1. Knee Bursitis: A Case of Inflammation
The human body has bursae, which are sacs of fluid, located in the knee and other joints. They're usually between a joint and a tendon or other soft tissue. The purpose of a bursa is to decrease friction between two moving parts of the body. Bursitis results when inflammation occurs in a bursa. Bursitis is most common in one of three bursae in the knee, though it is possible to have inflammation of another bursa in the knee. Of the most commonly affected, one is located on the tip over the kneecap, another underneath the kneecap, and another at the lower inside of the knee.
2. Oh, My Aching Knee
The symptoms of bursitis in the knee include redness, swelling, pain and warmth. Some occupations are associated with inflammation of the bursa located in front and on top of the kneecap such as "housemaid's knee" or "carpet layer's knee." Housekeepers and carpet layers often spend much of their time on their knees, and the repetitiveness of this kind of weight-bearing work can cause bursitis. "Jumper's knee" is possible in football players or sprinters due to inflammation of the bursa located over the kneecap and underneath a tendon and attaches to the thigh muscle. Bursitis develops from taxing the knee joint for the inertia required to jump or sprint. Another bursa is located at the lower inside of the knee. Infection can also cause knee bursitis.
3. Give It a Rest
Rest and ice, as well as anti-inflammatory or other pain medication, are the usual course of bursitis treatment if no infection is present. Your doctor may want to try cortisone injections, too. Sometimes, it may be necessary to aspirate the bursa fluid. This is an office procedure in which the doctor uses a sterile needle and syringe to remove fluid. Your doctor may choose to send the fluid to a lab for more tests. If an infection is the cause of knee bursitis, treatment with antibiotics is necessary. The lab can identify what microbes caused the infection; you may need intravenous antibiotics.
4. Avoid Injury and Avoid Bursitis
Injury, specifically a twisting motion, can result in bursa in the knee and the surrounding ligaments. And a blow directly to the knee can cause bursitis. It is possible for an injury like this to cause bleeding into the bursa, also known as hemorrhagic bursitis. Knee injury can be the result of falling often or repetitive kneeling. Diseases such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may also cause bursitis. Obesity may also be a factor.
5. Know When to See a Doctor
If your pain is mild, you can try ice, rest and elevating the knee at home. However, you should see your doctor if you can't put weight on the knee, pain is severe, pain is the result of a blow, there's swelling in the knee, or you have a fever. If your knee does not improve within a few days to a week, see your doctor.
