A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for supporting joints including a contoured brace having a Support Stiffness Insert (SSI) configured to be inserted into a cavity within the joint brace. In various embodiments, the contours of the brace fit the curves of the body to increase support, mobility and comfort. The SSI has a asymmetrical shape with a curved surface facing the body joint and a flat surface facing the opposite direction. The SSI is made of flexible materials such as rubber, gel, neoprene, and the like, while in other various embodiments, the SSI comprises a fluid sack with adjustable volume, pressure, stiffness, and shape of the joint brace. The joint brace may include a Decorative Pattern Insert (DPI) inserted into a transparent window to change the decorative appearance of the joint brace or to reduce its visibility by using a DPI with natural skin tones.
