Bursitis of the Knee

Bursae are small sacs that are located throughout the body, including around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. They contain a small amount of fluid, and are positioned between bones and soft tissues, acting as cushions to help reduce friction.

Pes anserine bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa located between the shinbone (tibia) and the tendons of the hamstring muscle at the inside of the knee. It occurs when the bursa becomes irritated and produces too much fluid, which causes it to swell and put pressure on the adjacent parts of the knee.

Pain and tenderness on the inside of your knee, approximately 2 to 3 inches below the joint, are common symptoms of pes anserine bursitis of the knee.

Bursitis usually develops as the result of overuse or constant friction and stress on the bursa. Pes anserine bursitis is common in athletes, particularly runners. People with osteoarthritis of the knee are also susceptible.

Several factors can contribute to the development of pes anserine bursitis, including:

• Incorrect training techniques, such as neglecting to stretch, doing excessive hill running, and sudden increases in mileage
• Tight hamstring muscles
• Obesity
• An out-turning of the knee or lower leg
• Osteoarthritis in the knee
• Medial meniscus tear

The symptoms of pes anserine bursitis include:

• Pain slowly developing on the inside of your knee and/or in the center of the shinbone, approximately 2 to 3 inches below the knee joint.
• Pain increasing with exercise or climbing stairs

Athletes with pes anserine bursitis should take steps to modify their workout program so that the inflammation does not recur. Other treatments include:

• Rest. Discontinue the activity or substitute a different activity until the bursitis clears up.
• Ice. Apply ice at regular intervals three or four times a day for 20 minutes at a time.
• Anti-inflammatory medication. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) may ease the pain and reduce the inflammation.
• Injection. Your doctor may inject a solution of anesthetic and steroid into the bursa, which often provides prompt relief.
• Physical therapy. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy for specific stretching exercises, and ice and ultrasound treatments.
• If your symptoms continue, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend surgical removal of the bursa. This is typically performed as an outpatient (same-day) procedure. If putting weight on your leg causes discomfort after the procedure, your doctor will recommend using crutches for a short time. Normal activities can typically be resumed within 3 weeks of the procedure.