Knee Bursitis

What Is Knee Bursitis?

Knee bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones and soft tissues in the knee. The knee has several bursae, and when they become inflamed, they cause pain and swelling.

Knee bursitis is common, especially prepatellar bursitis (in front of the kneecap), which is often called ‘housemaid’s knee’ or ‘carpet layer’s knee’ because it’s associated with repetitive kneeling.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of knee bursitis

Common symptoms include:

• Knee swelling: Visible bump or swelling
• Pain: Aching pain, especially when pressing on the area
• Tenderness: Soreness when touching the knee
• Redness: Skin may appear red (if infected)
• Warmth: Area may feel warm to touch
• Limited movement: Reduced ability to bend the knee

Knee bursitis causes

Knee bursitis typically occurs due to:

• Repetitive kneeling: Activities requiring frequent kneeling
• Direct trauma: Blow to the knee
• Overuse: Repetitive activities
• Infection: Bacterial infection of the bursa
• Underlying conditions: Gout, rheumatoid arthritis
• Previous injury: Incompletely healed knee injuries

Risk factors

Risk factors include repetitive kneeling, trauma, underlying medical conditions, and previous knee injury.

Complications of knee bursitis

If not properly treated, complications can include chronic swelling, infection, and reduced function.

Diagnosis and Tests

How you can diagnose knee bursitis

Initial self-assessment can help identify knee bursitis through visible swelling and pain. If there are signs of infection (redness, warmth, fever), seek immediate medical attention.

Tests that can help diagnose knee bursitis

Healthcare professionals may use physical examination, aspiration (draining fluid) to check for infection, and blood tests if infection is suspected.

Management and Treatment

How do you heal knee bursitis quickly?

Treatment includes rest, ice, avoiding kneeling, anti-inflammatory medication, aspiration if needed, and antibiotics if infected.

Knee bursitis recovery time

Recovery time varies from 2-6 weeks depending on severity and whether infection is present.

What Could Help

Several products can aid recovery:

• Knee pads: Knee pads to protect from pressure
• Ice packs: Reusable ice packs for inflammation
• Knee sleeves: Knee sleeves for compression

Prevention

How can I prevent knee bursitis?

Preventive measures include avoiding repetitive kneeling, using knee pads, addressing underlying conditions, and protecting knees from trauma.