Knee Bursitis – Symptoms and Causes
What Is Knee Bursitis?
Knee bursitis happens when small fluid-filled sacs around the knee joint become inflamed. These sacs, called bursae, work to cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, muscles, and skin.
While any of the knee’s bursae can become inflamed, this condition most commonly affects the area over the kneecap or the inner side of the knee below the joint. The inflammation causes pain and may restrict movement.
People with knee bursitis typically experience:
- Pain around the affected area
- Swelling of the knee
- Limited range of motion
- Discomfort when kneeling or during movement
Treatment usually combines self-care methods and medical approaches to reduce pain and inflammation. Options may include rest, ice application, medications, and in some cases, medical procedures to address severe cases.
Signs and Symptoms
Knee bursitis shows different symptoms based on which bursa is inflamed and what caused the problem.
You might notice the affected area feels warm to touch, tender when pressed, and appears swollen. Pain can occur both during movement and while resting.
If you hurt your knee directly, symptoms might appear quickly. However, when bursitis develops from repeated friction—like kneeling on hard surfaces for work—symptoms often develop gradually and worsen over time.
When Medical Attention Is Needed
The bursa covering your kneecap can sometimes become infected. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Fever or chills along with knee pain and swelling
- Swelling that doesn’t improve or skin color changes around the knee
- Difficulty moving or straightening your knee
These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt medical treatment.
What Causes Knee Bursitis?
Knee bursitis develops from several common factors:
- Repeated pressure on the knee, especially when kneeling on hard surfaces
- Overusing the knee during physical activities or sports
- Direct impact or injury to the knee area
- Bacterial infection entering through cuts or scrapes on the knee
- Underlying health conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout
The knee contains several fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the joint. When these become irritated or inflamed, bursitis develops. People in occupations requiring frequent kneeling, such as carpet layers and gardeners, face higher risks.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing knee bursitis:
- Occupations Requiring Kneeling: People who spend long periods working on their knees face a higher risk, including plumbers, gardeners, and carpet installers.
- Athletic Activities: Sports with direct knee impacts or falls (football, wrestling, basketball, volleyball) increase risk due to repeated trauma.
- Running: Can lead to inflammation in the inner knee bursa below the joint (pes anserine bursitis).
Weight Factors: Excess body weight puts additional pressure on the knee joints.
Joint Conditions – People with osteoarthritis, particularly overweight women, have increased risk of developing pes anserine bursitis.
Ways to Prevent Knee Bursitis
Preventing knee bursitis requires some simple but effective strategies. If your job or activities involve kneeling, always wear protective kneepads to cushion your knees. This helps reduce pressure on the bursa.
Taking regular breaks is essential when you spend time on your knees. Stand up, stretch your legs, and give your knees time to recover during these activities.
Weight management plays an important role in prevention, too. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on your knee joints. This can help prevent bursitis from developing or returning.
