Bursitis is the chronic or acute inflammation of bursae, the fluid-filled pads that act as cushions between bones, muscles, and tendons near the joints. While the most common locations for bursitis to develop are in the elbow, shoulder, and hip, the condition can also occur in your knee. Recently, I developed a moderate case of bursitis that had left me with uncomfortable symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness.
To remedy the problem, my doctor recommended plenty of rest, ice, and pain relievers. He also suggested the use of an assistive device, more specifically, a knee brace. For individuals suffering from bursitis, a knee brace can help relieve pressure off of the affected area, thus reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness. At that point, I was willing to try anything, so I scoured the internet for the best knee brace for bursitis.
If you’re unfamiliar with knee braces, you may be overwhelmed when you see the plethora of options available on the market. Here’s a look at some of the best braces I came across that were highly effective in eliminating my symptoms while promoting fast and problem-free healing.
What to Look for in a Knee Brace for Bursitis:
- Types: There are four main types of knee braces currently on the market: prophylactic, functional, rehabilitative, and unloader/off loader braces. You will want to find the best brace type for your specific injury.
- Size: You’ll also want to look at size. Some knee braces offer a universal fit, meaning one-size-fits-most. Others come in a range of sizes, typically small to extra-extra-large. Having a good fit is key for proper healing.
- Mobility: While you want a knee brace that compresses, protects, and stabilizes your injured knee, you don’t want a brace that will prevent mobility. Lack of mobility can result in stiffness which can interfere with the healing process.
- Material: The material in which a brace is made plays a vital role in its effectiveness and comfort. Most modern braces are made from neoprene, a breathable, stretchy material that works great to compress and protect.
1. Kinetiks Best Choice Knee Brace Support
In my case of bursitis, every harsh movement or point of pressure was a source of pain. One of the first braces I tried that immediately reduced my discomfort was the Kinetiks Best Choice Knee Brace Support. What makes it the best knee brace for bursitis is its innovative design and heat-retaining neoprene material that provides natural pain relief.
Designed to provide relief for individuals with bursitis, patellar tendonitis, arthritis, runner’s knee, and meniscus knee injuries, the brace allowed me to continue on with my daily activities without fear of knee pain. The durable knee brace stayed in place all day due to the Velcro straps and is adjustable for maximum comfort.
What Users Are Saying:
- Immediate relief from knee bursitis!
- This knee brace is an absolute miracle
- Easily adjustable
- The right support for your knee
- Lightweight, non-bulky, and comfortable
- This knee brace helped me tremendously
2. Bursitis Knee Brace for Inflammation & Swelling
It’s not always easy to find a knee brace that stays in place all day. Most slip or bunch up, causing frustration. I found that the Bursitis Knee Brace for Inflammation and Swelling to be a high-quality option for those who want the best of all worlds: comfort, stability, compression, and effectiveness.
The brace has a unique contoured silicone ring design that helps to distribute pressure away from the injured knee. It’s constructed of knitted, stretchy two-way elastic material that provides a comfortable compression to the kneecap. Best of all, you can customize the fit by measuring the circumference of your knee.
What Users Are Saying:
- Supportive brace
- Very comfortable
- I wear this while at work and while working out
- Size is accurate
- The knee brace has allowed me to be active again
- Does everything it says it will
3. Tech Ware Pro Knee Brace
What I loved about this next knee brace is its two-part design. The Tech Ware Pro Knee Brace features an open patella neoprene brace and four spring stabilizers to provide the user with superior knee stability. I also liked the bi-directional strap system that gives balanced compression around the circumference of the knee for optimal comfort.
In addition to relieving pain in bursitis patients, the brace also relieves ACL, MCL, LCL, arthritis, meniscus tear, and tendonitis pain. What makes it the best knee brace for bursitis and those on-the-go is its breathable, moisture-wicking neoprene material with non-slip silicone strips. You can rest assured that it will stay in place all day.
What Users Are Saying:
- Stays up well and support my knee
- Fits comfortably, even on bigger legs
- Nicely made, well-designed knee brace
- Best brace I’ve ever used
- Great price and did the job perfectly
- Supports my knee and doesn’t feel bulky
4. Ultra Flex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
I prefer to use different knee braces for different activities. When I’m engaged in sports, I reach for my Ultra Flex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve. Not only does this knee brace reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, it also stimulates blood flow and has a therapeutic heating effect that aids in muscular recovery.
It’s the perfect device for those who engage in any type of physical activity, as well as those who are recovering from knee injuries or surgeries. The anti-slip silicone ensures that it stays in place and the comfortable compression provides the knee with effective protection and moderate support.
What Users Are Saying:
- Best knee support ever!
- This brace is absolutely amazing
- Great quality and non-bulky
- Excellent fit and flexible as well
- High quality, true to size
- Nice thickness that makes it comfortable to wear
5. EXOUS Bodygear Knee Brace
If you need a heavy-duty knee brace that will provide all-day comfort and support, opt for the EXOUS Bodygear Knee Brace. What makes it the best knee brace for bursitis is its best in class design featuring a unique four-way compression system that wraps the knee at all angles, giving the user maximum support for their weak or injured knees.
I also like the two cross over straps located above and below the knee cap. These straps are specifically designed to compress around the patella tendon, reducing inflammation and improving pain by properly aligning the kneecap. There is also a comfort gap at the back of the knee that prevents the neoprene from scrunching up.
What Users Are Saying:
- Supportive, customizable knee brace
- Excellent Velcro straps
- Great product – holds knee comfortably
- The brace offers flexibility for bending
- I’m sure I’ll be using this for years
- Durable material and offers the perfect fit
