Knee supports

[eddieq]

I suffered a knee injury in May.  My PT is going well and the doctor does not want to do surgery at this time.  I was using crutches right after memorial day but moved to a cane within a week or so.  I am off the cane now and I've been weaned off of the hinged brace as of last week.  I've been told I can return to the field this summer/fall (on the bases or doing slow pitch softball) while I continue to work on strength and mobility. Yes, I am primarily a softball umpire.  Don't hate me lol

Do any of you other old fellas use/wear a knee support while working?  I know there are a number of different style compression sleeves out there, but I suspect most of them just function as a wallet flush.

I'd appreciate the benefit of anyone's experience here.  Thanks!

[Velho]

My go-tos are below.

Keep strengthening the entire chain (lower back all the way down to your ankles). Even without a right ACL and after meniscus surgery on that knee last year, strengthening has enabled me to no longer wear them. 

Lighter duty that can be worn as much as you like

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055QNLR8?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_15&th=1

 

Heavier for activity (including games)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00598YBJY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

 

[Richvee]

2 hours ago, Velho said:

My go-tos are below.

Keep strengthening the entire chain (lower back all the way down to your ankles). Even without a right ACL and after meniscus surgery on that knee last year, strengthening has enabled me to no longer wear them. 

Lighter duty that can be worn as much as you like

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055QNLR8?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_15&th=1

 

Heavier for activity (including games)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00598YBJY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

 

It will be three years this fall I couldn’t walk on the left knee. Torn MCL, got a cortisone shot. I stared strengthening exercises and, like you say, everything from back, core, to ankles, and bought the incrediware sleeves. They are my go to braces. I don’t do a game without them. They’re not cumbersome, and don’t ask my why or how, buy they work. 
sometimes the MCL feels it’s worse trying to to sleep. I can wear these overnight, and it provides relief and lets me sleep pain free when it acts up. 

[eddieq]

Appreciate the feedback and suggestions.  I'll look into the incrediware (sounds like something out of The Incredibles).

[eddieq]

Discharged from PT today.  Look out players, this blue is coming back

[The Man in Blue]

On 7/15/2026 at 2:59 PM, Richvee said:

It will be three years this fall I couldn’t walk on the left knee. Torn MCL, got a cortisone shot. I stared strengthening exercises and, like you say, everything from back, core, to ankles, and bought the incrediware sleeves. They are my go to braces. I don’t do a game without them. They’re not cumbersome, and don’t ask my why or how, buy they work. 
sometimes the MCL feels it’s worse trying to to sleep. I can wear these overnight, and it provides relief and lets me sleep pain free when it acts up. 

 

Curious to know more about what it is you like about these?  My wife fell at the beginning of the summer (on vacation) and cracked the top of her tibia.  She is scheduled to have the range limiter removed in a few weeks, but they recommended continuing to wear the brace.  She was asking about when she goes back to work (she is an OR nurse and is on her feet and moving a lot), and they said she could still wear it for support and stability.  It is kind of bulky though.  Wondering if this may be an option.

[Velho]

22 hours ago, The Man in Blue said:

Curious to know more about what it is you like about these?

Rich can speak for himself obviously but I find the Incrediware comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time. They are fabric and not neoprene so breath and they aren't overly tight. Just comfortable to wear all day.

They won't limit motion or provide as much support as neoprene sleeves (of which there are varying levels of braces and weight). I think they are good for lingering knee issues in a non-high activity level setting.

[Richvee]

On 7/23/2026 at 1:36 PM, The Man in Blue said:

 

Curious to know more about what it is you like about these?  My wife fell at the beginning of the summer (on vacation) and cracked the top of her tibia.  She is scheduled to have the range limiter removed in a few weeks, but they recommended continuing to wear the brace.  She was asking about when she goes back to work (she is an OR nurse and is on her feet and moving a lot), and they said she could still wear it for support and stability.  It is kind of bulky though.  Wondering if this may be an option.

@Velho pretty much nailed it. I can wear them all day and they provide comfort. I think they help ease the pain when Om on the field and running on it.  (or that may be the Tylenol😁). I certainly wouldn’t  call it a “brace”, but it does seem to give the knee some added support. I try to keep the muscles around my knee fairly strong to protect the MCL. The weird thing about the MCL is it may hurt more sitting on the couch  or laying in bed and turning the “wrong way”. When the knee isn’t feeling its best, I can wear these sleeves overnight and they provide comfort. 

[BLWizzRanger]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B44SWC67?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

These were what I used for my arthritis during games and, while I can't say for sure how much they helped when paring these with knee candy (Advil), I do think they did.

I only posted this now as I put them on today to protect my new knee when I starting working on my garage floor fixing my brakes.  I wanted to keep my knee clean.  I have felt a major difference in the swelling discomfort while these were on.  I can't say they are better than what others have proposed. But, I can say they did help today for compression.  Good luck in finding something that works for you.

[Velho]

Working link for @BLWizzRanger's recommendation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B44SWC67?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1