Knee Bursitis Treatment
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that offer cushion between soft tissues and bone, especially in joints where soft tissues and bone are in constant movement. The knee has multiple bursae that allow tendons, ligaments and bone to move without causing friction. When an injury or irritation occurs to a bursa, it can result in swelling, or bursitis. Our orthopedic physicians at DOCS Health offer knee bursitis treatment at our medical center in Los Angeles.
The knee contains small and large bursae that allow tendons and ligaments to slide over bones during movement. Bursitis occurs when an injury or pressure causes irritation to a bursa, resulting in inflammation. The most common bursa in the knee to be affected with bursitis is the prepatellar bursa, which is located on the outside of the patella, or kneecap. Kneeling for long periods commonly causes bursitis on the kneecap. Other bursae in the knee include the infrapatellar bursa below the kneecap and the anserine bursa located inside the lower knee. Both can have bursitis from repetitive irritation or injury.
Symptoms of Knee Bursitis
Bursitis can be very painful, but it usually does not impact range of motion. The area where the bursa is located may be swollen, warm and tender to the touch if the bursa is located near the surface. Pressure on the bursa can cause pain. Kneeling or certain activities like jumping or climbing stairs can cause pain where the bursa is located.
Treatment for bursitis usually begins with conservative methods. Reducing irritation to the infected bursa with rest, ice and using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can relieve pain. Some bursitis can include infection, which may require antibiotics or draining the bursa with a syringe. Other treatments can include physical therapy, wearing a brace or steroid injections.
If you have painful knee bursitis, treatment is available at DOCS Health in Los Angeles. Contact our orthopedic clinic to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to discuss treatment options.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.