Picking the right knee cap or knee support is very crucial for daily comfort, stability as well as for constant support. It is ideal to have when you are performing physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs or exercise. However, even the best knee cap for pain relief may not actually provide the desired support if you literally choose the wrong size knee support.

An over loose knee cap may fall or slips repeatedly and may not provide the support or stability you need. On the other hand, a tight knee brace may lead to swelling, numbness, tingling as well as restrict the natural blood circulation and feel uncomfortable to wear for a long period of time.

However, properly measuring the knee size and comparing it with the manufacturer sizing chart actually helps you to pick the perfect knee cap fit.

Hence, in this blog we will discuss the expert tips to measure your knee, understand sizing information as well as discuss common mistakes to avoid which will allow you to pick a properly fitted knee support.

Why is the Right Knee Cap Size Important?

A properly fitted knee cap should feel secure as well as provide constant support without causing any pain or discomfort. Moreover, a well-fitted knee cap should allow knee movement such as bending or strengthening while staying at its intended position.

An appropriate size knee support:

• Provides comfortable and constant support to the knee
• Stays in position during movement
• Aids in supporting the knee during movement
• Makes the support easier to wear for longer periods.
• Improves comfort during movements like walking or light exercise
• Prevents slipping and bunching

You should keep in mind that sizes vary with different brands of knee support. Always check the manufacturer’s provided sizing chart before buying one.

What You Need to Measure Your Knee?

Measuring your knee does not need a special tool, instead keep these items:

• A flexible measuring tape
• A chair or place where you can sit
• A pen or paper where you can record your measurements

Avoid using a simple, rigid ruler because it may not follow the natural shape of your leg properly.

Steps to properly measure your knee:

Sit in a Comfortable Position

First sit comfortably on a chair with your leg relaxed. Keep your foot flat on the floor and make sure theory is no bending or stretching of the leg excessively.

Your knee should be in a relaxed state instead of tightening your muscles. Measuring while your leg remains relaxed helps in offering a more accurate measurement.

If you are looking for support for both knees, then measure both the knees separately as one might be different from the other.

Understand Where to Measure

This is one of the most important steps.

For many compression sleeves and knee caps, measurement is taken from the circumference of the leg at a specific point near the knee. Manufacturers may ask you to measure:

• Around the knee cap
• Below the knee cap
• Above the knee cap
• Around thigh or calf

There is no such universal measurement method for every knee cap. That’s why follow the sizing instructions provided by the specific product.

Wrap the Measuring tape Around the Knee

Take the measuring tap and gently wrap it around the specific measurement point recommended by the manufacturer.

Make sure the tape is:

• Straight and level around the leg
• Secured against the skin
• Not digging into the skin
• Not hanging loosely

You should avoid pulling the tap too tightly, instead measure the natural circumference of your knee or leg. Record the measurement on a paper.

Example:

If your measurement comes 38cm. Compare it with the manufacturer’s provided sizing chart to check which size range contains 38cm.

For best results, measure your knee two or three times, if you get slightly different results than before, then check whether the tape is positioned correctly at its intended position. However, if the results only differ by .5cm then you can use the manufacturer instructions to determine which measurement is appropriate.

However if your size falls between two sizes then don’t automatically choose on your own. You should seek professional advice that will assist you to pick the right size knee cap.

Signs Your Knee Cap is Perfect Fit or Not?

The given table provides a quick comparison that helps you to check whether the knee cap you are wearing perfectly fits you or not.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

People should totally avoid these following mistakes while buying or using the knee cap as it can literally reduce the desired results and can even cause discomfort.

• Picking up a size based on your usual clothing size
• Pulling the measure tap too tightly can cause discomfort
• Assuming that all knee caps styles need same measurement method
• Flexing your knee muscles while taking measurements
• Choosing a small size for more compression that may restrict blood circulation
• Ignoring manufacturer’s provided sizing chart while purchasing
• Wearing the knee cap even when you are experiencing constant knee discomfort, numbness as well as swelling

The Bottom Line

For a best knee cap fit, measuring your knee properly matters a lot which takes only a few minutes and helps you avoid a support that is too tight or too loose. Choosing a perfect fit knee cap for pain relief actually depends on secure fit, constant support as well as offering comfort during physical activities.

One important thing you should remember is that there is no single universal knee cap size chart because different brands and styles require different measurements. For that reason, you should follow specific product’s sizing instructions and compare it with your size to get the right fit knee support.