Knee bursitis is a common orthopedic condition that affects many people, especially athletes and individuals who perform repetitive activities that involve the knee joint. It is a painful condition that can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to walk, bend, or even stand for extended periods. While there are several causes of knee bursitis, this blog will focus on the triggers of this condition.
Overuse or Repetitive Activities
One of the most common triggers of knee bursitis is overuse or repetitive activities that put pressure on the knee joint. Runners, cyclists, and individuals who participate in sports that require lots of jumping are at high risk of developing knee bursitis. This is because these activities exert excessive pressure on the knee joint, leading to inflammation of the bursae.
Trauma or Injury
Another trigger of knee bursitis is trauma or injury to the knee joint. When you fall or hit your knee against a hard surface, it can cause damage to the underlying tissue and lead to inflammation of the bursae. Additionally, direct blows to the front or side of your kneecap can also contribute to knee bursitis.
Infection
In rare cases, infections can trigger knee bursitis if bacteria enters the bursae through an open wound or cut around your kneecap. This infection can cause severe inflammation and pain around your knee joint, leading to significant discomfort and difficulty moving your leg.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout can also trigger knee bursitis by causing inflammation around the joints and soft tissues in your body. These conditions cause swelling and stiffness in your joints which puts extra pressure on your knees leading to this painful condition.
Poor Posture
Poor posture is another trigger of knee bursitis. When you sit or stand in an awkward position for extended periods, it can lead to excessive pressure on your knees and cause inflammation in the bursae.
In conclusion, knee bursitis is a painful condition that can make it difficult to perform daily activities. Understanding the triggers of this condition can help you take preventative measures to avoid it. If you experience any symptoms such as pain, swelling, or tenderness around your knee joint, seek medical attention immediately from a physiotherapist or chiropractor who will help you manage the problem effectively. By practicing good posture and avoiding repetitive activities that put pressure on your knees, you can reduce your risk of developing knee bursitis and live a healthy life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment. Jonathan Tran is a physiotherapist in Kitchener.
