Bursitis: Inflammation of bursae around the knee joint

Bursitis is inflammation of bursae. Bursae are sac like structures that are lined with synovial membrane.

They are present around the joints at places where tendons and muscles move in close proximity to bone. There function is to allow the smooth movement of muscles and tendons located close to bone. They may or may not communicate with the joint.

Before reading further it would be a good idea to see the relevant Knee Anatomy(skip this if you have already done so).

Bursa are of two types

those naturally occurring in the body since birththose that develop at places of repeated friction and pressure, called Adventitious bursae

Both the types are affected by similar conditions.

Common causes include

TRAUMA. It can be acute or chronic (repetitive) traumaINFECTION. Acute or chronicRHEUMATOID ARTHRITISGOUTOSTEOARTHRITIS

Symptoms include pain and swellingfever (in infection)limitation of movement

All the symptoms may or may not be present, depending on the type. Fever is present in infective type. Swelling is more in acute type. Other symptoms of gout, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis will be present in bursitis caused by these diseases.

General treatment measures include

restuse of heat and coldcompression bandage or stockingelevation of the limb(reduces swelling)medicines to reduce inflammation and pain

Definitive treatment is directed at the cause.

Now lets look at a few common types of bursitis around the knee joint.

A photograph showing inflammation of the right prepatellar bursa after trauma. There is swelling over the right knee.

Can the bursitis recur?

Yes it can. Chances are least in the infective type after appropriate antibiotics and drainage of fluid. Other types can recur.

When should I contact my doctor?

If your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or you have fever then you should contact your doctor.

I hope you found the information on this page useful. If you have any query you can ask me at the contact me page.

This page was last updated on 17th September 2010.

Other causes of knee pain include...

Knee Osteoarthritis

Meniscal Injury

Ligament Injury

Patella Fracture

Knee Fracture

Tibial Plateau Fracture

Osgood Schlatter Disease

Knee Anatomy

Knee Replacement Surgery

Go back to Knee Pain from Knee Bursitis

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