Knee Bursitis

Causes

Reduce your risk.

Knee bursitis can be caused by:

• Frequent and sustained pressure, such as from kneeling
• A direct blow to your knee
• Bacterial infection of the bursae
• Complications from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout in your knee

Symptoms

Pinpoint your pain.

In some cases, knee bursitis will cause no more than joint stiffness or a minor ache. However, severe cases may result in debilitating stiffness and immobility, aching, and shooting pain during joint movement. Swelling and redness of the affected area are also common.

Diagnosis

Get the answers you need.

After hearing a description of the pain, a qualified surgeon typically diagnoses bursitis by:

• Conducting a thorough examination; and
• Identifying localized swelling, tenderness and pain of the affected joint.

Treatment

Life’s too short to put up with pain.

Surgery is rarely needed for bursitis. The first step in treatment is to cease the repetitive motion or activity that’s causing the problem, and in some cases, to immobilize the affected joint. Icing the area and taking an anti-inflammatory medication for a few weeks are also initial treatment steps. If bursitis continues, our physicians may aspirate or inject cortisone into the area to reduce inflammation. Shoulder pain and/or a lack of mobility in the joint persist after these more conservative treatments, surgery would be considered to drain excess fluid and remove damaged tissue.