MyMediktor - Knee bursitis

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Inflammation of the small pouch that surrounds and protects the knee joint bones.

Its cause is a joint overload, for example, when kneeling down frequently.

It causes pain and swelling that worsen with knee movements.

The diagnosis is clinical through a questioning and a knee examination. It is confirmed by ultrasound or an MRI scan.

The treatment includes: rest, initially applying local cold, anti-inflammatory medication and common analgesics. In severe cases, puncture of the joint fluid or surgery may be necessary.

Bibliographic references

Juan J Canoso, MD, MACR. Knee bursitis. UpToDate. Jul 14, 2016.
Burrus MT, Werner BC, Starman JS, et al. Chronic leg pain in athletes. Am J Sports Med 2015; 43:1538.
Cardone DA, Tallia AF. Diagnostic and therapeutic injection of the hip and knee. Am Fam Physician 2003; 67:2147.
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.
Lee JH, Kim KJ, Jeong YG, et al. Pes anserinus and anserine bursa: anatomical study. Anat Cell Biol 2014; 47:127.
Langford CA. Trastornos periarticulares de las extremidades. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 2247-2248.

Author

Dr. Sara Vitoria

Copyright

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 doesn't subside with analgesics

Inability to do movements with the joint

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.

Apply local cold in the area of the lesion 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.

Avoid doing abrupt movements.