braces will definitely help short term but long term use will actually weaken the muscles and force you to become reliant on a brace to work. I personally dont like bulky knee pads. I found a knee compression sleeve that has a decent cushion on the kneecap area. Probably wont last as long as kneepads but not nearly as bulky
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0997VXC6D/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have leg and knee issues and I am older so I bought these for support. They have a nice gel ring around the kneecap area that does well for cushion against floor. Probably wont last as long as a knee pad but not as bulky and awkward
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0997VXC6D/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1
I've had 2 ACL surgeries and 3 meniscus scopes in the same knee. I'm in my mid-30s and now have early onset arthritis. This $20 brace from Amazon is about 90% as good as the $200 Bauerfeind I got from my orthopedist.
I have a couple of these and they’ve worked well without being too cumbersome. brace