Knee bursitis is a condition that results when the bursa, or fluid-filled sac, located in front of the knee joint becomes inflamed. The bursa helps to reduce friction between the muscles and tendons around the knee joint. When it becomes inflamed, walking and other activities can become quite painful. In this article, we will discuss 5 signs that you may have knee bursitis. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor for treatment.
If you have been experiencing pain and stiffness in your knee, you may have bursitis. Bursitis is a condition that results when the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint, becomes inflamed. If you are unsure if you have bursitis or some other condition, here are the five signs to tell:
If you have bursitis, you may feel knee pain when walking, squatting, or climbing stairs. The pain may be worse when your knee is bent for a long time. Knee bursitis can make it hard to do your daily activities. You may have trouble going up and down stairs or getting in and out of a car. Knee bursitis can also make it hard to walk or exercise for a long time. The pain from knee bursitis is usually throbbing or aching. It may get worse when you move your knee or put pressure on it. Bursitis often gets better with rest and ice. But if the pain does not go away, you may need medicine or surgery.
If you have bursitis, your knee may be tender to the touch. You may also see or feel a lump over the affected bursa. The skin around your knee may be red and warm. This is usually a sign of inflammation. Swelling can happen with bursitis, but it is usually not severe. You may have trouble fully extending your knee if the back of your knee is affected by bursitis. Tenderness, swelling, and the formation of lumps are often worse when you first get up in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
If you have knee bursitis, you may notice that your knee feels stiff and you have less range of motion than usual. This is because the inflammation is making it difficult for your knee to move as freely as it normally would. Range of motion can be tested by simply bending and straightening your leg or by doing a deep squat. If you feel pain or stiffness when doing either of these movements, it may be a sign that you have bursitis. Don’t forget to warm up before performing any type of physical activity, as this can help prevent bursitis flare-ups. Warming up involves doing some light exercises or stretches before your main activity. For example, if you’re going for a run, you might want to do some light jogging or walking beforehand.
You may notice that the skin around your knee is red. This is a sign of inflammation and is most likely due to the bursa becoming irritated. The redness may also spread down your leg or up to your thigh. If you see redness on your skin, it’s important to rest and ice the area to help reduce the swelling. You should also avoid any activities that may make the pain worse.
If you notice that your knee is warmer than usual, it could be a sign of bursitis. Inflammation causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to increased warmth in the affected area. If your knee is warm and swollen, it’s best to see a doctor so they can rule out other possible causes of these symptoms.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Knee bursitis can be a very painful condition, but it is also highly treatable. Our team would be happy to help diagnose and treat your knee bursitis. Don’t suffer in silence, call us today.
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