Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis is inflammation and pain of the knee bursa. Bursa is a sac filled with fluid that cushions a tendon and bone. When we say tendon, it is a connective tissue that connects a muscle and a bone. Usually, the fluid present in the sac is just a small amount but with knee bursitis, the sac is filled with a lot of water. When the bursa found in your knee is inflamed, it is called knee bursitis. The inflammation can also cause pain and physical immobility.
Causes of Knee Bursitis
- kneeling can cause knee bursitis because it gives constant pressure on the knees.
- direct trauma or injury to the knee
- infection from microorganisms
- diseases such as rheumatoid and gouty arthritis
- repeated motions that exhausts the knees such as in jumping and running
- sometimes, the cause of knee bursitis is unknown
Signs and symptoms of knee bursitis
In general, knee bursitis is a long term disease that recurs every now and then. this may also happen abruptly such as a trauma or injury and infection. most often than not, these are the symptoms manifested by clients with knee bursitis:
- knee stiffness and decreased physical mobility
- Inflammation and pain on the affected knee. it may be very uncomfortable moving especially while walking and kneeling. The pain worsens when repeated routine or exercise is done and also when climbing inclined plains and stairs.
- Knee bursitis is warm to touch and may also be red when infected. Along with this, fever can also be experienced.
- soreness of knee cap bursal inflammation
Diagnosis for knee bursitis
Above everything else, a physician reviews the medical health history of the client, taking in considerations on the client’s daily activities. For suspected knee bursitis in due to trauma or injury, an x-ray may be performed. The x-ray result may reveal swelling or inflammation of the kneecap for knee bursitis. X-rays are also performed to confirm bone fractures or other problems.
Knee Bursitis Treatment
Knee bursitis treatment depends on the etiology of the knee bursitis. In general, R.I.C.E method is advised. This will be discussed below:
- Rest: Rest is essential in allowing knee bursitis to heal. this decreases the swelling, persistence and also, it prevents the knee bursitis from getting worse. Pain is also relieved by resting. when the pain is controlled of reduced, slow progressing movements should be done.
- Ice: Cold application for two to three days decreases the inflammation swelling and pain as it stimulates vasoconstriction for knee bursitis. cold pack preparation is very simple. First, Crushed ice is placed inside a plastic bag and then, it is covered by a towel. This should be done fifteen to twenty minutes, three to four times per day. it should not be applied while sleeping as it may cause frostbite. Massaging the knee with ice cubes relieves swelling and pain.
- Compress: Wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage or tape may prevent the knee from swelling. When toes begin to turn blue, loosen the elastic bandage as it indicates cyanosis. This is common especially to knee bursitis with swelling or has the potential to swell.
- Elevate: Elevating or raising the knee above the heart decreases swelling. You may use pillows in elevating the knees.
- Heat: After application of cold pack for two to three days, warm compress can be done to control and decrease pain and stiffness. Hot and cold compress may be alternately applied for knee bursitis.
- Surgery: A needle may be inserted and will be used to aspirate excess fluids from the bursa.
Surgery can be an option if the knee bursitis is worse.
