DonJoy knee braces provide direct to consumer options beyond your standard knee sleeve. Once mostly available via prescription only, these braces are now easily obtainable in stores and online for anyone who needs a little extra support for their knees. DonJoy’s line of braces includes products that target users who have:
Braces are also available for those who need:
- Risk-reduction during participation in sports
- Post-surgical support
- Functional activities
DonJoy is a reputable brand with nearly 50 years of experience in producing high-quality knee braces and supports. Widely recommended by healthcare professionals and used by athletes, their braces are known for being durable, comfortable, and effective in managing knee conditions, including post-surgery recovery, injury prevention, and chronic conditions like arthritis.
Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Mark Nordquist and the team’s athletic trainer Ken Reed founded DonJoy in 1978. Named after their wives Donna and Joy, the company eventually became a leading manufacturer of orthopedic knee braces.
DonJoy braces may be covered by insurance, but the process is often time-consuming and confusing which can delay your ability to get the help you need.
Ordering through their website allows you to use their “bracing advisor” if you don’t know exactly what you need. Also, take advantage of the company’s frequent promotions and 30-day money back guarantee.
1. Reaction Web
The DonJoy Reaction Web knee support brace is a favorite among physical therapists and patients alike. This brace offers a lightweight, breathable option for those with many types of knee pain. Think of this as the souped up version of a basic knee sleeve.
- The unique design allows the brace to move with your knee and its dynamic web design absorbs shock and shifts weight to help you move. It literally feels like the brace is helping you up.
- Patients love the pain reduction they get from the brace but commented that it can be both too stiff and too flexible.
- If you opt for this brace, make sure you read the application instructions to maximize the benefits of the brace.
- Also comes with an undersleeve that can help if you don’t like the feel of the elastomeric web on your skin.
- Cost: $75–$100
2. Bionic Fullstop Hinge ACL Knee Brace
If you are looking for a comfort and stability combo after a knee injury, this is it. The Bionic Fullstop Brace provides an alternative to the much more costly “Defiance” brace that may be prescribed after ACL or other ligament reconstruction.
- Anti-slip technology helps the brace stay in place on your leg.
- Hinges engage at 145° and come to a full stop at 170° which stops you from hyperextending your knee.
- Made from neoprene, spandex, and mesh.
- Users have reported getting the right size can be tricky; be sure to read and follow the directions for sizing.
- Velcro straps can irritate your skin.
- Cost: $200–$220
3. Tru-Pull Lite Knee Support Brace
The DonJoy Tru-Pull Lite knee support brace is a competitor to the standard “J” brace used to manage patellofemoral syndrome (PFPS) or protect the knee following a subluxation or dislocation.
- This brace is low profile and easy to wear while playing sports or running long distances. Can also be helpful for activities of daily living, such as stair climbing and getting up from a chair.
- The brace can offer as much medial and lateral support via removable plastic hinges.
- Made from Breathoprene, a lightweight, breathable fabric that wicks sweat away.
- The brace is meant to be tight, which some users find uncomfortable.
- Some wearers have found the sizing guide isn’t accurate and the velcro straps may fail sooner than expected.
- Cost is $70–$100.
4. Webtech Patella Knee Strap
Useful for patellar tendinitis or “jumper’s knee,” this ultra-low profile solution offers big pain relief.
- A silicone web applies uniform pressure to the patellar tendon.
- Contoured fit enhances comfort.
- Lightweight and portable; fits easily on the basketball court or under dress pants for all day relief.
- Users report the velcro can fail prematurely.
- Cost: about $25
5. Drytex Sport Hinged Knee Wraparound
The most basic of all braces on the market, Drytex Sport hinged knee braces offer support as well as compression in a comfortable, cost-effective option.
- Users like the comfort, stability, and the price point of this brace.
- Wraparound design is less restrictive and more comfortable than braces that are applied over the foot.
- Hinges offer extra support if you have medial or lateral instability or pain when changing directions.
- Can start to feel “stretched-out” if you like to wear it tight.
- Made with neoprene.
- Cost: $70
Why are DonJoy knee braces so expensive?
Knee braces can be expensive because of the higher quality of materials used, which often involves high-grade fabrics and metal components that increase production costs. Advanced design features, such as adjustable straps and hinges, add complexity and functionality, further driving up the price.
Pricing can be significantly affected by brand reputation, such as DonJoy, since well-known brands may command higher prices due to their established trust and perceived effectiveness in the market.
Are knee braces covered by insurance?
Knee braces may be covered by insurance. Coverage varies widely by insurance company and plan. Functional braces, such as the “Defiance III” may be covered after surgery to help protect your reconstructed knee. Even with insurance coverage, the cost-sharing portion of the brace may be more than if you go the cash pay route.
Braces designed to help at varying stages of osteoarthritis are often covered by Medicare with a physician’s prescription. At times, these braces are distributed same-day in the physician’s office which can be quite convenient.
The downside to getting a brace this way is that you trade your 30-day unconditional, money-back guarantee for the ease of getting the device. If your physician recommends a brace, you can always ask for a written prescription and then shop around for the best price or trial period to ensure you are getting what you need.
Considerations
Choosing a knee brace can be confusing as a lot of them work for multiple conditions. To find the right brace for you, you should consider the following factors:
- The purpose of the brace
- The level of support you need
- Your activity level
- Professional advice from a physician, physical therapist, athletic trainer or other healthcare worker
- Budget
Once you know what you need, you should feel confident choosing a DonJoy knee brace as it means investing in trusted, professional-grade support that helps you stay active and recover with confidence.
Related reading
What Do Knee Braces Do for Knee Pain?
Penny Goldberg, DPT, ATC
Penny Goldberg, DPT, ATC earned her doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Saint Augustine and completed a credentialed sports residency at the University of Florida. She is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy.
Penny holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and a M.A. in Physical Education from San Diego State University. She has served as an Athletic Trainer at USD, CSUN, and Butler University.
She has presented on Kinesiophobia and differential diagnosis in complicated cases. Penny has published on returning to sports after ACL reconstruction and fear of movement and re-injury.
Outside of the clinic, Penny enjoys traveling, good cooking with great wine, concerts, working out and playing with her dogs.
