Key Takeaways
- Knee bursitis occurs when one of the knee’s fluid-filled bursae becomes irritated or inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement.
- Common symptoms include localized swelling, warmth, stiffness, and discomfort when kneeling or bending.
- Knee bursitis is often caused by repetitive kneeling, sports-related strain, direct injury, infection, or underlying conditions like arthritis.
- Risk factors include age, obesity, repetitive pressure on the knees, certain occupations, and previous joint injuries.
- Early evaluation prevents worsening inflammation and helps restore mobility through targeted care.
- Interventional Pain & Spine Center in Wexford, PA, led by Dr. Mohammad Ali, a triple-board-certified neurologist and pain management specialist, provides expert diagnosis and advanced, personalized knee bursitis treatment options designed for lasting relief. Schedule an appointment today.
Understanding Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis is one of the most common causes of knee pain and swelling, especially in people who frequently kneel, exercise, or engage in repetitive movements. To understand how bursitis develops, it’s helpful to first understand what a bursa is and how it functions.
What Is a Bursa and What Does It Do?
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles around joints. The knee contains multiple bursae that help your joint move smoothly during activities like walking, bending, and kneeling.
When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it swells and loses its ability to reduce friction. This condition—knee bursitis—can make even simple movements uncomfortable.
There are several bursae around the knee, but the most commonly affected include:
- Prepatellar bursa (front of the kneecap)
- Infrapatellar bursa (just below the kneecap)
- Pes anserine bursa (inner side of the knee)
Inflammation in any of these locations can lead to pain, swelling, or stiffness depending on the specific bursa affected.
Knee Bursitis Symptoms
Recognizing knee bursitis symptoms early helps prevent worsening inflammation and long-term discomfort. Symptoms may develop gradually, especially with overuse, or suddenly following an injury.
1. Localized Swelling Around the Knee
Swelling is often the earliest sign of bursitis. You may notice a soft, warm area above or below the kneecap.
- Prepatellar bursitis often causes visible swelling on the front of the kneecap.
- Pes anserine bursitis typically creates tender swelling on the inner side of the knee.
2. Knee Pain That Worsens With Movement
Pain may feel sharp, achy, or throbbing depending on the severity of inflammation. Activities that often worsen discomfort include:
- Climbing stairs
- Kneeling
- Squatting
- Standing up from a seated position
3. Stiffness or Reduced Range of Motion
Inflamed bursae can restrict flexibility and make bending or straightening the knee painful.
4. Warmth and Tenderness
The knee may feel warm to the touch, signaling active inflammation.
5. Pain When Pressure Is Applied
Kneeling, leaning, or resting weight on the affected knee can significantly increase discomfort.
6. Possible Redness or Infection Signs
In rare cases, the bursa can become infected. If you notice redness, fever, or severe tenderness, immediate medical evaluation is necessary.
What Causes Knee Bursitis?
A variety of activities and medical conditions can irritate the knee’s bursae.
Repetitive Kneeling or Pressure on the Knee
This is one of the most common causes of bursitis, especially among individuals who:
- Garden
- Lay flooring
- Work in construction
- Clean or scrub floors
Frequent kneeling places continuous pressure on the prepatellar bursa, making it prone to irritation.
Overuse From Sports or Exercise
Athletes who run, jump, or pivot—such as runners and basketball players—can develop bursitis from repetitive strain.
Direct Injury or Trauma
A fall, blow, or impact to the knee may cause inflammation in the bursa.
Underlying Inflammatory Conditions
Conditions that increase joint inflammation can also lead to bursitis, such as:
- Arthritis
- Gout
Infection (Septic Bursitis)
If bacteria enter the bursa through a cut or scrape near the knee, infection can develop. This requires prompt medical treatment.
Who Is at Risk for Knee Bursitis?
Anyone can develop bursitis, but certain factors increase the likelihood.
Age
As the body ages, bursae become more vulnerable to irritation and overuse.
