Knee Bursitis

Knee Bursitis - Understanding the Pain and Solutions

Knee bursitis is a condition that can cause discomfort and swelling in the knee area. In this blog, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options for knee bursitis. Discover how physiotherapy can provide effective solutions for pain relief and promote recovery. If you are seeking expert care and personalized solutions, this blog is your guide to regaining mobility and overall well-being. Don't let knee bursitis hold you back; learn how to overcome it and get back to an active lifestyle. Read on to find more about knee bursitis and its management.

What is Knee Bursitis

Knee bursitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammatory condition of a small fluid-filled sac called the prepatellar bursa, which is located near the knee joint. 

The primary function of the bursa is to cushion the pressure points and minimize friction between the tendons, bones, skin, and muscles. A lump-like structure on the front portion of the knee indicates bursitis.

The prepatellar bursa at the front of the knee is more prone to bursitis and produces fluid in excess when inflamed. This fluid deposits in the bursa sac, making it swollen. The swollen and inflamed prepatellar bursa causes the front part of the knee to swell and appear like a lump. Various factors, including injury, irritation, or an underlying medical condition like arthritis, can cause this.

Types of Knee Bursitis

Different types of knee bursitis are classified based on which bursa around the knee becomes inflamed. Identifying the type is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

• Prepatellar Bursitis: Involves the bursa in front of the kneecap. It commonly affects people who kneel for long periods, such as gardeners or plumbers. Swelling is often visible over the patella.
• Infrapatellar Bursitis: Affects the bursa located just below the kneecap. Often triggered by repetitive movements like jumping or running, especially in athletes. It may cause pain when kneeling or climbing stairs.
• Pes Anserine Bursitis: Involves the bursa on the inner side of the knee, below the joint. It is common in overweight individuals, runners, or people with arthritis and can make climbing stairs painful.
• Septic Bursitis: Caused by an infection in the bursa, typically leading to redness, warmth, tenderness, and sometimes fever. This type requires urgent medical attention and is considered more dangerous than other forms.

Knowing which type you have is essential to determine how to treat knee bursitis effectively with the most suitable care plan.

Symptoms of Knee Bursitis 

The most typical symptom of knee bursitis is swelling of the kneecap. When the cause of bursitis is trauma or infection, the symptoms and the inflammation often appear quickly. However, when repeated kneeling causes bursitis, the symptoms may occur over many days or weeks. 

The other common signs and symptoms of knee bursitis are:

• Swelling of the front part of the knee: The inflamed prepatellar bursa fills with excess fluid, making the swelled portion visible through the skin. With time, the swollen area may feel soft or squishy.
• ‍Movement: Even in mild or moderate bursitis cases, it is common to experience movement restriction in the knee joint, with limitations in the range of motion and discomfort during activities requiring bending or straightening the knee.
• Pain and tenderness:  The severity of knee bursitis pain varies in people with bursitis, and the area may feel painful or tender when resting. A person with bursitis may not feel pain when resting, but tenderness is felt during kneeling, pressing over the knee, or bending and becomes more prominent when it is squeezed during straightening or bending of the leg.
• Changes in the skin: The skin on the affected area around the knee appears red or pink and feels warm to the touch, and the skin temperature increases for those with septic bursitis. ‍
• Fever and chills in septic knee bursitis:  Fever, fatigue, and chills are also commonly observed, indicating a more widespread inflammatory response within the body.

Causes of Knee Bursitis

Understanding the knee bursitis causes is essential for identifying the best treatment for bursitis of the knee. The condition may develop due to several factors that irritate or inflame the bursa around the knee:

Repetitive Pressure or Trauma

Frequently kneeling on hard surfaces or performing strenuous activities can inflame the prepatellar bursa, leading to knee bursitis. This is common in professions like plumbing or gardening.

Acute Injuries

A direct blow to the knee may cause blood to enter the bursa, resulting in swelling, pain, and tenderness. Although the blood may get absorbed over time, the bursa around the knee often remains inflamed.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Systemic conditions like arthritis, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis can trigger bursitis by increasing joint inflammation. These underlying diseases can worsen the symptoms and delay recovery.

Infections

In rare cases, a bacterial infection may invade the bursa, causing septic knee bursitis. This condition is usually painful and may be accompanied by fever and redness around the joint.

Metabolic and Lifestyle Factors

Conditions like diabetes, alcoholism, or obesity can compromise the body’s ability to heal, making it harder to fix bursitis in the knee naturally.

If you’re wondering what is knee bursitis, it is important to note that while it may seem minor at first, knee bursitis can become dangerous if left untreated- especially in septic or chronic cases. Consulting a specialist early can help determine how to treat knee bursitis effectively.

Diagnosis of Knee Bursitis

Diagnosing knee bursitis typically begins with a detailed clinical evaluation to identify swelling, tenderness, or redness around the bursa around the knee. Here's what to expect:

• Physical Examination: Your doctor will assess the knee’s range of motion and check for fluid buildup or warmth over the joint.
• Medical History Review: Details about your occupation, recent injuries, and symptoms help rule out other conditions.
• Imaging Tests:
  
  • X-rays rule out fractures or arthritis.
  • Ultrasound or MRI can detect fluid in the bursa and assess soft tissue damage.
• Aspiration (if needed): In suspected infections, fluid from the swollen bursa may be extracted and tested.

