Knee Bursitis

• An impact to the bursa that may cause pain, inflammation, or irritation.
• A fall, directly onto the knee or the bursa.
• Continuous pressure on the bursa from activities that involve prolonged kneeling.
• Repetitive injury to the bursa and tendon from jumping, which can cause tendonitis and bursitis.
• Bursitis can be a complication caused by a previous condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or gout.
• Infection of the bursa or knee.
• Bursa can become swollen in response to other knee conditions occurring simultaneously.

• Pain and tenderness over the location of the bursa.
• Swelling
• Loss of range motion of the knee.
• Pain with activities that stress the bursa such as kneeling, jumping, running or any activities that may cause stress on the tendons lubricated by the injured bursa.

Normally, patients respond well to conservative treatment of knee bursitis. PLEASE NOTE: that once the pain and swelling has been reduced and motion and strength are restored, the patient should gradually return to full mobility and function. In general, full return to all activity will take anywhere from two to six weeks depending on the severity of the injury. As a preventive measure individuals should:

• Make modifications in work or daily activities (like kneeling, squatting or possibly wearing protective equipment). Any preventive measures to avoid prolonged pressure or unexpected blows on the bursa will help reduce the chance of the bursitis returning.
• Maintain strength and flexibility to alleviate stress on the bursa and tendons located in the knee.
• Avoid highly repetitive activities that stress the previously affected bursa whenever possible.