Knee Bursitis – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Scans and Imaging Methods
Imaging studies help doctors look for conditions besides knee bursitis that might cause pain, swelling, or inflammation. Some common tests include:
| Test | What It Shows | Why Itโs Used |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | Bones, possible arthritis | Finds bone injury or joint problems |
| MRI | Soft tissues, bursae, tendons | Shows swelling or damage to soft structures |
| Ultrasound | Fluid buildup, changes in soft areas | Detects swollen bursa and shows how much fluid is there |
Doctors choose these tests based on your symptoms. Redness, warmth, and tenderness can point to bursitis, but scans help check for other issues or confirm swelling in deeper bursae.
Removal and Testing of Bursa Fluid
Doctors call fluid removal from the swollen bursa aspiration. They do not use this step for every person with knee bursitis.
Doctors may use aspiration if they see signs of infection or gout. During aspiration, a doctor uses a needle to take out a small amount of fluid for testing.
This test helps check for infection or crystals from gout. Draining the fluid can also lessen pain and swelling in the knee.
Aspiration helps most if the skin over the knee is red, very warm, or if you have a fever. These signs can mean infection. Testing the bursa fluid helps doctors make a clear diagnosis and choose the right treatment.
Treatment
Medicines for Managing Symptoms
Doctors prescribe antibiotics if infection causes knee bursitis. If inflammation is the main problem, you may take painkillers like ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to decrease pain and swelling.
Some people also use anti-inflammatory medication for discomfort. If bursitis does not improve with these drugs, a health professional might suggest a corticosteroid injection for stronger relief.
Common medicines for bursitis:
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Antibiotic | Fight infection |
| NSAID | Reduce swelling/pain |
| Corticosteroid (injection) | Lower inflammation |
Exercises and Supportive Care
Physical therapists help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility. They guide you through exercises that support joint movement and help prevent future issues.
Wearing protective knee braces or using compression sleeves gives extra support and reduces swelling during recovery. Stretching and gentle activities help restore the kneeโs range of motion after a flare-up.
Supportive approaches:
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretching routines
- Compression sleeves
- Knee braces for support
Surgical and Injection-Based Options
If other treatments do not help, doctors may suggest more involved procedures. They sometimes give steroid injections directly into the bursa to decrease inflammation and relieve pain quickly.
Doctors may also perform aspiration by using a needle to drain extra fluid from the swollen bursa. This process reduces swelling and may help the area heal faster, though mild short-term pain can occur.
Doctors rarely recommend surgery to remove the swollen bursa. They only consider it if infection does not clear up or if pain lasts despite other treatments.
Ways to Manage Symptoms at Home
You can take several steps at home to help reduce pain and swelling from knee bursitis. Rest the knee and avoid activities that make symptoms worse, such as kneeling or repetitive movement.
Use a soft pillow or cushion for comfort when sitting or resting. Apply ice packs on the knee for about 20 minutes, several times a day, to lower swelling and soothe discomfort.
A compression wrap or knee sleeve can gently limit swelling, but make sure it is not too tight. Keep the knee raised on pillows when sitting or lying down to decrease swelling.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen help with short-term pain. Losing extra weight can also reduce pressure on the knee.
Getting Ready for Your Medical Visit
Steps You Can Take Before Your Visit
To get the most out of your appointment, stay organized. Use the table below to prepare important information:
| Category | Details to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Current Symptoms | Note what symptoms you have and when they started. |
| Personal Health Background | List recent activities or exercises, especially physical work. |
| Medications and Supplements | Write names and doses of every medicine, vitamin, or supplement |
| Questions for the Healthcare Team | Create a list of topics or concerns you want to discuss. |
Bring someone you trust to your visit if possible. Another person can help remember details.
Below are sample questions you can ask:
- What might be causing my knee pain?
- Could there be other reasons for my symptoms?
- What kinds of tests may be needed?
- Which treatments do you suggest?
- Will my daily habits or work need to change?
- Can you suggest any home care tips?
Ask about anything else that concerns you.
Questions Your Healthcare Provider May Ask
The medical team needs as much detail as possible. They may ask:
Did the pain begin suddenly or slowly get worse?
What work or hobbies involve using your knees?
Which actions make the pain worse, like kneeling or climbing stairs?
Have you had any falls, accidents, or knee injuries?
What treatments have you already tried at home?
Did these treatments change anything?
Clear answers to these questions help the healthcare team support you. Sharing your full medical history and all symptoms helps guide your diagnosis and treatment plan.
