Knee Braces Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Prophylactic, Functional, Rehabilitative, and Unloader), By Application (Sports, Ligament, Arthritis, and Others), By End Use (Orthopedic Clinics, OTC, Hospitals, Others), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.34 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.63%
Fastest Growing Segment	Functional
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 1.97 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Knee Braces Market will grow from USD 1.34 Billion in 2025 to USD 1.97 Billion by 2031 at a 6.63% CAGR. Knee braces are specialized medical devices designed to support, align, or immobilize the knee joint to facilitate rehabilitation and manage musculoskeletal disorders. The market is primarily propelled by the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis and a global increase in sports-related injuries among an aging population that increasingly prioritizes non-invasive orthopedic solutions. These factors collectively sustain demand for prophylactic and functional bracing products. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in 2024, sports-related orthopaedic injuries in the senior population were projected to increase by 123% by 2040, highlighting the expanding necessity for supportive mobility aids.

Despite this positive trajectory, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the high cost associated with custom-fitted braces and limited reimbursement coverage in developing regions. This financial barrier restricts widespread patient access to premium orthopedic technologies and often compels reliance on less effective or generic alternatives, thereby hampering revenue growth in price-sensitive territories.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in sports-related knee injuries and ligament trauma serves as a primary catalyst for the Global Knee Braces Market, necessitating advanced orthotic solutions for both functional support and prophylactic care. As participation in high-impact athletic activities rises across diverse age groups, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscal damage has intensified, driving the adoption of specialized bracing for injury prevention and stability. This trend is quantified by recent trauma statistics; according to the National Safety Council, in 2024, in the 'Injury Facts' report, sports and recreational injuries increased by 17%, reflecting a heightened susceptibility to musculoskeletal trauma that directly fuels the demand for rehabilitation devices. This escalation in activity-related incidents highlights the critical need for protective mobility aids in both amateur and professional sports sectors.

Simultaneously, the market is heavily influenced by the increasing volume of knee reconstruction surgeries and the subsequent need for rigorous post-operative rehabilitation. The growing number of total knee arthroplasties and ligament reconstruction procedures mandates the use of immobilizers and functional braces to protect surgical repairs and restore joint mechanics during recovery. This surgical expansion is evident in industry performance metrics; according to Enovis Corporation, February 2025, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results', net sales in the Reconstructive segment grew 60% on a reported basis, underscoring a significant rise in procedural volumes. This surgical boom directly correlates with bracing demand, as according to Enovis Corporation, February 2025, in the same report, the Prevention and Recovery segment grew 2% on a reported basis, confirming the parallel expansion of the orthopedic support market.

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Key Market Challenges

The high cost associated with custom-fitted knee braces presents a substantial barrier to market expansion, particularly within price-sensitive developing regions. These specialized orthopedic devices often command premium pricing due to their tailored engineering and advanced materials, placing them beyond the financial reach of patients who lack comprehensive insurance coverage. Consequently, a large segment of the potential consumer base is compelled to forgo optimal bracing solutions or rely on lower-cost, generic off-the-shelf alternatives. This shift significantly restricts the adoption of high-margin advanced products, thereby suppressing revenue potential for manufacturers in these territories.

Furthermore, inadequate reimbursement frameworks exacerbate this economic challenge, leaving many individuals solely responsible for their rehabilitation expenses. This financial strain directly impedes widespread access to necessary musculoskeletal support. According to the World Health Organization, in 2024, more than 50% of people in some low- and middle-income countries did not receive the rehabilitation services they required. This distinct lack of access, driven by underfunded health systems and coverage limitations, effectively caps the market addressable by premium knee brace suppliers and sustains a gap between clinical need and product utilization.

Key Market Trends

Development of Biofeedback-Enabled Systems for Neuromuscular Control is reshaping the market by addressing complex mobility impairments through advanced neuro-orthotic solutions. These systems utilize sensor-driven feedback to actively assist gait and restore functional movement in patients with neurological conditions, moving beyond the capabilities of traditional static supports. This technological shift toward intelligent mobility aids is driving significant segment performance; according to Embla Medical, October 2025, in the 'Interim Report Q3 2025', organic sales in the Prosthetics & Neuro Orthotics segment grew by 13%, highlighting the rapid clinical uptake of these sophisticated devices. This surge reflects a growing preference for high-tech solutions that integrate rehabilitation directly into daily mobility assistance.

