Are you experiencing an uncomfortable swelling in your knee or has the skin on your knee turned red and tender? You might have knee bursitis or inflammation of the knee’s bursa.
Knee bursitis can occur in any part of the knee—above, below, or in the kneecap. Bursas are small fluid-filled sacs found in the knee joint. They prevent the various knee tissues from rubbing against each other, which can cause immobility and excruciating pain. When knee bursitis develops, a bursa becomes inflamed. Knee bursitis is typically a temporary condition, and you can recover completely after treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of knee bursitis include tenderness and swelling in the knee. You may also feel a warm sensation to the touch. Bursitis can cause pain when you move the knee and can limit your knee’s range of motion.
Causes
Knee bursitis can be caused by a variety of things. Here are the most common causes of the condition:
· Athletic Injuries Specific sports involving players who bear blows and fall on their knees frequently have an increased risk of knee bursitis. Some examples include wrestling, volleyball, and football. Additionally, overusing the knees in activities such as running or jumping can cause inflammation in the pes anserine bursa, which can cause bursitis, as well.
· Prolonged Kneeling Prolonged kneeling damages the bursa and decreases joint mobility. If you are in an occupation that involves kneeling for several hours, you have a higher risk of developing knee bursitis. Some examples of these occupations are plumbing, landscaping, and carpentry.
· Obesity Certain types of knee bursitis can be caused by extensive pressure on the knees. Individuals who are overweight have a higher risk of developing knee bursitis because of this.
· Osteoarthritis Knee bursitis is more common among individuals who have conditions such as osteoarthritis.
When to Seek A Doctor’s Help
If you suspect you may have knee bursitis, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. The knee is a complex joint with a variety of muscles, bones, tendons, and other tissue. It is prone to a variety of injuries and bursitis is just one of them. A lot of the times, you may experience overlapping symptoms (such as pain, swelling, tenderness) with a lot of knee conditions.
Getting a doctor to check your knee condition will ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment. While bursitis is not a dangerous condition and can be treated, delaying a diagnosis and treatment can cause you unnecessary pain and symptoms. For a fast and effective recovery, you should get a diagnosis and treatment soon after you experience symptoms.
Doctor’s Diagnosis
The best thing to do when you experience pain, swelling, or inflammation in the knee is to go in for an exam. Your doctor will perform a physical exam on your knee and inquire about your symptoms, lifestyle, and other health conditions. Your doctor may also request imaging tests to get a look inside your knee. Using all of the information collected, your doctor will give you a diagnosis and recommend treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for knee bursitis generally includes a combination of treatment methods. This includes rest, icing, applying compression, and elevating the knee (RICE). Your doctor may also prescribe medications to control pain symptoms, and in some cases, treat an infection. Your treatment may also include physical therapy to improve your flexibility and strengthen your knee muscles.
In most cases, knee bursitis can be treated effectively without surgery. However, if you have chronic bursitis that doesn’t respond to other treatments, you may need surgery to remedy the problem.
Orthopaedic Care in South Texas
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we guarantee that patients will receive the highest quality healthcare. Using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, our experts can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatments available. Call us now at (210) 692-7400 or book an appointment.
