Some joints are particularly prone to bursitis: knee joints are also included. At the knee, there are several bursa that can be inflamed by faulty or overloaded. Accordingly, one distinguishes, for example, bursitis of the prepatellar and infrapatellar bursitis. Some occupational groups are particularly prone to bursitis in the knee. Read more about this topic here!
Bursitis – Knee: General
If the doctor detects bursitis in the knee, the bursa in front of the kneecap or below the kneecap is usually affected. In the first case one speaks of Bursitis praepatellarisin the second case of Bursitis infrapatellaris, But there are other bursae in the area of the knee joint that can catch fire (like the bursa anserina).
The cause of pain in the knee area is not always a bursitis. The popliteal fossa and the knee area of the thigh harbors no bursae. The same applies to the region laterally at the joint space. If pain occurs in these areas, it is therefore necessary to search for another cause. This can be, for example, a Baker’s cyst – a fluid-filled cavity in the popliteal fossa.
Bursitis – Knee: Bursitis praepatellaris
Doctors call one Inflammation of the bursa, which lies directly in front of the kneecap (Bursa praepatellaris), as bursitis praepatellaris. The affected bursa lies directly under the skin and guarantees the mobility of the kneecap against the skin on the knee.
Bursitis in this region is especially common in people who expose their kneecaps to high pressure loads. These are, for example, tile and carpet layers. Most work in these trades must be accomplished kneeling, which involves excessive pressure on the bursa in front of the kneecap. In English, the bursitis praepatellaris therefore also “Carpet layer knee” called. Many professional associations require wearing knee pads at work to prevent knee bursitis on the knee.
Bursitis of the prepatellar is also commongardening or after oneFall on the knee on.
Bursitis – Knee: Bursitis infrapatellaris
Bursitis infrapatellaris is one Inflammation of the bursa below the patellar tendon (just below the kneecap). This bursitis is less common than the praepatellar bursitis, but is also often caused by long knees – for example, when kneeling upright on a kneeling bench while praying. Therefore, the infrapatellar bursitis also bears the English name “Clergyman knee”.
Long, knee-loading sports may also cause irritation of the bursa under the kneecap. In addition, the infrapatellar bursitis in the context of another illness (Gout, syphilis) occur. However, this is rarely the case.
Note: The inflammation of the bursa can not be differentiated from inflammation of the Hoffa fat body (Hoffaitis). This fat body is also important for the buffering of the tendon during movement and is located directly above the bursa. Since both inflammations are treated the same, the exact distinction for the patient is usually not relevant.
Bursitis – Knee: Pes anserinus bursitis
Set just below the knee on the inside of the tibia three tendons at. This approach (Pes anserinus superficialis) is protected by a bursa (Bursa anserina) to reduce the friction between the mobile tendons and the hard bone. Even though the inflammation of this bursa through pure overload Often it depends on one deformity or one Arthritis of the knee (Osteoarthritis) together. Since there are a few other orthopedic causes of such inflammation, it should always be clarified by a doctor – especially with repeated inflammations in this region.
Note: Inflammation of the bursa anserina is often difficult to distinguish from inflammation of the tendon (pes anserinus tendinose). This is not important for the treatment.
Bursitis – Knee: Symptoms
Depending on the location of the inflammation different complaints are described. Some similarities are:
- Swelling at the appropriate place
- Redness of the overlying skin
- Overheating of the affected area
- Pain, especially during movements that affect the affected region
- limited mobility of the knee
At a Bursitis praepatellaris Within a few days after exercise, reddish swelling of the skin over the kneecap occurs. The knee joint is not affected. Due to the inflammation, however, the flexion of the knee is particularly painful.
In the Bursitis infrapatellaris As a rule, a painful, reddened swelling can be felt just below the knee, usually on both sides of the patellar tendon. Excessive stretching and bending of the knee causes pain. Particularly unpleasant is the well-known reflex examination on the knee: The patient sits there and lets the legs hang down loosely. Now the doctor beats with a small hammer on the patellar tendon, whereby usually the lower leg reflexively quick (forward) (Patellar tendon reflex, knee-jerk reflex). This examination should not be attempted in case of suspected bursitis (knee) (painful!).
At a Pes anserinus bursitis Patients often report symptoms when climbing stairs. The pain is indicated on the inside of the knee or slightly below it. Overweight, arthritis and female gender are three major risk factors for such knee bursitis.
Bursitis – Knee: Treatment
When treating a bursitis on the knee, the same principles apply as with all other bursitis (protection, cooling, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.). Read more about bursitis: treatment.
The knee is stabilized by many muscles. If you train them specifically and stretch regularly, you can reduce the burden on the bursae and thus prevent (re) inflammation.
Is the Bursitis (knee) only signs of another illness or deformity, it must be treated accordingly.