Knee Bursitis

Knee bursitis is inflammation or irritation of one or more of the bursae in your knee. Knee bursitis is inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac (bursa) situated near your knee joint.

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Your Guide to Understanding Knee Bursitis

What is Knee Bursitis?
How can a Physiotherapist help treat Knee Bursitis?
What causes Knee Bursitis?
What treatments might help Knee Bursitis?
What are the Signs of Knee Bursitis?
What are the Symptoms of Knee Bursitis?

What is Knee Bursitis?

Knee bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. This inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area. Knee bursitis is often caused by repetitive stress or pressure on the knee, and treatment typically involves rest, ice, elevation, and in some cases, medical intervention such as corticosteroid injections.

How can Physiotherapy help treat Knee Bursitis?

A physiotherapist can play a crucial role in the treatment of knee bursitis by developing a tailored rehabilitation program. This may involve therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and correct any biomechanical issues contributing to the condition.

Additionally, manual therapy techniques such as massage and joint mobilization can help reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing. The physiotherapist may also provide guidance on activity modification and ergonomic strategies to prevent exacerbation of symptoms.

What causes Knee Bursitis?

Knee bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive stress or pressure on the knee joint. This can result from activities such as kneeling for extended periods, direct trauma to the knee, overuse of the joint during physical activities, or consistent friction against hard surfaces. Additionally, conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to the development of knee bursitis.

What treatments might help Knee Bursitis?

Treatment for knee bursitis aims to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. This may involve measures such as rest, applying ice packs, elevating the affected leg, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief and inflammation reduction.

Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility. In some cases, the healthcare provider may perform a procedure to drain excess fluid from the bursa or administer corticosteroid injections for more severe inflammation.

Signs of Knee Bursitis:

The signs of knee bursitis typically manifest as swelling over the kneecap, accompanied by pain, especially when kneeling or bending the knee. Tenderness at the affected area, warmth around the knee, and a limited range of motion are also common indicators. It's important to note that these symptoms may worsen with increased activity or pressure on the knee joint.

Symptoms of Knee Bursitis:

Common signs of knee bursitis often involve swelling around the kneecap, discomfort during kneeling or bending of the knee, sensitivity at the affected site, warmth in the knee area, and restricted mobility. These symptoms can exacerbate with heightened physical activity or pressure on the knee joint.

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When is the right time to see a Physiotherapist for Knee Bursitis?

The right time to see a physiotherapist for knee bursitis is as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 to 48 hours after diagnosis. This early intervention allows for the implementation of appropriate treatment strategies, such as immobilization, therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and guidance on activity modification, which can help manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Additionally, consulting a physiotherapist can lead to pain relief and an increase in mobility, essential aspects of the rehabilitation process.

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Brittany Pereira

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Registered Physiotherapist with a degree from the University of Toronto

Brittany enjoys working with patients across age groups and backgrounds to help them move better, get stronger, understand their bodies and ultimately, feel more confident. She combines her knowledge and clinical experience to best serve her patients.

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