Knee injury or pain can be so unbearable at times. They bring all your activities to a halt instantly. And if you are dealing with an MCL injury, getting the best knee brace for MCL is absolutely imperative! Although MCL is one of the most common ligament knee injuries, finding the best knee brace can be somewhat challenging. But not for you! Because we've rounded up some of the best knee braces for MCL on the market below. But before we move ahead, how well do you know about MCL injury?

The medial collateral ligament (aka MCL) is located on the inner side of your knee. Basically, it’s a group of tissues that connect your thigh bone to your calf bone. And sometimes, high-impact activities (especially sports) can lead to a partial or complete tear. Once that happens, you may feel pain in the inner side of your knee, and there could be swelling too. But don’t worry. MCL injuries are common and, in most cases, heal without surgery. But yes, you need to take good care, that is, with a suitable knee brace. So, let’s go find one for you.

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  Best Overall

  Vive Knee Ice Brace

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With both hot and cold therapy benefits, this knee brace by Vive is a go-to for pain relief. It has 3 pockets (2 on the front and 1 on the inner side), where you can place 3 removable, latex-free gel packs for targeted relief. These gel packs are also non-toxic, reusable, and will stay cool for up to 30 minutes. And as for the knee wrap, it is made of a breathable neoprene blend with four adjustable straps to provide a custom fit of up to 21 inches. Ideal for both men and women, it is suitable to target conditions such as MCL, ACL, PCL, arthritis, joint pain, swelling, inflammation, or even use pre-and-post surgery.

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Best for High-Impact Workouts

Mava Sports Knee Wraps

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If you are into intense and high-impact workouts, these knee wraps by Mava are designed to counter knee aches (even MCL). It's made of a high-stretch material for optimized movement and compression. It also provides the ideal knee support and stores elastic energy during intense workouts. Whether you use it as a knee defender, supporter, or brace, this 72-inch high-quality, breathable wrap is adjustable and customizable with a hook-and-loop closure.

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McDavid Knee Brace With Polycentric Hinges And Cross Straps

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If you don’t mind going all out to deal with MCL, this knee brace with hinges offers support, stability, compression, and comfort. Yes, it has two geared hinges on either side to stabilize your knees during free movement. It has an open patella design with a 360° padded buttress for added support. Then it has elastic crossing straps, which provide collateral ligament support to increase blood flow and relieve pain. And if you have sensitive skin, this latex-free neoprene brace has bounded edges to prevent irritation or skin rubbing. And since neoprene boosts heat production, it has a perforated back panel to keep you cool and dry.

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POWERLIX Compression Knee Sleeve

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This knee sleeve is a great choice if you are into daily workouts or intense sports activities. It provides high compression and beautifully adapts to your knee's shape, all thanks to its 3D elastic neoprene fabric. It aids knee recovery, keeps your knee warm, reduces inflammation, minimizes muscle vibrations, and increases blood circulation. Just what you need for maximum support to prevent knee-related injuries, it also has double silicone gel waves to stop tumbling, rolling, and slipping.

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Physix Gear Sport Knee Compression Sleeves

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Are long knee braces not your thing? Here’s a smaller option from Physix Gear that you can wear beneath your clothes. It is suitable for workouts, sports, everyday activities, and even for medical-related recoveries (such as ACL, MCL, arthritis, etc.). Made of breathable and 4-way stretch nylon-latex fabric, it has a circle weave in the kneecap area to fit your knees optimally. And since it has latex material, it will keep your knees warm, increase blood circulation, and quicken recovery. It also has anti-rolling and anti-bunching benefits, so you can bend, climb or run with this one without worrying about adjustment needs.

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Best For Medical Conditions

Doufurt Knee Brace

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Looking for a medical-grade knee brace? This knee brace by Duofurt aids in recovery from strain, ACL, MCL, meniscus tear, sprain, tendinitis, and arthritis. It has an open patella with a medical gel loop and (hidden) double-spiral metal strips on either side to ensure optimal fit, support, and protection. It also has an elastic pressure belt with velcro closure for high stability and compression. This adjustable fit helps in minimizing pain and prevents injury. Made of high-quality neoprene-mesh material, the outer perforated design ensures the area is always cool, dry, and comfortable.

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Pure Support Knee Support Strap

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The snug fit and 3D circular knitting technology of this knee strap will make you want more than 1! Ideal for active individuals, it’s designed to protect your knee area, prevent injury and improve blood circulation. You can also use it for arthritis, MCL, meniscus tears, patella aches, and other medical knee conditions. Highly breathable due to the polyamide-spandex material, it applies 360° graduated optimal compression that will not restrict your movements. Besides, you don’t have to worry about frequent slips and rolls. It has a silicone gel wave on the inner side and double velcro closure to provide a stay-in-place fit.

