Knee bursitis is an inflammation of a bursa that is located near the knee joint. A bursa is a small pad-like sac that is filled with fluid that functions in reducing friction and cushions pressure points between the bones and the tendons as well as muscles found near the joints. A knee has a bursa and any of this bursa can become inflamed. Knee bursitis happens over the kneecap or on the inner side of the knee below the joints.
Knee bursitis can cause pain and limiting mobility. Treatment of knee bursitis is a combination of self-care practices and doctor-administered treatments. If you want to learn more about the treatment options for this knee condition, read here.
Symptoms of knee bursitis
Symptoms of knee bursitis can vary, depending on which bursa is affected and what causes the inflammation. The affected area of the knee feels warm, tender and swollen when applying pressure on it and there is pain when moving or resting the knee.
A sharp blow to the knee can cause symptoms that happen rapidly, but knee bursitis is caused by repetitive injuries like jobs that require a lot of kneeling and the symptoms can occur gradually and becomes worse over time.
Causes of knee bursitis
- A direct blow to the knee
- A frequent and sustained pressure like kneeling
- Complications caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout in the knee
- Bacterial infection of the bursa
Factors that increase the risk of developing knee bursitis include people that use their knee for long periods like carpet layers, gardeners, and plumbers. Playing sports that can result to a direct blows or frequent falls on the knee like football, volleyball and wrestling. Anserine bursitis which affects the inner side of the knee located below the joint usually happens in obese women suffering from osteoarthritis.
Treatment and home remedies
- Discontinue any activities that cause knee bursitis and minimize movements that can worsen the pain.
- Apply cold compress to the knee at least 20 minutes several times a day until the pain is minimized and the knee no longer feels warm when touched. The cold compress should be applied after an activity.
- Use a compression wrap or a knee sleeve in order to help minimize the inflammation.
- Use a knee brace or pad in order to minimize inflammation and alleviate the joints. It will minimize the deterioration on the knee.
- Elevate the knee while sleeping and put some pillows or cushion under the knee affected by bursitis.
- Apply chamomile oil to the affected area since it has anti-inflammatory properties and can be helpful in treating pain in the joint. Dilute chamomile oil and apply a few drops to the knee affected by bursitis. The oil will soak to the skin’s tissue and will help reduce the symptoms.
- Take turmeric as a natural antibiotic and for minimizing the inflammation. Turmeric can be taken as a supplement at least two capsules every day together with a meal.