Compression and bracing: finding the right joint support

Elbow Foot and ankle Hand and wrist Knee

Expertly designed support. Made for everyday life.

Choosing a joint support should feel reassuring. That starts with knowing who makes it, what it is designed to do and how it should fit.

We work with Össur, a leading specialist in orthopaedic bracing and supports, to bring its Formfit Pro range directly to you through Joint Pain Freedom.

Specialist expertise. Support from an established healthcare manufacturer with a long history in helping people stay mobile.
Designed around movement. Compression and a close, flexible fit to support you during everyday activity.
Comfort matters. Breathable fabrics that help manage moisture, making support easier to wear.
A clearer choice. Information on suitability and sizing to help you choose, with your clinician’s guidance where needed.

Professional expertise, with the convenience of ordering your support directly.

Finding the right level of support

Support runs from a simple sleeve to a hybrid structured compressive brace. For the full bracing option, you can learn more on the bracing page.

Compression sleeves

Most people with joint pain benefit from compression or light support sleeves, which give warmth, mild stability and better joint awareness while allowing natural movement.

Hybrid braces

The Össur Formfit Pro OA combines compression with targeted stability. Popular with active people with mild to moderate OA, it is low-profile, easy to wear under trousers and people stick with it.

Structured braces for arthritis

Used when a joint needs more support with correct alignment, or when a joint already has bone-on-bone arthritis. Or perhaps for rehabilitation after surgery. A strcutured unloader tends to be an option suggest by a healthcare proffesional.

Specialist braces / ligament stability

Some are made for sports such as skiing or for return-to-sport rehab, and can be considered directly by the patient. Often, it is following a clinical diagnosis like torn meniscus or a ligament rehab protocol.

Where to start

If you have joint pain during a specific activity, the FromFit range offers many levels of support and does not need any proffesional support to fit. You can view all the options within the 'Staying Active' shop which is linked on this page

Choosing the right Compression Sleeve

Compression sleeves with built-in specific support structures are available for many joints – Ankle, Hand, Elbow, etc. Here we bredilfy describe a Knee range of options.

FormFit Pro Knee - Everyday support

A lightweight, breathable sleeve that provides compression and cushioning around the whole knee and kneecap. Designed for knee discomfort and conditions that benefit from compressive support during movement.

Formfit Pro Knee OA - Targeting early arthritis

Combines a compression sleeve with an adjustable strap designed to reduce loading on the affected side of the knee. An option for early osteoarthritis suffers that like to stay very active.

Formfit Tracker - Kneecap support

Designed for pain linked to the kneecap moving out of alignment. An adjustable support beside the kneecap helps guide its movement, with lightweight fabric for comfort during activity esecpially knee bending excercise.

Formfit Hinged Lateral J - Kneecap tracking

More in the bracing category. A pull-on sleeve with a shaped pad supporting the outer side of the kneecap and removable hinges for added support. Used for kneecap tracking problems or a tendency for the kneecap to slip outwards.

Part of your plan to keep moving

The right support can play a useful part in your joint care, alongside exercise, treatment and advice tailored to you.

Alongside physiotherapy

A support may make movement feel more comfortable while you work on strength, balance, and gradually increasing activity.

Alongside injections treatments

If an injection is part of your care, a suitable support may help during everyday activity. Your clinician can advise whether combining them makes sense for you.

With the right fit and advice

Different supports do different jobs. Clear sizing guidance and advice from your clinician can help you choose the right option and understand when to wear it.

FAQs about sleeves and bracing

Can a brace help with joint pain or arthritis?

Often, yes. Compression sleeves help with swelling and joint awareness, and structured braces add stability when the joint feels less supported. The right level depends on the joint and the stage of the condition.

Should I speak to a clinician before using a brace?

Many people try simple compression sleeves themselves. Structured braces are best chosen with a physiotherapist, sports medicine clinician or orthopaedic specialist.

Can bracing be combined with physiotherapy?

Yes, and they often work well together. Physiotherapy builds strength and control; a brace supports you while those improve.

Can bracing be used alongside injection treatments?

Yes. Clinicians sometimes recommend bracing alongside injections such as hyaluronic acid, which work inside the joint while the brace improves stability from outside.

Can wearing a brace weaken the joint?

Used appropriately, no. Braces are worn during activity or when extra support helps, while strengthening work continues. The goal is not to rely on a brace permanently.

When might more specialised bracing be needed?

For ligament injuries, return-to-sport rehabilitation or demanding activities such as skiing. These braces may guide or limit movement and are usually chosen with a specialist clinician.

Compression explained

Supports that may help

You’ll find the full range within the Staying Active shop. Click one of the options or the ‘shop all supports’ link below.

Ossur Formfit OA Knee

Who this is for: Early knee osteoarthritis, causing stiffness, swelling or reduced confidence during movement. Medical-grade compression with structured stability to help reduce knee pain and support comfortable, everyday activity without bulk.

£270

Order now

Össur Formfit Knee Hinged Brace

Who this is for: A comfortable hinged knee brace for people recovering from mild to moderate ligament injuries, knee sprains or general instability. The breathable pull-on sleeve provides compression, while the supportive side hinges help improve stability during movement and rehabilitation.

£85

Order now

Össur Formfit® Pro Knee

Who this is for For general knee discomfort, mild instability or kneecap irritation affecting everyday movement. Gentle compression with targeted patella support to improve comfort and confidence during daily activity and exercise without restricting movement.

£60

Order now

Össur Formfit® Pro Ankle

Who this is for For mild ankle sprains, instability or ligament irritation during recovery. Medical-grade compression with targeted ankle cushioning to reduce swelling and provide supportive stability without restricting movement.

£55

Order now

Össur Formfit Pro Elbow

Who this is for For tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow or general tendon irritation limiting sport and daily activity. Targeted compression with integrated cushioning to reduce swelling and support irritated tendons while allowing natural movement.

£70

Order now

Össur Formfit Gel Ankle Stirrup

Who this is for For moderate to severe ankle sprains, post-cast recovery or chronic instability needing firm side-to-side protection. Rigid stirrup-style support with gel cushioning to limit ankle rollover and stabilise the joint during rehabilitation and return to activity.

£50

Order now

Össur Form Fit Ankle Speed Brace

Who this is for For moderate ankle sprains, chronic instability or recurring ankle rollovers during sport or daily activity. Hybrid ankle support combining compression with stirrup-style stability to limit inversion and eversion while allowing confident movement.

£42

Order now

Össur Formfit® Pro Wrist Compression Sleeve

Who this is for For wrist sprains, tendonitis, overuse pain or inflammatory flare-ups affecting grip and daily movement. Breathable compression with structured stabilisation to support the joint while allowing controlled, everyday activity.

£55

Order now

Shop all supports