5 Common Misconceptions About Knee Bursitis


 

Knee bursitis is a condition that affects the knee joint. It can be caused by an infection, injury, or arthritis. Symptoms of knee bursitis include pain, swelling, and redness around the knee. The condition can be treated with rest, ice therapy, and medication. However, there are many misconceptions about knee bursitis that need to be addressed. In this article, we will discuss five of the most common misconceptions about this condition.

 

Misconceptions About Knee Bursitis and the Truth Behind Them

Knee bursitis is a painful condition that can make it difficult to walk, kneel, or even sit. The condition is caused by the inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones and tendons. While knee bursitis is a common condition, there are still many misconceptions about it.

Here are five of the most common misconceptions about knee bursitis and the truth behind them:

1. Bursitis is the most common cause of knee discomfort.

This is a common misconception because there are many different causes of knee discomfort. Bursitis is just one possible cause. Other causes of knee discomfort include arthritis, tendonitis, and meniscus tears. Knee bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint become inflamed. The bursae are located between the tendons and bones in the joint. When they become inflamed, they can cause pain, and swell in the joint.

2. Knee bursitis is a normal consequence of aging.

This is a common misconception because people often associate arthritis with aging. However, knee bursitis is not a normal part of the aging process. While arthritis can lead to inflammation in the joints, bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion and protect the joints. Knee bursitis is most often caused by overuse or repetitive motion, such as kneeling for an extended time. It can also be caused by an injury or infection. People who are overweight or have diabetes are at higher risk for developing knee bursitis. While knee bursitis can occur at any age, it is more common in middle-aged adults and older adults. Women are also more likely than men to develop knee bursitis.

3. To get rid of knee bursitis, you must push through it.

Knee bursitis can be a very painful condition. However, pushing through the pain is not the best way to get rid of it. This can make the condition worse. If you are experiencing knee bursitis, it is important to rest and ice the area to reduce inflammation. You should also avoid activities that put stress on your knees, such as running or jumping. If you continue to experience pain after trying these conservative treatments, you may need to see a doctor for additional treatment options.

4. The most effective long-term treatment for knee bursitis is surgery.

This is a common misconception because surgery should always be a last resort. While knee bursitis can be a chronic condition, many non-surgical treatments can effectively relieve pain and improve function. These treatment options include rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, and medication. Surgery should only be considered if other treatments have failed to provide relief. It’s important to talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options before making a decision.

5. Knee bursitis will go away on its own.

This is a common misconception because many people believe that all inflammations will eventually go away without treatment. However, this is not the case with knee bursitis. If left untreated, knee bursitis can become a chronic condition. This means that the symptoms will persist and may even get worse over time. Treatment is important to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint. Without treatment, knee bursitis can lead to joint damage and disability.

Knee bursitis is a common condition that can cause pain, and swelling in the knee. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about this condition. We’ve debunked five of the most common myths about knee bursitis in this article. If you are experiencing symptoms of knee bursitis, it is important to speak with a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Our team would be happy to help you get started on your road to recovery. Call us today.


Are You Looking for a Sports Medicine Physician for Your Knee Bursitis?

Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions.  Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!

 


 

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