Effective Knee Bursitis Treatment Available Near Farmingdale, NJ

Bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when one or more bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs in a joint—become inflamed. Bursae are found in joints throughout the body. Their purpose is to cushion the surrounding bones, muscles, tendons, and skin and reduce friction during movement.

Knee bursitis, which often affects the kneecap, can develop gradually due to excessive kneeling on hard surfaces. It can also result from a traumatic injury, a joint infection, or repetitive stress.

What Are the Symptoms of Knee Bursitis?

In many cases, the symptoms of knee bursitis develop gradually and worsen over time. In addition to pain, an inflamed bursa can cause swelling, stiffness, and warmth in the affected area. Also, if a bursa becomes infected, a fever may develop.

If you have knee pain or other symptoms of knee bursitis, you can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) near Farmingdale, New Jersey. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic knee surgeons have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all types of injuries and conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including knee bursitis. Our goal is to keep active bodies in motion.

How Is Knee Bursitis Treated?

After confirming your diagnosis with a physical examination and imaging, your physician at AOSMI will suggest a treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms while the inflamed bursa heals. Some potentially effective options include:

• PRICE therapy – The best way to improve the symptoms of knee bursitis is to avoid aggravating the injury, and this can often be accomplished with protection, rest, ice applications, compression, and elevation.
• Medication – If the pain does not respond to over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers, a prescription-strength oral medication or corticosteroid injection may be considered.
• Orthopedic physical therapy – Targeted stretches and exercises can enhance flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the knee.
• Assistive walking devices – A cane or crutches may be temporarily used to reduce pressure on the affected knee.
• Aspiration – Excess fluid can be drained from an inflamed bursa.

In most cases, knee bursitis improves with time and does not require surgery. However, surgical removal of the inflamed bursa may be considered to address severe, chronic, or recurrent bursitis.

If you’d like to explore your treatment options for knee bursitis with a specialist at AOSMI, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our sports medicine center near Farmingdale, NJ.