances can be taken care of with bed rests. You may need to ice your injury and use some anti-inflammatory medicines. In some cases, doctors suggest the use of crutches or braces that limit your movement to prevent excessive strain on the sore part of your leg.
Benefits of Using MCL Knee Braces
Recovering from an MCL injury can be a long process. It can take 4 to 6 weeks of bed rest and some post-injury workout to heal completely. Due to the limited movement options, life can get very monotonous. However, you can speed up the process using MCL knee braces.
Knee braces allow you to have some modicum of freedom even after an injury. You do not need to be held captive to the boundary of your room. Braces help reduce pain by taking your weight off from the damaged part of your knee.
We do not recommend doing any heavy chores while you are hurt. If you need to move, make sure you have somebody around to help you.
Furthermore, due to the limitations of your movement, braces can prevent you from damaging your injury even more. When you wear an MCL brace, it keeps you from rotating your knee or sliding it back and forth.
Your knee needs time to heal, and unnecessary movement will not help fix it. Braces ensure that your knee is locked in place to give it the time it needs to recover fully.
Injuries happen. If you are an athletic guy, you will inevitably get hurt once or twice. But if you jump from injury to injury without taking some recovery space, you will not be doing yourself any favors.
If you hurt your MCL, take some time off and wear a brace. With some time off, you will be back out on the grounds in no time.
Selecting The Correct Type
Knee braces come in a variety of different formats and each of them for various specific reasons. Choosing the right pair can lead to a faster and smoother recovery period.
There are three main types of braces that you can find on the market; Knee sleeves, Dual-wrap braces, and Hinged knee braces. There are also knee straps and closed/open Patella braces.
The type of knee brace that you would want in case of an MCL injury is hinged knee braces. A hinged knee brace is often used for people who require a higher level of protection in their knee joints.
This type of braces holds your knee in place and resists any attempt to take it out of proper alignment. They can be both soft and rigid. Softer one provides you with less support than the rigid ones.
Protection Level
A hinged brace gives you the highest amount of protection by limiting your movement significantly. These braces have a protection rating of 3. However, if your injury is severe, you can consider a product with a higher level of protection such as 3+ according to your doctors’ advice.
Transition Period
Making the transition to your healthy life can be difficult after an injury. You require regular check-ups, and you might even need the help of a physiotherapist. As your wound heals, the type of brace necessary for you also changes.
You do not want your knee to be over-compressed while recovering. The tightness of the pair depends on the level of support you need and should feel comfortable.
Doctors’ Advice
This might be the most crucial factor while determining your exact brace requirements. You should consult both your doctor and physical therapist when it comes to your recovery. Keep in mind that they have dealt with similar cases before since MCL injury is widespread.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Question: Does knee brace help MCL?
Answer: Yes, wearing a knee brace will help prevent sideways movement and damaging your ligament further. Physicians often recommend using a knee brace to help recover from an MCL injury.
2. Question: Does heat help an MCL injury?
Answer: Applying heat on your damaged knee area can help increase blood flow and thus speed up the healing process. Doctors usually recommend using a heating pad after applying ice to your knee, which reduces swelling and relieves pain.
3. Question: How do you recover from a sprained MCL fast?
Answer: MCL injury can heal on its own with home rest. Ice and heat treatment relieve some pain and can speed up the recovery time significantly. As long as you do not damage your wound further with unnecessary movements, your injury should heal quickly.
4. Question: What does an MCL tear feel like?
Answer: In case of an MCL injury, you will feel pain along the edges inside your knee. You will notice swelling and numbness. Walking or putting pressure on the leg with the damaged knee will be difficult. If the injury is mild, you may be able to walk but feel looseness in your knee.
5. Question: How do I prevent MCL injuries?
Answer: Several exercises focus on strengthening your MCL. You need to focus on your balance and flexibility. Give yourself some time to recover after a burdensome activity. Additionally, incorrect techniques in jumping, changing directions, or landing can lead to a torn ligament.
Conclusion
There are many reasons as to why you should get support for your knee. A knee sleeve offers you a helping hand whether you are dealing with a medical condition or injury.
You have gone through our list and seen our top choices for the best MCL knee brace. We hope that you found this guide to be informative and helpful in deciding which one is perfect for you.