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Best For Plus Sizes

KARM Adjustable Knee Brace

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For those looking for a plus-size knee brace, let your search end right here! This knee brace by KARM provides high-level support and stability and reduces pressure on the patella (kneecap) with its open patella design. In addition, there's a hidden gel pad around the kneecap area for added comfort, support, and protection. Easy to wear and remove, it has hook-and-loop straps for custom fit and stabilizers on either side to keep your leg optimally aligned. Made of neoprene material, it boosts thermal activity and is great for high-impact workouts and medical conditions such as MCL, ACL, inflammation, arthritis, etc.

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EzyFit Knee Brace

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As its slogan suggests, ‘wrap, pat and go’, this knee brace by EzyFit is super easy and quick to wear. Given how some knee braces can be time-consuming, this one with triple and super-strong velcro closure is effortless and will stay in place too. Made of nylon, polyester, and stretchy neoprene, it is comfortable on the skin and has dual stabilizers to keep your leg aligned correctly during movements. Highly durable with reinforced seams, it also has an open patella (knee cap) design to relieve pain due to patellofemoral and patella tendonitis.

10

Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Support With Bilateral Hinges

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This knee brace with heavy-duty bilateral hinges is ideal for medically diagnosed injuries. It aids in healing and recovering from injuries such as PCL, MCL, ACL, medial and lateral instability, arthritis, ligament sprains, meniscus tear, and more. The heavy-duty bilateral hinges provide maximum support and ROM (range of motion). The kneecap area also has a padded ring for added support. Besides this, it has an X-fit strap system with easy-grip tabs for an effortless and optimal fit. And if you are worried about comfort, it is made of N-tex vented neoprene, which is stretchy and latex-free.

11

Omples Hinged Knee Brace

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With an ergonomic design, Omples Hinged Knee Brace will fit your knee like a dream. It offers reinforced stability and an extra secure fit with bilateral aluminum strips and an X-shaped strap system. And the best part— you get maximum ROM (range of motion), making it a great option for outdoor activities and medically diagnosed conditions. Also, it's made of neoprene and has an open patella design with a padded ring for knee support and added comfort.

12

Arrow Splints Knee Brace With Patella Stabilizers And Compression Knee Sleeve Support

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Call this brace-slashed-sleeve a rehab for your knees cause it has everything you need to aid recovery and relief. From dual-sided stabilizers and an open patella design, it provides maximum support. Then it has 3 secure extra-strength fasteners and a double wave non-slip grip for high compression and stay-in-place fit. Besides this, the sleeve is made of premium-quality neoprene to keep your knee area comfortable, dry, and warm. Yep, it boosts thermal activity too! Suitable for outdoor physical activities and chronic knee conditions, this knee sleeve is a must-try.

Choose any! They are all the best. Give your knees the right brace to heal and stay healthy. Now that you’ve browsed through the 12 best knee braces for MCL injury, it is time to know their benefits.

The reason why knee braces for MCL are ideal for active individuals and people with medical knee conditions is that these help:

• Reduce stiffness
• Provide cushioning
• Improve blood circulation
• Prevent cramps and strains
• Encourage tissue healing
• Control movement of the joint
• Unload pressure and stress on affected areas

• Type: There are 4 different types of knee braces. They are:
• Sleeves: Ideal for mild pain, knee sleeves are lightweight and go undetected under clothes.
• Wraps: They are great for those who are into intense workouts as they need maximum support during powerlifting. Also, wraps are ideal for intense-moderate knee pain.
• Straps: They are recommended for those with patella-related conditions, as most knee braces with straps have an open patella design for comfort, support, and protection.
• Hinged: These braces are great for acute pains, but since their construction helps with knee alignment during physical movements, they are ideal for post-surgery recovery.
• Size: Although knee braces are supposed to be tight, that doesn’t mean any size would work for you. Each size offers a different type of compression, which is why choosing the right one is necessary. Compare your measurement with the brand's size chart before purchasing. Also, check feedback and reviews to figure out if you need to size up or down. 
• Material: Unless you like sweaty knees, choose a fabric that is breathable and moisture-wicking. Also, most knee braces on our list are made of stretchy neoprene, which is comfortable, breathable, and moisture-wicking.

We hope these shopping tips will help you find the best knee brace for MCL. Stop enduring the pain when relief is just a brace away! These 12 best knee braces on our list are nothing short of rehab for your knees to heal, recover, and be fit again. However, please remember! If the pain persists even after wearing a knee brace, you must consult your doctor immediately for assistance. Now, let's get shopping!