Knee Braces Market By Product Type (Prophylactic Knee Braces, Functional Knee Braces, Rehabilitative Knee Braces, Unloader/Offloader Knee Braces); By Application (Injury Prevention, Post-Surgical Rehabilitation, Osteoarthritis Management, Sports and Athletics); By End User (Hospitals, Orthopedic Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Retail Pharmacies and E-commerce); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032.

Knee Braces Market: A Comprehensive Overview and Growth Potential

The global knee braces market was valued at approximately $1.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2030, reaching an estimated market size of $2.6 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by factors such as the rising incidence of osteoarthritis, the growing elderly population, and increasing awareness of preventive orthopedic care.

 

The knee braces market encompasses a range of medical devices designed to provide support, stability, and protection to the knee joint. These braces are widely used for preventive care, post-surgery recovery, and managing chronic knee conditions such as osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, and sports-related injuries. Advancements in materials and design, such as lightweight and customizable braces, have significantly enhanced patient comfort and compliance, fueling market growth globally.

 

Knee Braces Market Dynamics: Navigating Trends and Industry Forces

Knee Braces Market Drivers: Key Catalysts for Growth in Orthopedic Care

Rising Prevalence of Knee Disorders and Injuries: Increasing cases of osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, and sports-related knee injuries fuel the demand for knee braces. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 18% of women and 9.6% of men aged over 60 have symptomatic osteoarthritis, many of which require knee braces for management. The growing number of knee replacement surgeries and post-operative rehabilitation has increased the adoption of functional and rehabilitative knee braces.

Growing Participation in Sports and Physical Activities: The rise in sports participation globally has led to a higher incidence of knee injuries, boosting the demand for prophylactic and functional braces. Sports injuries account for approximately 25% of all musculoskeletal injuries, with knee injuries being the most common. Professional athletes use knee braces to prevent injuries and aid recovery, with brands like Bauerfeind leading in sports-specific braces.

 

Knee Braces Market Opportunities: Emerging Trends and Untapped Potential

Technological Advancements in Knee Braces: Innovations like lightweight materials, 3D-printed custom-fit braces, and smart braces with sensors enhance patient comfort and functionality. The market for smart wearable devices, including sensor-enabled braces, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8%, creating new opportunities. Össur hf. has introduced knee braces with motion sensors that track recovery progress and provide real-time feedback.

Expansion in Emerging Markets: Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America offer significant potential due to increasing healthcare access, growing awareness about joint health, and rising disposable incomes. Brands like DJO Global and Zimmer Biomet are expanding their distribution networks in India and China to tap into the growing demand for orthopedic support.

 

Knee Braces Market Challenges: Overcoming Industry Barriers

High Cost of Advanced Knee Braces: Premium braces with advanced features can be prohibitive for patients, especially in low-income regions. Advanced functional knee braces can cost between $500 and $1,200, limiting their affordability. Smaller clinics in developing countries often rely on basic braces due to budget constraints, reducing the adoption of high-end products.

Availability of Alternative Treatments: The increasing adoption of non-invasive treatments, such as physical therapy and pain management drugs, can reduce the demand for knee braces. Physical therapy and exercise are recommended as the first line of treatment for mild osteoarthritis in over 70% of cases, delaying brace adoption. Patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis may opt for therapy rather than unloader braces, impacting market growth.

 

Knee Braces Market Segmentation: Mapping Product and Application Diversity

By Product Type

• Prophylactic Knee Braces

• Functional Knee Braces

• Rehabilitative Knee Braces

• Unloader/Offloader Knee Braces

 

By Application

• Injury Prevention

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

• Osteoarthritis Management

• Sports and Athletics

 

By End User

• Hospitals

• Orthopedic Clinics

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers

• Retail Pharmacies and E-commerce

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

 

Knee Braces Market Segment Analysis: Spotlight on Leading Categories

Leading Segment: By Product Type

Functional knee braces dominate the product segment, with over 35%. They are widely used for post-injury stabilization, especially for ligament injuries, making them the most preferred type. Athletes recovering from ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injuries frequently use functional braces, with products like DonJoy Defiance III by DJO Global leading the market. Their ability to support weakened knees during recovery and daily activities drives their demand.

Leading Segment: By Application

Osteoarthritis management accounts for over 40% of the application segment. The rising prevalence of osteoarthritis, particularly among the aging population, fuels demand for unloader/offloader knee braces that reduce joint stress and alleviate pain. The OA Nano Brace by Össur hf. is a popular choice for osteoarthritis patients due to its lightweight design and effective pain relief.

Leading Segment: By End User

Retail pharmacies and e-commerce platforms hold over 50% of the market share in this segment. The convenience of online shopping and the availability of a wide range of braces at competitive prices make e-commerce a dominant channel. Retail pharmacies also cater to walk-in patients looking for over-the-counter solutions. Platforms like Amazon and Walmart dominate online sales, while pharmacies such as CVS Health and Walgreens lead offline retail.

Leading Regions:

North America leads the knee braces market, accounting for approximately 40% of the global revenue.  In the U.S., organizations like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommend knee braces as a standard part of injury management and rehabilitation. Advanced healthcare infrastructure, high sports participation rates, and increasing cases of osteoarthritis drive growth in this region.

 

Knee Braces Market Key Players: Industry Leaders Driving Innovation

• Breg, Inc.

• DJO Global, Inc.

• Össur hf.

• Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

• Bauerfeind AG

• Thuasne Group

• 3M Company

• DeRoyal Industries, Inc.

• Medline Industries, LP

• Orthofix Medical Inc.

 

Knee Braces Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2023 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2023	USD 1.7 billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 2.6 billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.5%
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Billion, CAGR (2023 - 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Application, By End User, By Region
By Product Type	Prophylactic Knee Braces, Functional Knee Braces, Rehabilitative Knee Braces, Unloader Braces
By Application	Injury Prevention, Post-Surgical Rehabilitation, Osteoarthritis Management, Sports and Athletics
By End User	Hospitals, Orthopedic Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Retail Pharmacies and E-commerce
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil, etc.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.

 

Key Strategies:

• Product Innovation and Customization: Innovations such as 3D printing, lightweight materials, and smart braces with sensors are gaining traction. Össur hf. launched smart knee braces with integrated motion sensors to track recovery progress and provide real-time feedback for patients and clinicians.

• Expansion into Emerging Markets: Leading players target emerging regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America to capitalize on rising healthcare infrastructure and increase sports participation. DJO Global expanded its distribution network in India and Brazil to cater to the growing demand for orthopedic support.

• Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships: Companies are forming partnerships with hospitals, sports teams, and rehabilitation centers to enhance product adoption and visibility. For example, Bauerfeind AG partnered with sports organizations to promote its braces among professional athletes and enthusiasts.

 

Future Outlook

The global knee braces market is projected to experience steady growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of knee disorders such as osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. This growth is further supported by rising awareness of preventive healthcare and sports injury management. Advancements in materials, design, and the integration of smart technologies are anticipated to transform the market, enhancing comfort, functionality, and personalized care. Additionally, the demand for cost-effective and eco-friendly braces is expected to rise, aligning with global sustainability goals. The knee braces market is poised for robust development, fueled by innovation and a focus on patient-centric solutions.