Knee bursitis is a condition that can cause pain and swell in the knee. It is caused by inflammation of the bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that helps to cushion and lubricate the joint. Bursitis can be caused by many things, including injury, overuse, or infection. If you are suffering from knee bursitis, it is important to seek treatment right away. In this article, we will discuss how to treat knee bursitis the right way.
Knee bursitis is a condition that can be quite painful and debilitating. If you are suffering from knee bursitis, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. There are many different treatments available for knee bursitis, and the right treatment will depend on the severity of your condition.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when seeking treatment for knee bursitis the right way:
The first step in treating knee bursitis is to get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will likely order X-rays or an MRI to rule out other possible causes of your pain, such as arthritis or a torn meniscus. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis of knee bursitis, your doctor will develop a treatment plan specifically for you.
Once the underlying cause of your knee bursitis has been diagnosed, it is important to treat that cause. If your bursitis is the result of an infection, you will likely need antibiotics. If your bursitis is the result of overuse or injury, you may need to rest and ice the area. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to help stretch and strengthen the muscles around the joint. There are many different options available, your doctor will help you choose the best treatment option for your specific case.
The main goal of treatment for knee bursitis is to reduce inflammation and pain. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or corticosteroids. They may also recommend icing the area for 20 minutes at a time several times a day. In some cases, your doctor may recommend injecting the bursa with a corticosteroid to help reduce the inflammation. Your doctor will help you choose the best option for your specific case.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the bursa. This is typically only recommended if other treatment options have failed and the pain is severe. Surgery is a last resort option, and your doctor will only recommend it if they believe it is in your best interest. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you before making a decision.
After treatment for knee bursitis, it is important to focus on recovery. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to take a few days off work or school to rest. You will likely need to avoid any activities that put stress on your knees, such as running or playing sports. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help you regain strength and flexibility in the joint.
Once your knee bursitis has resolved, it is important to take steps to prevent it from coming back. If your bursitis was caused by an infection, you will likely need to finish all of your antibiotics as prescribed. If your bursitis was caused by overuse or injury, you may need to change your activity level or the way you do certain activities. For example, if you play sports, you may need to switch to a low-impact sport. You may also need to wear knee pads or other support devices.
Knee bursitis can be a very painful condition, but it is important to remember that there are many ways to treat it. If you have been diagnosed with knee bursitis, make sure to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. There are many options available, and we can help you find the one that is right for you. Don’t suffer from knee pain any longer, 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