Obesity
Excess weight places additional stress on the knee joint, increasing inflammation risk.
Occupational Factors
Jobs involving frequent kneeling or squatting raise the risk of prepatellar bursitis.
Sports Participation
Athletes who engage in high-impact, repetitive movements may experience chronic bursitis.
History of Knee Injury
Previous trauma or surgery can weaken the protective structures around the knee.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Detecting bursitis early helps prevent chronic inflammation and long-term pain. At Interventional Pain & Spine Center, evaluation includes a comprehensive history and physical examination, supported by advanced neurological and musculoskeletal expertise under the direction of Dr. Mohammad Ali, a triple-board-certified pain and neurology specialist.
For cases where nerve-related symptoms accompany bursitis (such as numbness or tingling), in-house EMG and EEG diagnostic testing may be used to determine whether nerve dysfunction plays a role in the patient’s knee pain.
Early diagnosis allows for targeted treatment that reduces inflammation, protects joint function, and restores mobility.
Knee Bursitis Treatment Options at Interventional Pain & Spine Center
Knee bursitis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring mobility, and addressing the underlying cause. Interventional Pain & Spine Center provides a comprehensive, personalized approach to care.
1. Targeted Pain Relief Injections
Anti-inflammatory injections reduce swelling and irritation inside the affected bursa, providing relief when conservative measures are not enough. These targeted injections deliver medication directly to the source of inflammation.
2. Nerve Blocks for Associated Knee Pain
If nerve irritation contributes to pain around the knee, nerve blocks may be used to interrupt pain signals and reduce discomfort. These injections provide both diagnostic clarity and therapeutic benefit.
3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Chronic Pain
For prolonged or recurring knee bursitis pain, radiofrequency ablation can disable overactive nerves responsible for transmitting chronic pain, offering longer-lasting relief.
4. Medication Management (When Appropriate)
Interventional Pain & Spine Center follows a non-medication-reliant philosophy, using medication only as a temporary support while addressing the underlying problem. Medications may be used alongside procedural treatments to improve comfort.
Treatment Comparison Table
| Treatment Option | Primary Goal | When It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Relief Injection | Reduce inflammation in the bursa | Moderate to severe swelling and pain |
| Nerve Block | Interrupt pain pathways | When nerve irritation is present |
| Radiofrequency Ablation | Provide long-term pain relief | Chronic or recurring knee bursitis |
| Medication Management | Support short-term comfort | When paired with interventional treatment |
When to Seek a Specialist for Knee Bursitis
You should schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent knee pain lasting longer than one week
- Swelling that does not improve
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- Pain that interferes with work, exercise, or daily activities
- Signs of infection, such as redness, fever, or warmth
Specialized care ensures your condition is accurately diagnosed and effectively treated before it becomes chronic.
Find Effective Knee Bursitis Relief in Wexford, PA
Interventional Pain & Spine Center provides expert, evidence-based care for knee bursitis using advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatment options. Led by Dr. Mohammad Ali, an experienced, triple board-certified neurologist and pain specialist, patients receive personalized care designed to reduce inflammation, restore comfort, and improve mobility. Whether your knee pain began gradually or after an injury, professional evaluation is the best way to protect your joint health and prevent long-term complications.
Schedule an appointment with Interventional Pain & Spine Center today to learn more about targeted knee bursitis treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of knee bursitis?
Early signs include mild swelling, tenderness, and discomfort when kneeling or bending. As inflammation progresses, stiffness and warmth may develop.
What causes knee bursitis to flare up?
Repetitive kneeling, overuse, direct impact, infection, and underlying conditions like arthritis can trigger flare-ups.
Is knee bursitis serious?
While usually not dangerous, untreated bursitis can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or infection. Early treatment prevents complications.
How do specialists diagnose knee bursitis?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and, when needed, advanced diagnostic testing to detect nerve involvement.
What is the best treatment for knee bursitis?
Targeted injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and personalized pain management strategies offer effective relief depending on severity.
