Overview

Knee bursitis is when a small sac near your knee, called a bursa, gets swollen. This bursa is similar to a tiny cushion filled with fluid that helps to lessen rubbing and soften the area where your bones, tendons, muscles, and skin meet. When the knee is inflamed, it can be uncomfortable and make it hard to move around, affecting your day-to-day life. It's important to know what causes knee bursitis, what it feels like, and how to prevent it to keep your knees healthy.

This post will talk all about knee bursitis in a way that's easy to understand so you can learn more about this condition and how to take care of your knees. Whether it's through avoiding certain activities that strain the knee or using protective gear such as knee pads, there are steps you can take to keep your knees feeling good. So, let’s scroll it!

Types Of Knee Bursitis

There are several types of knee bursitis, each affecting different bursae

Prepatellar Bursitis (Housemaid's Knee): Inflammation in the bursa in front of the patella (kneecap).

Infrapatellar Bursitis (Clergyman's Knee): Inflammation below the patella is often associated with overuse or trauma.
Pes Anserine Bursitis: Affecting the bursa between the shinbone and the hamstring muscles' tendons on the knee's inner side.

Superficial Infrapatellar Bursitis (Knee Plica Syndrome): Inflammation of the plica, a fold in the synovial membrane of the knee.

Popliteal Bursitis (Baker's Cyst): A cyst forms at the back of the knee due to fluid accumulation in the bursa.

Understanding the specific type of knee bursitis is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms Of Knee Bursitis

The symptoms of knee bursitis can vary depending on which bursa is affected. Generally, the area around your knee feels warm, tender, and swollen, especially when applying pressure. Pain is a common symptom that may occur during movement or even while at rest. In some cases, symptoms can develop quickly following a sharp blow to the knee. However, they often begin gradually due to prolonged friction and irritation, worsening over time.

Common Causes Of Knee Bursitis

A variety of factors can cause knee bursitis.

Prolonged Pressure: Frequent kneeling, particularly on hard surfaces, can lead to knee bursitis.
Overuse or Strenuous Activity: Bursitis can occur due to knee joint straining activities.
Direct Injury: A blow to the knee can cause immediate bursitis.
Bacterial Infection: In some cases, the bursa can become infected by bacteria.
Arthritis-Related Complications: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout can lead to knee bursitis.

Risk Factors Of Knee Bursitis

Some common risk factors that can lead to the development of knee bursitis are

Occupational Hazards: Jobs requiring prolonged kneeling, such as carpet laying, plumbing, or gardening, carry a higher risk.
Sports Participation: Sports that involve direct knee impact or falls, such as wrestling, football, and volleyball, can increase the risk. Runners might develop bursitis on the inner side of the knee.
Obesity and Osteoarthritis: Overweight individuals, particularly women with osteoarthritis, are more prone to developing pes anserine bursitis on the knee's inner side.

Preventive Measures For Knee Bursitis

Preventing knee bursitis involves several simple strategies:

Use of Knee Pads: If your work or sport puts your knees at risk, knee pads can provide necessary cushioning and protection.
Regular Breaks: Taking breaks to stretch and rest your knees can help reduce the risk.
Limiting Knee Bending: Avoid excessive or repetitive bending of the knees.
Maintaining Healthy Weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the knee joints.

Conclusion

Knee bursitis is common, but you can manage it well with the right care and steps. Knowing what symptoms to look out for and what causes it is important to keep your knees healthy and prevent any problems. If you keep having pain or your knee swells up, visiting a doctor and getting it diagnosed for timely treatment is recommended. Healthy knees are super important for staying active and moving around easily. By taking steps to prevent it and being aware of what could cause it, you can keep your knees in good shape and enjoy an active life.

Reference:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-bursitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355501
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22189-prepatellar-bursitis