Receive Specialized Treatment for Knee Bursitis Near Colts Neck, NJ
Is your knee uncomfortably swollen, warm, red, or tender to the touch? You could have bursitis, which is an inflammation of one or more bursae in your knee joint. These small, fluid-filled sacs help keep the various components of your knee from grinding painfully against each other during movement.
Knee bursitis is a temporary condition that usually resolves with nonsurgical treatment. It can affect any part of your knee, occurring above, within, or below your kneecap. Regardless of the location of the inflamed bursa, knee bursitis can cause pain and limit your range of motion.
What Causes Knee Bursitis?
Knee bursitis can originate from several sources, including:
- An athletic injury – While participating in a sports-related activity, you may have sustained a direct blow to your knee or fallen repeatedly on your knee, both of which can increase your risk of developing knee bursitis.
- Overuse of your knee – Activities such as running and jumping, which involve repetitive use of your knees, can lead to the development of pes anserine bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa located on the upper inner part of your lower leg.
- Prolonged kneeling – If your occupation involves kneeling for extended periods—such as plumbing, carpentry, or landscaping—you are at increased risk of damaging your knee bursae and developing bursitis.
- Obesity – Carrying excess body weight can create excessive pressure on your knees, which can cause bursitis.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Your knees are complex joints comprised of a variety of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other tissues. An issue with any of these components can produce symptoms that are similar to those of knee bursitis. Having a knee specialist evaluate your condition will help ensure that you receive the right diagnosis and treatment. While knee bursitis is highly treatable and not dangerous, delaying your diagnosis and treatment can cause you unnecessary discomfort.
Usually, knee bursitis treatment involves a combination of conservative therapies. One common example is the PRICE protocol, which involves protection, rest, icing, compression, and elevation. If necessary, your physician may also prescribe a pain-relieving medication or an antibiotic if your inflamed bursa is infected. During your recovery, you can perform targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your injured knee.
In most cases, knee bursitis can be treated effectively without surgery. However, if you have chronic bursitis that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, your physician may suggest a surgical procedure.
If you have pain or swelling in your knee, reserve an appointment with a knee specialist at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute near Colts Neck, NJ. We can provide an accurate diagnosis and explain your treatment options for knee bursitis at our state-of-the-art orthopedic clinic. Contact us today.