Knee Braces Market
The market for Knee Braces was estimated at $1.7 billion in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $2.7 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $4.1 billion by 2035.
Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents
Global Knee Braces Market Outlook
Revenue, 2025
$1.7B
Forecast, 2035
$4.1B
CAGR, 2026 - 2035
9.2%
The Knee Braces industry revenue is expected to be around $1.7 billion in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 9.2% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. The growing demand for knee braces, a conservative management technique, stems from the escalating rates of sports and workplace injuries, an increase in arthritis prevalence and a marked shift in preference towards non surgical methods for pain relief and joint preservation. In the year 2025, orthopaedic functional products made $0.66 billion in sales. The majority of this sales figure is attributed to applications in arthritis and ligament damage. 64.9% of the total sales are due to this application. These products have now become integral to the treatment of patients in both home care and clinical settings, especially in rehabilitation after injuries and the prevention of further injury.
Supportive knee braces provide enhanced stability for patients through semi rigid materials, flexible hinges and breathable fabrics, offering compression and adjustable movement restrictions. The main uses for these products are for treating osteoarthritis, for protecting those with ACL and other ligament injuries, rehabilitation following surgery or injury, as well as general use by participants in sports which involve high impact. The industry is being driven forward through trends such as custom knee sleeves, monitoring technology and compression fabrics. Sales channels for compression knee sleeves now include direct sales to consumers. Recent trends have resulted in improved product quality, an expansion in customer base and ongoing strong consumer interest.
Market Key Insights
The Knee Braces market is projected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2025 to $4.1 billion in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 9.2%, reflecting rising demand across Ligament Injuries, Arthritis, and Post-Surgery.
Key players in this sector are DonJoy, Zamst and Bauerfeind. These companies define market trends.
The United States and Germany are likely to be leading regions for sales of knee braces, and these markets are projected to grow at compound annual rates between 6.7 and 9.7% from 2025 to 2030.
The countries which will see the highest growth are the emerging markets, namely India, Brazil and the UAE. These markets should see a compound annual growth rate of 8.8 11.5% annually.
The market growth in knee braces will be boosted by a transition towards customised products of approximately $224 m by the year 2030.
Between 2025 and 2035, the Knee Braces market is predicted to increase by $2.4 billion. Arthritis & Post Surgery application is likely to hold a larger share of this market.
With increasing incidence of sports injuries and an increase in adoption of minimally invasive surgical procedures, demand for knee braces is expected to grow 141% between 2025 and 2035.
Opportunities in the Knee Braces
Increasing youth participation in sports in the Asia Pacific region has led to higher numbers of sports injuries. Leagues and sporting events in schools and the community in the Asia Pacific have been growing and as a consequence knee injuries are more common. Knee bracing which serves preventative functions is also predicted to increase from $0.47 billion in the year 2025 to $0.70 billion by the year 2030. This technology has the potential to be used in the construction of lighter knee braces, ones that utilise breathable fabrics and young athlete sizes. This trend will be complemented by functional knee braces which can be used in return to play protocols. Bundled with sports medicine programmes and digitally monitored training plans from clubs and academies, their use will be especially encouraged.
Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific
The main drivers of knee braces sales in North America are ligament injuries and post operative care, where there are a lot of ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair procedures. This drives demand for more advanced knee braces and knee immobilisers used following surgery. Key region's for growth include customisable prescription knee orthotics integrated into sports injury and rehabilitation care pathways, online knee sizing and remote rehabilitation packages that combine with knee brace prescriptions, and orthotics designed to alleviate the pain and mobility issues associated with arthritis in older people. The competition in the field of orthopaedic devices has risen with established manufacturers and regional distributors trying to compete on factors such as the orthopedic devices durability, reimbursement alignment, clinical evidence and the comfort the products provide. The region is characterised by strong sports participation, high public awareness of sports injury prevention, comprehensive networks of orthopaedic clinics and favourable insurance coverage for the prescription of knee supports. This combination of factors is likely to encourage patients to trade up from standard support sleeves to more specialist knee supports.
