Bursae of the knee are fluid-filled sacs that allow the muscle, tendon, and skin to slide easily over the bones. When the bursae in the knee become inflamed or irritated, this is known as knee bursitis.

Knee bursitis usually occurs over the knee cap (patella) or on the inner side of the knee.

What causes knee bursitis?

A number of outside forces can cause the bursae to become inflamed, including:

• Constant pressure on the knee
• Direct hit to the knee
• Bacterial infection in the knee bursae
• Osteoarthritis
• Obesity
• Lack of stretching

What does it feel like?

Pain, swelling, redness, and limited mobility are all symptoms of knee bursitis.

How do I know if I have knee bursitis?

Knee bursitis is usually diagnosed during a physical examination of the knee.

How is knee bursitis treated?

Inflammation and irritation associated with bursitis can often be relieved by using anti-inflammatory medication, resting the knee, or simply avoiding whatever activity caused the bursitis.

When those methods fail to reduce the symptoms of bursitis, your doctor can aspirate, or drain, the knee joint using a needle and syringe.

Treatment Videos

Watch an educational video about knee bursitis.