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By Mayo Clinic staffDiscuss your interest in knee braces with your doctor. Together you can weigh the benefits and risks of knee braces to decide whether they are right for you.
If you decide to try a knee brace, you'll need to:
- Get a prescription from your doctor. Most knee braces for osteoarthritis require a prescription.
- Consider the cost. Knee braces may range in cost from a few hundred dollars for a standard model to more than $1,000 for a custom-made knee brace. Health insurance doesn't always cover this cost. Medicare may cover part of the cost of your knee brace, depending on your coverage. Check with Medicare or your insurance company about your coverage.
- Make an appointment with an orthotist. Ask your doctor for a referral to an orthotist who can help you select a knee brace and make sure it fits you well.
- Gather your records. Prepare for your appointment with the orthotist by gathering your medical records. In many cases your doctor may forward your records to the orthotist. An accurate overview of your condition and medical history helps the orthotist determine which knee brace may be best for you.