Advancements in Dynamic Unloader Mechanisms for Osteoarthritis Management are simultaneously sustaining demand within the conservative care sector. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing the development of lightweight, high-efficacy bracing systems designed to alleviate unicompartmental knee pressure and delay surgical intervention for active demographics. This focus on non-invasive osteoarthritis solutions has bolstered divisional revenues despite the market's maturity. According to Enovis Corporation, November 2025, in the 'Third Quarter 2025 Results', the Prevention and Recovery segment, which houses the bracing portfolio, achieved 6% growth on a reported basis, driven by consistent commercial execution and momentum in new product introductions. This steady expansion underscores the enduring reliance on functional unloading technology for chronic joint pain management.

Segmental Insights

The Functional segment is currently the fastest-growing category in the global knee braces market, driven by the rising prevalence of ligament injuries and the critical need for post-operative stability. These braces are essential for patients recovering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction, as they provide necessary protection during the return to physical activity. Additionally, favorable coverage policies from major institutions, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, have significantly improved patient access to these devices. This combination of clinical necessity and economic support underpins the segment’s rapid expansion.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the global knee braces market, supported by established healthcare infrastructure and favorable reimbursement frameworks. The presence of comprehensive insurance coverage, guided by policies from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, significantly improves patient access to orthopedic solutions. Additionally, the high prevalence of osteoarthritis and sports-related injuries drives consistent demand for corrective and rehabilitative devices. This regional strength is further reinforced by a clear regulatory environment under the Food and Drug Administration, which ensures product safety and standardizes market entry for manufacturers.

Recent Developments

• In May 2024, McDavid launched the NRG knee brace line, which incorporated a proprietary spring-loaded hinge technology designed to assist joint movement. This innovation allowed the brace to store energy during flexion and release it during extension, reportedly reducing stress on the knee joint by a significant margin. The product line included both a slip-on brace and a wrap-style option, targeting athletes and active individuals recovering from injuries or managing joint instability. The launch emphasized the combination of structural support with energy-returning mechanics to enhance performance and reduce fatigue.
• In April 2024, Orthoservice Ro+Ten Group announced a strategic partnership with Sensoria Health to integrate advanced wearable technology into its orthopedic product line. This collaboration aimed to embed smart sensors into knee braces, enabling remote patient monitoring and the collection of biomechanical data during rehabilitation. The integration of this technology was intended to provide clinicians and patients with real-time feedback on adherence to treatment plans and recovery progress, marking a significant step toward the digitalization of orthopedic bracing solutions for ligament injuries and osteoarthritis.
• In February 2024, EVS Sports introduced the Web Eclipse Knee Brace, a high-performance protective device developed specifically for motocross athletes. This new product was constructed using aerospace-grade carbon fiber to ensure a lightweight yet high-strength frame capable of withstanding significant impact. The brace featured floating knee cup technology for self-positioning impact protection and a specialized ventilation system to enhance comfort during intense physical activity. The launch highlighted the company's focus on combining advanced materials with functional design to prevent knee injuries in high-impact sports.
• In January 2024, a subsidiary of Enovis Corporation launched a new unloader knee brace designed for patients with osteoarthritis, knee pain, or instability. The device, marketed as the DonJoy ROAM OA, was engineered to offload pressure from the affected knee compartment, thereby dynamically relieving pain and improving stability for conservative care or postsurgical protection. Key features of the product included magnetic clips for easier strap alignment and a dial-based fit system that allowed patients to adjust support and pain relief levels on demand without altering provider settings.

Key Market Players

• Breg, Inc.
• Bauerfeind USA Inc.
• Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA
• Össur hf
• Enovis Corporation
• Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc.
• Weber Orthopedic LP. DBA Hely & Weber.
• Dicarre LLC
• Thuasne USA, Inc.
• Icarus Medical Innovations

By Product	By Application	By End Use	By Region
Prophylactic Functional Rehabilitative and Unloader	Sports Ligament Arthritis and Others	Orthopedic Clinics OTC Hospitals Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Knee Braces Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Knee Braces Market, By Product:

• Prophylactic
• Functional
• Rehabilitative
• and Unloader

• Knee Braces Market, By Application:

• Sports
• Ligament
• Arthritis
• and Others

• Knee Braces Market, By End Use:

• Orthopedic Clinics
• OTC
• Hospitals
• Others

• Knee Braces Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE