The knee is protected by several small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which reduce friction and allow smooth motion between bones, tendons, and skin. When one or more of these bursae become inflamed, the result is knee bursitis — a painful condition that can limit movement and cause noticeable swelling around the joint.
Bursitis can develop gradually from repetitive kneeling or strain, or suddenly after direct trauma or infection. While common in athletes, construction workers, and gardeners, anyone who places frequent pressure on their knees can experience it.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we help patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas recover from knee bursitis through accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment focused on reducing pain and restoring motion.
The bursae are thin, fluid-filled cushions that protect the knee’s soft tissues from friction. There are three major bursae in the knee most likely to become inflamed:
- Prepatellar bursa: Located in front of the kneecap, often irritated by kneeling on hard surfaces (“housemaid’s knee”).
- Infrapatellar bursa: Found just below the kneecap, affected by repetitive bending or jumping.
- Pes anserine bursa: Sits along the inner side of the knee, often inflamed by overuse, muscle tightness, or arthritis.
When these sacs fill with excess fluid from irritation or infection, they swell and become painful to the touch — a hallmark of bursitis.
Bursitis can result from repetitive pressure, impact, or infection. The condition is more likely to occur in individuals with active or physically demanding lifestyles.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive kneeling or crawling: Occupations like flooring, plumbing, and cleaning place prolonged stress on the knee.
- Overuse or sports activity: Running, squatting, or jumping repeatedly irritates the bursae.
- Direct trauma: A fall or blow to the knee can cause immediate inflammation.
- Arthritis or gout: Inflammatory joint conditions can trigger secondary bursitis.
- Infection (septic bursitis): Bacteria entering through a scrape or puncture can infect a bursa.
Risk factors include:
- Frequent kneeling or physical work
- Athletic participation (particularly wrestling, football, or running)
- Obesity or poor muscle conditioning
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes or immune system compromise (increased infection risk)
Knee bursitis symptoms can vary depending on which bursa is inflamed, but most cases share a similar pattern.
Common symptoms include:
- Visible swelling around the kneecap or inner knee
- Tenderness and warmth over the affected area
- Pain when kneeling, climbing stairs, or bending the knee
- Stiffness or restricted range of motion
- Redness if infection is present
- Increased pain after activity or pressure on the knee
Symptoms may develop gradually over days or appear suddenly after trauma.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a detailed evaluation to confirm whether pain is caused by bursitis or another condition such as tendonitis or arthritis.
Diagnostic process includes:
- Medical history: Discussion of work habits, sports, and prior knee injuries.
- Physical examination: Identifies swelling, tenderness, and bursa location.
Imaging tests:
- Ultrasound: Detects fluid accumulation and inflammation in the bursae.
- X-rays: Rule out fractures, bone spurs, or arthritis.
- MRI: Evaluates soft-tissue involvement and rules out deeper infection.
Fluid aspiration: If infection is suspected, fluid from the bursa may be analyzed to identify bacteria.
This step-by-step process ensures accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Treatment focuses on relieving inflammation, preventing infection, and restoring normal knee motion.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Avoid kneeling or repetitive stress until swelling resolves.
- Cold therapy: Apply ice packs several times a day to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Compression and elevation: Decrease swelling and fluid buildup.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: NSAIDs help control pain and reduce irritation.
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises improve knee support, reduce pressure on bursae, and prevent recurrence.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections can promote healing in chronic cases by reducing inflammation and restoring tissue health.
- Aspiration and corticosteroid injection: Dr. Burke may drain excess fluid and inject anti-inflammatory medication for quick relief.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is rarely needed but may be recommended for chronic or recurrent bursitis.
Dr. Burke may perform:
- Bursa Removal (Bursectomy): Removes the inflamed bursa to eliminate chronic swelling.
- For severe infections or cases linked to structural abnormalities.
Surgical approaches are minimally invasive and focus on restoring comfort and function.
Recovery time depends on the cause and severity of the inflammation.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Non-surgical treatment: 4–6 weeks with rest, medication, and therapy.
- Surgical drainage or removal: 6–8 weeks, including structured physical therapy.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Reduce inflammation and swelling
- Strengthen surrounding muscles for better knee support
- Improve flexibility and balance
- Prevent recurrence through posture and movement training
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, recovery programs are tailored to each patient’s occupation, activity level, and injury history for optimal results.
Most cases of knee bursitis heal completely with conservative care. However, chronic bursitis can recur if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.
Prevention tips:
- Use knee pads or cushions when kneeling for work or exercise
- Maintain proper body mechanics when lifting or bending
- Stretch before and after activity to keep muscles flexible
- Strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings to support knee stability
- Avoid prolonged pressure on the knees
- Treat infections or minor knee injuries promptly
Maintaining muscle balance and flexibility around the joint is key to long-term prevention.
You should seek orthopedic care if:
- Knee swelling or pain persists longer than one week
- You experience redness, warmth, or fever (possible infection)
- Pain interferes with walking or daily activities
- You notice recurring swelling even after rest
- Over-the-counter treatments fail to relieve symptoms
Prompt evaluation ensures effective treatment and prevents complications such as septic bursitis.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If swelling or pain around your kneecap or knee joint is affecting your movement or work, professional care can help you heal properly and prevent recurrence.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating knee bursitis with precision and compassion — helping patients return to comfortable, active lives.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering comprehensive orthopedic care that addresses both symptoms and root causes.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint inflammation and knee injuries.