Across the Asia Pacific, sales of knee braces are being driven by the treatment of osteoarthritis, a condition becoming more common as the population ages. This, combined with injuries incurred during sports and post operative recovery, are set to drive growth in the region. Arthritis does drive demand on a large scale for cost effective but robust knee supports. However sports injuries and post operative requirements drive growth at a faster rate off a smaller base. The key opportunities arise with knee bracing products that can be mass produced while still providing a suitable level of support, with such products priced so that they are affordable for most but offering the necessary support for individuals with a medium level of requirement. These products should be made so that they fit the user and are suitable for their climate. The mid tier knee braces should be distributed through chemists and over the internet to those living in towns and cities. In the market for dental drills the competition is complex with many local companies offering products at low prices and the bigger international companies competing to sell their high end products. This allows a niche to be filled by regional products which are competitively priced and offer reliable performance as well as comprehensive after sales service. The major drivers in this region are growing internet channels which increase the exposure of sports knee support products to first time customers, the rising participation in recreational sports, the governments efforts to reduce joint disease disability and an increasing number of people visiting orthopaedic clinics.
Market Dynamics and Supply Chain
01
Driver: Increasing Prevalence of Orthopedic Conditions and Growing Sports Participation Worldwide
The knee brace market is also strongly driven by the rising prevalence of degenerative knee conditions such as osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders alongside growing participation in sports and fitness activities. As the global population ages, conditions like osteoarthritis and ligament tears become more common, prompting demand for supportive knee braces to relieve pain, improve mobility, and delay invasive surgical interventions in clinical and homecare settings. Elderly individuals increasingly seek non‑surgical, conservative solutions for joint support, fueling sales of unloader, functional, and rehabilitative braces across hospitals and orthopedic clinics. Simultaneously, the surge in recreational and professional sports participation has also led to higher incidences of knee injuries such as ACL and MCL strains, driving uptake of prophylactic and functional knee braces for injury prevention and post‑injury recovery. Athletes and active consumers prioritize lightweight materials, ergonomic designs, and customizable support, boosting market revenue. Together, demographic shifts and active lifestyles create sustained demand and broader adoption of knee support solutions globally.
A key driver of knee brace market growth is also ongoing innovation in product design and materials, including breathable fabrics, advanced composites, adjustable hinges, and integration of smart sensors. These advancements improve wearer comfort, durability, and effectiveness, making braces more appealing to both patients and clinicians. Technologies such as 3D‑printed custom braces and IoT‑enabled monitoring enhance rehabilitation tracking and treatment outcomes, accelerating adoption in sports medicine and post‑surgery recovery.
02
Restraint: High Price Sensitivity and Limited Reimbursement Coverage Restrict Knee Brace Adoption
The relatively high cost of advanced knee braces and limited insurance reimbursement curb market growth, especially in price‑sensitive regions. Premium hinged and custom knee braces with advanced materials can be cost prohibitive for many patients and athletes, reducing purchase intent. Additionally, inadequate insurance coverage for orthotic devices forces consumers to pay out‑of‑pocket, deterring usage and limiting revenue growth for manufacturers targeting broader demographic segments.
03
Opportunity: Digital Health–Enabled Direct-to-Consumer Functional Knee Braces Driving North American Home Rehabilitation Demand and Western European Elderly Osteoarthritis Patients Driving Adoption of Advanced Unloader Knee Braces
The rapid expansion of digital health platforms across North America is driving growth in the direct to consumer functional knee brace market. There is a trend in North America for health care providers and insurers to adopt remote care options. This includes the online ordering of knee braces, as well as the provision of fitting guidance and prescription services. In the period up to 2025, functional knee braces will see market growth, reaching $0.66 billion in that year. The growth rate for this of orthopaedic device is expected to reach 10.4% year on year, and its market should be worth $1.08 billion by 2030. This increase is forecast to occur because it is expected that more patients will treat their knee injuries at home. Organisations that integrate telemedicine orthopaedic services with apps for tracking adherence and logistics that deliver directly to the consumer can differentiate in terms of payers of the services through convenience, outcomes and data driven value propositions.
