Knee bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursa around the knee. Common knee bursitis causes include repetitive kneeling, injuries, or underlying joint disorders. Understanding what knee bursitis is and knowing how to treat knee bursitis early with physiotherapy can prevent complications and promote faster recovery.
Knee bursitis refers to the inflammation of the bursa or a small sac filled with fluid and present close to the knee joint.
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.
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.
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.
Knowing which type you have is essential to determine how to treat knee bursitis effectively with the most suitable care plan.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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:
While knee bursitis can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk of developing knee bursitis. Some of the risks of bursitis include:
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-
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:
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.
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.
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.