Knee Bursitis

The symptoms of knee bursitis can vary depending on which bursa is affected, but typically include:

• Pain and tenderness around the knee, especially when kneeling or bending
• Swelling that may be visible or felt as a soft, warm bump
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the knee
• Warmth and redness over the affected area
• Sharp or aching pain that worsens with activity or pressure
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs comfortably

Symptoms may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly after an injury or period of increased activity.

Knee bursitis can develop from several factors:

Common causes include: Direct trauma or falls onto the knee, repetitive kneeling (such as in carpeting, gardening, or cleaning), overuse from sports or exercise, and bacterial infections that enter through cuts or scrapes near the knee.

You may be at higher risk if you: Participate in sports involving frequent kneeling or pivoting, have occupations requiring prolonged kneeling, have arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, are overweight (placing extra stress on knee joints), or have a history of knee injuries. Athletes in sports like wrestling, basketball, and volleyball are particularly susceptible to prepatellar bursitis, sometimes called ‘housemaid’s knee’ or ‘clergyman’s knee’ due to its association with frequent kneeling.

At Synergy Health Partners, our orthopedic specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose knee bursitis. Your evaluation typically begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, where we assess the location of pain, swelling patterns, and your knee’s range of motion.

Diagnostic tools may include: X-rays to rule out fractures or bone spurs, MRI scans to visualize soft tissue inflammation and rule out other conditions, and ultrasound imaging to assess fluid accumulation in the bursa. In some cases, we may recommend aspiration of the bursa fluid for laboratory analysis, particularly if infection is suspected.

Our experienced team can often diagnose knee bursitis based on your symptoms and physical examination findings, but imaging helps confirm the diagnosis and guide the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.

While mild knee bursitis may improve with rest and home care, you should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Signs of infection including fever, red streaking, or increasing warmth
• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
• Symptoms persisting longer than a few days despite rest and ice
• Recurrent episodes of knee swelling or pain
• Significant swelling that doesn’t improve with elevation and rest

Early treatment can prevent complications and help you return to normal activities more quickly. Our team at Synergy Health Partners is here to provide prompt, effective care when you need it most.