Due to the ageing population in Western Europe and the resulting lengthy waiting lists for surgery, a preference exists in Western Europe for the conservative management of osteoarthritis of the knee. This involves the use of Knee Braces. Projected growth in the Unloader Knee Braces market, which is anticipated to reach a value of 50 billion US dollars in the year 2030, is 9.3% CAGR over 5 years from 2025. This product helps in delaying knee replacements by giving osteoarthritis knee pain relief. Companies that develop products which are priced in line with reimbursement, have slim designs that fit under clothing and which allow for adjustable unloading will be able to sell to hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. These will be particularly beneficial for people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knees.
04
Challenge: Lack of Awareness and Inconsistent Clinical Prescription Practices Reduce Market Penetration
Insufficient patient awareness of knee brace benefits and inconsistent prescription habits among healthcare professionals impede market expansion. Many individuals with knee pain or early osteoarthritis remain unaware of orthotic solutions, while some clinicians underuse braces due to training variability. As a result, demand is suppressed, and suppliers struggle to penetrate conservative care settings. This dynamic also leads to uneven market performance across regions with differing clinical protocols.
Supply Chain Landscape
1
Medical Braces Materials
3M HealthcareBASFDow
2
Knee Braces Manufacturing
DonJoyBauerfeind AGBreg Inc
3
Orthopedic Supports Distribution
Cardinal HealthMedline IndustriesMcKesson
4
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Hospitals & ClinicsSports Medicine CentersHome Rehabilitation
1
Medical Braces Materials
3M HealthcareBASFDow
2
Knee Braces Manufacturing
DonJoyBauerfeind AGBreg Inc
3
Orthopedic Supports Distribution
Cardinal HealthMedline IndustriesMcKesson
4
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Hospitals & ClinicsSports Medicine CentersHome Rehabilitation
Use Cases of Knee Braces in Ligament Injuries & Post-Surgery
Ligament Injuries : Knee braces play a crucial role in managing ligament injuries, such as tears and strains of the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL, by providing external mechanical support to stabilize the joint and prevent harmful movement. Functional and hinged braces with adjustable straps are widely used to control joint forces and protect healing tissues during activity and rehabilitation. These braces help restore confidence and mobility while reducing reinjury risk, especially for athletes and active individuals. Leading providers such as Shock Doctor 875 Ultra Knee Brace With Bilateral Hinges X-La and SAMSON Functional Knee Support deliver high‑quality support solutions tailored to ligament instability that combine comfort with robust stabilization. Clinical recommendations and sports medicine research consistently highlight hinged and functional braces as optimal for moderate to severe instability support.
Arthritis : For individuals with arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis affecting knee cartilage, knee braces such as offloader and compression supports are essential in reducing pain and enhancing joint function. Unloader braces redistribute weight away from the affected compartment, alleviating pressure and improving gait, while compression sleeves offer warmth, circulation improvement, and mild support during daily activities. These designs help delay or reduce the need for surgical intervention and support mobility in older adults. Market leaders like Donjoy OA Adjuster Knee Brace provide advanced solutions with adjustable leverage systems, while compression and supportive braces from brands such as amiciCare and Samson offer cost‑effective arthritis relief. The growing emphasis on non‑surgical arthritis management enhances demand for these supportive orthotic devices.
