Knee bursitis occurs when the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs around the knee joint, become inflamed. These sacs act as cushions to reduce friction between tissues such as bones, muscles, and tendons. When inflamed, they can cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
What is Knee Bursitis?
There are several types of knee bursitis, depending on which bursa is affected:
Prepatellar Bursitis (Housemaid’s Knee): This affects the bursa in front of the kneecap and is often linked to prolonged kneeling.
Infrapatellar Bursitis: Located below the kneecap, this is common in athletes and those with repetitive jumping activities.
Pes Anserinus Bursitis: Found on the inner side of the knee, often related to overuse or obesity.
Suprapatellar Bursitis: Occurs above the kneecap and may be caused by trauma or infection.
Types of Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis can result from various factors, including:
Repetitive Pressure or Overuse: Frequent kneeling or bending.
Direct Trauma: A blow to the knee can lead to immediate inflammation.
Infection: If bacteria enter the bursa, it can result in septic bursitis.
Underlying Health Conditions: Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis can increase the risk.
What Causes Knee Bursitis?
What are the Symptoms of Knee Bursitis?
Common symptoms include:
Swelling at the front, inside, or above the knee.
Pain that may worsen with movement or pressure.
Warmth and redness around the affected area.
Limited range of motion due to pain and swelling.
How is Knee Bursitis Diagnosed & Treated?
A physiotherapist or doctor will assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and examine your knee. In some cases, imaging tests like an MRI, ultrasound, or X-ray may be recommended to rule out other issues.
Treatment varies depending on the severity and cause of the bursitis. Options include:
Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that aggravate symptoms.
Ice Therapy: Applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain.
Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or prescribed medication.
Physiotherapy: Tailored exercises to improve knee range of motion, strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint and reduce pain.
Assistive Devices: Knee pads or crutches to reduce pressure.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections in severe cases.
Physiotherapy is effective in managing knee bursitis by:
Improving knee strength and stability.
Increasing flexibility to relieve pressure on the affected bursa.
Reducing pain and swelling through manual therapy and therapeutic exercises.
Advising on correct movement techniques to avoid aggravating the condition.
Establishing a plan to modify aggravating activities and manage load.
Preventing Knee Bursitis
To reduce the risk of knee bursitis:
Use knee pads if kneeling for prolonged periods.
Maintain a healthy weight to lessen joint stress.
Warm up properly before physical activity.
Strengthen and stretch the muscles around the knee.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or symptoms of infection (fever, chills, redness), seek medical advice promptly.
If you're dealing with knee pain or suspect bursitis, our experienced physiotherapists at Melbourne Physio Clinic can help you recover and return to your regular activities safely.