Knee bursitis is a common condition that affects many people especially those who are active in sports or physical activities. This condition occurs when one or more bursae in the knee become inflamed due to repetitive use, injury or infection. The good news is that knee bursitis is treatable but you need to know the signs and symptoms to identify it early on. In this blog post, we will outline the most common signs of knee bursitis and what you can do about it.
Pain and Swelling
One of the most common signs of knee bursitis is pain and swelling around the affected area. The pain may be sharp or dull and can increase when you move your knee joint. You may also notice tenderness and warmth around the affected area.
Limited Range of Motion
If you have knee bursitis, you may experience limited range of motion in your knee joint. This means that you may not be able to move your leg as freely as before or that certain movements cause pain.
Redness
In some cases, knee bursitis can cause redness around the affected area due to inflammation and increased blood flow.
Stiffness
You may also experience stiffness in your knee joint due to reduced mobility caused by inflammation and swelling.
Fever
If your knee bursitis is caused by an infection, you may also experience fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. A physiotherapist or chiropractor can diagnose knee bursitis through a physical examination and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Treatment for knee bursitis usually involves rest, ice therapy, compression therapy, elevation (RICE), and over-the-counter pain medication. In some cases, a practitioner may prescribe antibiotics if the bursitis is caused by an infection. Physiotherapy can also help restore normal movement and function of the affected knee joint.
Knee bursitis can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but it’s important to know the signs and symptoms so that you can seek treatment early on. If you have any concerns about your knee health, don’t hesitate to consult with a physiotherapist or chiropractor who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. With proper care and attention, you can get back to enjoying your favorite physical activities without pain or discomfort.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!