Post-Surgery : After knee surgery, braces are prescribed to protect healing tissues, control motion, and ensure safe rehabilitation progress. Rehabilitative and immobilizer braces help restrict range of motion and stabilize the joint in early recovery phases, minimizing stress on surgical repairs such as ACL reconstruction or meniscus repair. Adjustable braces help clinicians set controlled bending ranges, which can accelerate healing and reduce complications. Products like Knee Support Brace, Post Surgery Injury Recovery Knee Brace and adjustable hinged supports provide structural integrity and comfort during rehabilitation. These braces support physical therapy regimens, improve patient confidence, and enable a safer return to activities of daily living.
Recent Developments
Recent developments in the knee braces market illustrate strong innovation and expanding adoption across clinical and consumer segments. Manufacturers are increasingly introducing advanced, ergonomic knee support solutions, such as smart sensor‑enabled braces and lightweight hinged designs that improve rehabilitation outcomes and patient comfort. Functional braces continue to lead market share, bolstered by rising sports injuries and ligament care needs, while e‑commerce distribution channels are accelerating reach to end users. A key trend is the integration of smart materials and real‑time monitoring technologies, enhancing patient compliance and connected care in both preventive and post‑surgical applications. These shifts are reshaping product portfolios and driving competitive differentiation among leading orthopedic brands.
May 2025 : Icarus Medical Innovation introduced its Adonis Knee brace featuring joint‑distraction technology, an advanced unloading mechanism to support patients with medial and lateral osteoarthritis. Although Icarus is not one of the named providers, this launch demonstrates the competitive innovation landscape in which key players like DonJoy, Bauerfeind, Breg, and Mueller are also active in enhancing knee brace performance.
May 2024 : McDavid Inc. launched the NRG knee brace featuring Spring Hinge Joint Assist Technology, engineered to reduce knee stress by up to 25 percent, enhancing support for sports medicine and active use cases. This development reflects ongoing material and design improvements in prophylactic and performance support braces
January 2024 : Enovis Corporation’s DJO, LLC subsidiary launched the DonJoy ROAM OA knee brace, an advanced unloader brace designed to relieve pain and improve mobility for patients with osteoarthritis and knee instability. This product expansion reinforces DonJoy’s leadership in clinical knee support solutions with dynamic unloading technology tailored to conservative care.
Impact of Industry Transitions on the Knee Braces Market
As a core segment of the Medical Device industry,
the Knee Braces market develops in line with broader industry shifts.
Over recent years, transitions such as Shift towards Customization and Rise of E-commerce have redefined priorities
across the Medical Device sector,
influencing how the Knee Braces market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics.
These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01
Shift towards Customization
Customisation is now becoming a key growth driver in the knee bracing industry, as consumer demand grows. By 2030, bespoke products will add a further $224 million to market growth. Growing need for bespoke knee support products tailored to a patients specific physiology and desired fitness level leads orthopaedic companies to make use of innovative techniques such as CT scanning and rapid manufacturing. In creating sports medicine and rehabilitation products that allow for adjustments to be made to the support, comfort, stability of joints and long term usage can be increased, improved clinical outcomes will be seen. Customisation gives businesses the opportunity to charge a premium price, to build stronger bonds with their patients and athletes and to differentiate themselves in a crowded injury prevention sector. This allows innovators to capture more lucrative region's of the market and protect their share.
02
Rise of E-commerce
The rise of e‑commerce has significantly transformed the knee brace market by expanding consumer access and enabling direct comparison of products across brands, features, and prices. Online platforms allow patients, athletes, and caregivers to research, review, and purchase braces conveniently, accelerating adoption of both standard and advanced orthopedic solutions. This transition has also stimulated logistics, digital health, and telemedicine industries, as companies integrate virtual fittings, home delivery, and remote consultation services. For example, marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, and specialized medical e‑commerce portals now offer a wide range of knee braces from global and regional manufacturers, improving visibility for smaller brands. The shift to online retail enhances competition, drives product innovation, and supports data‑driven marketing strategies, ultimately expanding market reach and influencing consumer purchasing behavior in the orthopedic and sports medicine sectors.