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Knee bursitis

Low urgency
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It is inflammation of a small pouch that surrounds and protects the knee. It occurs when the joint is overloaded. It causes pain and swelling that worsen when the movement is repeated. The suspicion is clinical and is confirmed by ultrasound or MRI scan. It is a good idea to consult an orthopedic surgeon to start therapy: rest, local cold compress, anti-inflammatory drugs and even fluid test guided by ultrasound or surgery. Warning signs: fever, severe inflammation of the joint and inability to move the leg.
Bibliographic references
  1. Juan J Canoso, MD, MACR. Knee bursitis. UpToDate. Jul 14, 2016.
  2. Burrus MT, Werner BC, Starman JS, et al. Chronic leg pain in athletes. Am J Sports Med 2015; 43:1538.
  3. Cardone DA, Tallia AF. Diagnostic and therapeutic injection of the hip and knee. Am Fam Physician 2003; 67:2147.
  4. Mathieu S, Prati C, Bossert M, et al. Acute prepatellar and olecranon bursitis. Retrospective observational study in 46 patients. Joint Bone Spine 2011; 78:423.
  5. Lee JH, Kim KJ, Jeong YG, et al. Pes anserinus and anserine bursa: anatomical study. Anat Cell Biol 2014; 47:127.
  6. Langford CA. Trastornos periarticulares de las extremidades. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 2247-2248.
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Knee pain

    Swollen limb

    Painful, swollen and difficult to move extremity

    Joint pain both during movement and rest

    Swollen knee

Symptoms to watch out for

Joint deformity
Pain that does not subside with analgesics.
Inability to perform movements with the joint
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Avoid sudden movements.
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