Timely diagnosis plays a crucial role in identifying knee bursitis causes and determining the best treatment for bursitis of the knee- especially when complications or underlying conditions are involved.

Physical Therapy for Knee Bursitis 

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating knee bursitis. It effectively reduces pain and inflammation, improves knee joint mobility, and strengthens muscles around the knee. An expert physiotherapist provides guidance, advice, and tips to promote healing and restore optimal function. Some common physiotherapy treatments include manual therapy like soft tissue mobilisation, electrotherapy, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, ice or heat therapy, acupuncture or dry needling, and other adjunctive treatments that help alleviate pain and swelling. 

These provide stability and support to the knee as it recovers from the condition. A physiotherapist is well-trained to help patients follow the best practices that will facilitate recovery in knee bursitis and prevent future injuries. 

When to See a Physiotherapist for Knee Bursitis 

If you experience knee pain, swelling, or inflammation and observe a lump-like structure on the knee, it is best advised to visit a physiotherapist. An expert physiotherapist can help you with the following:

• Advice on how to avoid pressure or pain in the affected area.
• Advice on the application of ice packs
• Treatments and electrothermal modalities that control and reduce pain and inflammation.
• Restoration of normal movement of the knee and leg
• Stretching of tight leg muscles
• Learning the correct exercises to strengthen the knee
• Improving the muscular endurance of the leg
• Regaining balance and restoration of speed
• Learning strengthening and stretching exercises at home
• Setting goals to resume normal activities 

Potential Risks of Knee Bursitis

 While knee bursitis can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk of developing knee bursitis. Some of the risks of bursitis include:

• Engaging in prolonged and strenuous activities
• Blow or injury to the knee
• Complications occurring due to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Sustained or frequent pressure, such as kneeling on hard surfaces
• Infection of the bursa 

Essential Physical Therapy Tips for Knee Bursitis Recovery 

Embarking on a journey towards knee bursitis recovery requires professional guidance, but incorporating practical physical therapy tips can significantly promote healing and improve joint function.

Some essential tips are as follows-

• Consult an Expert Physiotherapist: Partner with a seasoned professional to assess the severity of your knee bursitis and design a personalized recovery plan that suits your specific needs.
• Optimise Pain Management: Employ a combination of effective techniques, including ice/heat therapy, taping, and cutting-edge modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or laser therapy, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Embrace Targeted Exercises: Engage in a carefully curated range of motion and strengthening exercises, recommended by your expert physiotherapist, to enhance knee joint function and alleviate discomfort.
• Correct Posture and Ergonomics: Receive valuable advice on posture correction and ergonomic adjustments, creating a supportive environment for your knee's healing process.
• Modify Activities Wisely: Make mindful changes to your daily activities to prevent aggravating the condition and foster a conducive atmosphere for recovery.
• Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritise maintaining a healthy weight and embracing habits that contribute to knee health, positively impacting your overall healing journey.
• Stay Consistent with Home Exercise Programs: Adhere diligently to the home exercise program prescribed by your physiotherapist, ensuring steady progress throughout your recovery.
• Practice Self-Care Strategies: Cultivate self-awareness and employ self-care techniques to manage symptoms and facilitate long-term healing from knee bursitis.

Home Care and Self-Management Tips

Managing knee bursitis at home plays a crucial role in recovery and long-term joint health. Here are some expert-backed tips to support healing and prevent flare-ups:

• Rest the affected knee and avoid activities that worsen the pain.
• Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
• Use compression bandages or knee braces to support the joint.
• Elevate your leg to ease inflammation.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight to minimise pressure on the bursa around the knee.
• Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications only if advised.
• Follow a physical therapy knee bursitis exercise plan for flexibility and strength.
• Wear cushioned footwear to reduce impact on the joint.

Preventing Recurrence of Knee Bursitis

While initial treatment may bring relief, knee bursitis can return if underlying issues are not addressed. Understanding knee bursitis causes and making lifestyle adjustments can significantly lower the risk of recurrence.

• Avoid repetitive stress on the bursa around the knee, such as kneeling for long periods or improper lifting techniques.
• Correct biomechanical issues through targeted physical therapy for knee bursitis, focusing on strengthening and flexibility.
• Wear protective gear like cushioned knee pads to minimise pressure on the joint.
• Warm up and stretch regularly before any physical activity to reduce strain on the knee.
• Use supportive footwear to maintain proper alignment and minimise joint load.
• Stick to a customised home exercise routine prescribed by your physiotherapist to ensure sustained progress.
• Follow up periodically with your physio team to reassess and adapt your plan — the best treatment for bursitis of the knee includes consistent, long-term care.

These steps not only help in managing the condition but are also vital if you’re wondering how to fix bursitis in the knee and avoid future flare-ups.

Restore Knee Health with Expert Physiotherapy at Physiotattva

Knee bursitis is relatively common but can negatively affect your physical health when left untreated. If you are coping with the pain and inflammation of knee bursitis, don’t hesitate to consult our expert physiotherapists for world- class physical therapy treatment at Physiotattva and get on a personalised recovery program! 

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.