How Compression Works on the Knee, and What It Can and Cannot Do

Compression is mentioned very often in connection with knee sleeves. But what does it actually mean, and how can gentle pressure around the knee help? This article explains in simple words how compression works, what a soft knee sleeve can and cannot do and how to recognize the right pressure for you.

Compression in short

Compression simply means even pressure around a part of the body. A knee sleeve made of stretchy fabric wraps around the knee and the area just above and below it. The pressure of a soft sleeve is gentle and spread over a large surface. That is different from medical compression stockings, which are prescribed for vein problems and have a precisely defined pressure, and from rigid braces with hinges and straps, which limit movement. If you are unsure which type suits you, read our article on the difference between a knee sleeve, brace and bandage.

How gentle compression can help

• A feeling of support. Many people say the knee feels more held and stable with a sleeve, so they move more easily.
• Better awareness of the knee. The gentle pressure on the skin may help you feel the position and movement of the knee more clearly. Many people find this reassuring on stairs or uneven ground.
• A warm knee. A sleeve keeps the knee warm, and many people with stiff knees find this pleasant, especially in the morning and in cold weather.
• Comfort on long days. For some people, a knee that feels puffy toward the end of the day feels more comfortable with even, gentle pressure.

The limits of compression

• it cannot repair cartilage, a meniscus or a ligament,
• it does not replace exercise, because strong muscles remain the most important support for the knee,
• it does not give the firm stability of a rigid brace, which some injuries require,
• it does not help everyone in the same way, so it is worth watching how your own knee responds.

More about common myths is in our article on whether a knee sleeve helps.

The right pressure

A good sleeve fits snugly but comfortably. You should be able to bend the knee freely, and the fabric should not slide down the leg or pinch behind the knee. Stronger is not better: if the sleeve leaves deep marks, causes tingling or numbness, or if the lower leg becomes white, cold or swollen, the sleeve is too small or squeezes too hard. Take it off and choose a larger size.

When caution is needed

Talk to your doctor before wearing compression if you have circulation problems in the legs, diabetes with reduced feeling in the feet, skin problems in the area or have recently had surgery. If one calf is suddenly swollen, warm and painful, do not wear compression and see a doctor quickly, as described in our article on knee arthritis and calf pain. For most people with everyday knee discomfort, however, a soft sleeve is a simple and pleasant way to keep the knee supported and warm while staying active.

A sleeve you will actually wear

The best sleeve is the one that does not end up in a drawer. The KeenTrove Bamboo Knee Sleeve is made for exactly that:

• soft, breathable bamboo, comfortable even in summer
• fits snugly but does not dig in behind the knee
• does not lock the knee, so you move naturally
• wear it under your clothes during the day and in bed at night

With 60 days to get your money back, you have nothing to lose.

See the bamboo knee sleeve →

Note: this article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have circulation problems or diabetes, or have recently had knee surgery, talk to your doctor before wearing compression.