Knee bursitis is a condition that results when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located between the skin and the kneecap, becomes inflamed. The bursa helps reduce friction between the muscles and tendons around the knee joint. When it becomes irritated or inflamed, knee bursitis can cause pain and swell in the area. In this article, we will discuss five fundamentals you need to know about knee bursitis.
Knee bursitis is a condition that can cause pain and swell around the knee joint. It is caused by the inflammation of the bursa, which is a small sac of fluid that acts as a cushion between the bones and tendons in the joint. The condition can be painful and debilitating, but there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms. Here are five fundamentals to know about knee bursitis:
Knee bursitis is a condition that can be caused by many things, but most often it is the result of overuse or repetitive motion. If you have a job that requires you to kneel a lot, or if you play sports that involve a lot of running and jumping, you may be more susceptible to developing knee bursitis. Symptoms of knee bursitis include pain and tenderness around the kneecap, stiffness, difficulty moving the joint, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. If you think you may have knee bursitis, it’s important to see a doctor so they can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with knee bursitis, the good news is that there are many things you can do to treat it. Most cases of knee bursitis will improve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. You may also be advised to wear knee support or brace to help stabilize the joint and reduce stress on the area. If your symptoms persist or get worse, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or corticosteroid injections. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa.
While knee bursitis is often a temporary condition that will go away with treatment, for some people it can become a chronic problem. If you have chronic knee bursitis, you may experience recurrent episodes of pain and swelling. This can be frustrating and debilitating, but there are things you can do to manage the symptoms. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or other treatments to help reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.
As we mentioned, knee bursitis can be a painful and debilitating condition. If you are suffering from the symptoms of knee bursitis, it’s important to see a doctor so they can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment. With proper care, most cases of knee bursitis will improve within a few weeks. However, if your symptoms persist or get worse, you should see your doctor for further evaluation.
One thing to keep in mind is that knee bursitis is a condition that can be recurrent. Even if you have successful treatment and your symptoms go away, there is a chance they will come back. That’s why it’s important to take steps to prevent knee bursitis from happening in the first place. If you are susceptible to the condition, make sure to warm up before participating in any physical activity, and take breaks often to rest your joints. You should also avoid kneeling on hard surfaces for a long time, and wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with knee bursitis, it is important to seek medical attention. Knee bursitis can be a very painful and debilitating condition, but it is also a condition that can be treated. Our team of experts can help you get on the path to recovery. Don’t suffer in silence, call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com