The rubbery C-shaped disc cushioning your knee is a meniscus. There are two menisci in each knee. One at the inner side and the other on the outer side. It is this meniscus that helps to keep your knee steady. It balances your body weight around your knee. If there is a tear in the meniscus, you will experience a lot of pain. It will also prevent the proper functioning of your knee.

Causes
A meniscus tear happens when the knee is twisted or turned abruptly while the foot is still flat on the ground. It can occur due to heavy weight lifting or while playing high-impact sports. A brace for meniscus tear can prevent and protect you from further injury.

Symptoms
You can distinguish the types of meniscus tear based on its symptoms. The types can range from being minor to more severe tear. A minor tear involves a slight swelling of the knee and can last up to 2 to 3 weeks. If the swelling has aggravated after a sudden twist or turn, you might be experiencing a partial tear. In this regard, a moderate medial or lateral meniscus tear brace can ease the pain.

In the case of a moderate tear, the pain lies in the center of the knee. The swelling is visible over 1 or 2 days. In this case, walking is possible, but the bending of the knee might cause stiffness. The symptoms arrive and withdraw over a prolonged period. They can cause enough trouble unless treated at the right time. A meniscus tear brace with two sturdy aluminum uprights and bilateral hinges will be beneficial in the case of a moderate tear.

A severe tear is considered as an extreme case. A severe tear tends to happen when the meniscus flows into the knee joint area. You will find it difficult to walk, bend, or turn your knee. You might feel that your knee seems locked up. Sometimes, the swelling returns after 2 to 3 days of the injury. So, often you might not even realize that you suffer from a meniscus tear. A thigh and calf strap will help to compress the knee joint, effectively relieving the pain.

Cure

• Once diagnosed by the physician, the treatment will vary based on the severity of the injury.
• For a minor injury, rest, ice packs, and elastic bandage wrapping can be beneficial.
• For a moderate injury, you will have to undergo physical therapy.
• A major injury requires surgery along with the use of a special brace for meniscus tear.

Two types of meniscus tear braces are available. The suitability of each depends on the function or severity of the tear.

Unloader knee brace
The first type is called the unloader knee brace. You will need this meniscus tear brace on two occasions. First, if the meniscus tear is one-sided, i.e. the injury is in one compartment. Secondly, in the case of osteoarthritis, where the meniscus has worn thin due to a bone-on-bone rubbing. This knee brace releases the pain on the damaged side to either the lateral or medial compartment. A few recommendations of unloader knee brace for meniscus tear are as follows:

• Donjoy Reaction Web Knee Brace:  You can use this knee brace for anterior pain. You can get this knee brace for about $100. It is available in all sizes from XS to XXXL. You have five colors to choose from to brighten your brace for meniscus tear.
• Donjoy Defiance III Custom Knee Brace:  This is best for ligament protection, especially if you are into contact sports. It prevents and protects from adding further injury to the already damaged portion. Its price is around $800.
• Donjoy performer Hinge Patella Knee Brace:  This brace for meniscus tear is ideal for ligament sprains and strains. This knee brace also addresses Osgood Schlatter and patella instabilities. Its price is around $40, and it comes in sizes ranging from S to XXL.
• Donjoy OA Adjuster 3 Knee Brace:  Priced at about $600, this brace for meniscus tear is highly durable due to the aluminum frame. This knee tear brace provides the highest condylar separation. It has a sleek design with nano MAG technology that gives you the ultimate comfort.

Ligament brace
You need a ligament brace when there is an injury in the meniscus compartments from both sides. This leads to intense osteoarthritis. This helps in soothing pain in the lateral and medial compartments. Here are a few suggestions you can use to find the right ligament brace for you.

• Economy Hinged Knee:  This product is designed to protect from re-injury and is best for protection and prevention of MCL, LCL, and ligament injuries. Its price is at around $70 and comes in all sizes to fit into your knee.
• Donjoy Deluxe Hinge Knee Brace:  It is best suited for OA, ligament injuries, meniscus injuries, and sprain. Its price is around $120, and it comes in sizes ranging from XS to 3X-Large. It ensures great comfort.