Bursitis of the knee is a condition that results from inflammation of one or more bursae in the knee. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs located near the large joints throughout the body that act as cushions and help reduce friction between soft tissues. The knee has several bursae, and when they are inflamed, they cause pain, swelling, and warmth around the knee joint. Inflamed bursae can also cause you to feel bumps on the skin over the knee. The symptoms of knee bursitis depend on the severity of the condition.
Since severe bursitis of the knee usually causes a worsening of symptoms, it helps not to do things that aggravate the condition. Let’s discuss the things that aggravate bursitis of the knee.
Things To Avoid If You Have Bursitis of the Knee
The things that cause knee bursitis to develop are part of what you should avoid. There are many possible causes of knee bursitis, but some of the most common include:
- Prolonged kneeling. Another name for knee bursitis is housemaid’s knee, since the occupation requires prolonged periods of weight-bearing on the kneecap. Certain occupations in agriculture, construction, repair, and maintenance put workers at greater risk for the condition. If you have knee bursitis, you must avoid putting weight on your already painful and swollen knee.
- Repetitive motions. Baseball catchers who are frequently resting on their knees are also at risk for the condition. Even running can cause a knee bursitis flare-up, especially if the hamstrings are tight, as well as jumping, which can irritate the tendon just below the patella and irritate the knee bursae. Rest is important if you have knee bursitis, and taking time away from sports that require putting weight on the knee is usually recommended by doctors. Wearing knee pads when you have to be on your knees may help prevent further irritation to the knee.
- Landing on your knee. Sports that involve falling on your knee, delivering a direct blow to it such as football and volleyball, are traumatic for the knee and can aggravate bursitis symptoms.
Ultimately, any amount of stress placed on the knee can aggravate knee bursitis symptoms. Be gentle with your knees while you recover from bursitis. Consult an orthopedic doctor for the best way to prevent aggravating your knee bursitis.
Treatment for Bursitis of the Knee in North Dakota
Let our orthopedic surgeons at The Bone & Joint Center help you with your knee problem. We have three board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians – Dr. Brian Dahl, Dr. Timothy Bopp, and Dr. Joe Carlson – that specialize in treatments for the knee. All three are highly qualified to treat the full range of knee problems, using non-surgical and highly advanced, minimally invasive surgeries. We also have physical therapy services available on-site for your convenience and to complete your rehabilitation.
Our goal is to help make your knees feel good again and get you back to playing sports. To consult one of our knee surgeons, call our office today at (800) 424-2663 or use our convenient appointment request form.
