Kneepads are good. They save a lot of wear and tear. As you get older kneeling takes a heavier toll. Avoiding the damage is much more effective than trying to speed healing by babying a damaged joint.

If you play sports, or undertake other activities where a sideways hit can damage a knee, consider the type of simple hinged brace that will protect the knees from side pressure and impacts. These are available at many sporting good stores. Wear them for sports and where such impacts are likely.

I have had problems with my knees. Had one reconstructed. In my experience braces are okay when healing after an injury or surgery.

I do not recommend routine wearing of braces because they can, IMHO, end up being a crutch that keeps you from building up the knee so it protects itself. Wear a brace just long enough for the knees to recover so you can get past the initial stages of physical therapy. Then, under advisement of the therapist, ween yourself off the brace and concentrate on building up the knees through hard work at physical therapy.

Build up the connective tissues and your knees will be much more resistant to damage. That is protection that is with you 24/7.