Knee Bursitis
What Is Knee Bursitis?
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the space between bones, tendons, and skin, reducing friction as they move against one another. The knee has several bursae, but the one most commonly affected — the prepatellar bursa — sits just in front of the kneecap. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes irritated and inflamed, filling with excess fluid and causing swelling and discomfort.
What Causes Knee Bursitis?
- Repeated kneeling, such as with certain occupations (flooring, gardening, plumbing) — hence the nickname “housemaid’s knee”
- A direct blow or fall onto the front of the knee
- Overuse from repetitive knee bending, common in runners and cyclists
- Infection, if bacteria enter the bursa through a break in the skin (septic bursitis)
- Underlying conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis
What Are the Symptoms of Knee Bursitis?
- Swelling, often a distinct, soft lump directly over the front of the kneecap
- Pain that worsens with kneeling or direct pressure on the area
- Warmth and redness over the swollen area
- Mild stiffness with bending the knee
- Tenderness to the touch
How Can You Tell Bursitis Apart From a More Serious Knee Problem?
One helpful clue is that bursitis swelling tends to be localized directly over the kneecap and fairly superficial (near the skin surface), rather than throughout the entire joint. Bursitis also typically doesn’t cause the knee to feel unstable or give way, which can be a sign of a ligament or meniscus injury. That said, if the area becomes significantly red, warm, and painful, or if fever develops, this can indicate an infected bursa, which needs prompt medical attention.
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Treatment Options for Knee Bursitis
Most cases of knee bursitis improve with conservative care:
- Avoiding activities that involve direct pressure on the knee, such as kneeling
- Ice to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Knee pads when kneeling is unavoidable for work or hobbies
- Aspiration (draining fluid from the bursa with a needle) if swelling is significant
If bursitis becomes chronic, recurrent, or infected, further treatment may be needed, including antibiotics for septic bursitis or, rarely, surgical removal of a persistently inflamed bursa.
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Dr. Palsis specializes in the treatment of knee, shoulder, and sports injuries.