Knee Bursitis - Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Knee Bursitis – Inflammation and Pain Around the Knee Joint

Overview

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.

What Is Knee Bursitis?

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.

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When these sacs fill with excess fluid from irritation or infection, they swell and become painful to the touch — a hallmark of bursitis.

Causes and Risk Factors

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.

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Risk Factors:

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)

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Symptoms

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

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Symptoms may develop gradually over days or appear suddenly after trauma.

Diagnosis

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.

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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.

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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 Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

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.

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Physical Therapy

Strengthening and flexibility exercises improve knee support, reduce pressure on bursae, and prevent recurrence.
Rolling a tennis ball under the arch can relieve tension.

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PRP Therapy

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.

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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.

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Reconstructive Surgery

For severe infections or cases linked to structural abnormalities.

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Surgical approaches are minimally invasive and focus on restoring comfort and function.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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.

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Rehabilitation goals:

Reduce inflammation and swelling
Strengthen surrounding muscles for better knee support
Improve flexibility and balance
Prevent recurrence through posture and movement training

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At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, recovery programs are tailored to each patient’s occupation, activity level, and injury history for optimal results.

Long-Term Outlook and Prevention

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

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Maintaining muscle balance and flexibility around the joint is key to long-term prevention.

When to Seek Medical Care

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

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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.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here. If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, or loss of function, please contact a medical professional immediately or visit your nearest emergency center.