Knee bursitis affects thousands of Americans every year. The condition can be debilitating, impacting your daily activities and overall quality of life. Orlin & Cohen’s licensed physical therapist, Andrew Pereira, PT, DPT, explains everything you need to know about knee bursitis, covering its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What is Knee Bursitis?

Knee bursitis is the inflammation or swelling of the bursae around the knee – or the fluid-filled sac located in various parts of the body that acts as a cushion, reducing friction between tendons, bones, skin, and muscles.

What Are Common Symptoms of Knee Bursitis?

Recognizing the signs of knee bursitis early on can help manage the condition effectively. The most common symptoms include:

• Redness around the knee joint
• A knee that is warm in temperature and tender or painful to the touch
• Excessive swelling
• Pain with activity or at rest

What Causes Knee Bursitis?

Multiple factors can lead to knee bursitis. Direct impact on or to the knee is one cause, but it’s not the most common. Knee bursitis usually arises from participating in regular activities that place undue or repeated stress on the joint.

As a result, individuals who frequently squat or kneel, such as mechanics, construction workers, housekeepers, gardeners, and plumbers, are at higher risk due to the prolonged periods of pressure they place on the knee.

Sports that involve intense knee activity, like football, volleyball, wrestling, and basketball, as well as high-volume running, can also increase the risk.

While not necessarily causes, people aged 40 and older, those who are overweight, or those with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are more susceptible to knee bursitis.

How to Prevent Knee Bursitis

To prevent knee bursitis, avoid overusing the joint or placing undue stress on it. Avoid excessive squatting and kneeling, if possible. Use modified positions or padded cushions when kneeling is necessary.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, abstaining from smoking, and managing body weight, can also alleviate stress on the knee while reducing inflammation and ensuring optimal joint health.

How to Treat Knee Bursitis

Mild cases of knee bursitis may respond to conservative treatment measures such as using a compression sleeve or wrap, applying ice, and reducing your activity to decrease swelling.

If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to seek treatment from a knee specialist. Early intervention can prevent further complications and provide quicker relief – letting you back to your life with less pain.

At Orlin & Cohen, our knee specialists are among the nation’s top doctors. They can assess your condition and offer treatments, such as anti-inflammatory or pain medication, if necessary.

Depending on your needs and goals, your specialist may prescribe physical therapy provided in-house at many Orlin & Cohen locations. Our licensed physical therapists work with you to develop customized treatment plans to help manage pain, reduce swelling, identify tight or weak muscles, and assist you in returning to your daily activities and favorite hobbies.

Ready to take the first step toward alleviating knee pain? Request a same-day appointment.