Types of Knee Bursitis
1. Prepatellar bursitis
Prepatellar bursitis is the most common type of knee bursitis. It affects the bursa located in front of the kneecap, also known as the housemaid’s knee. Prepatellar bursitis is often caused by repetitive kneeling or pressure on the kneecap. Symptoms of prepatellar bursitis include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the front of the knee.
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2. Olecranon bursitis
Olecranon bursitis affects the bursa located at the back of the knee, just below the kneecap, also known as the student’s elbow. Olecranon bursitis is often caused by repetitive trauma to the back of the knee, such as from leaning on the elbows. Symptoms of olecranon bursitis include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth at the back of the knee.
3. Infrapatellar bursitis
Infrapatellar bursitis affects the bursa located below the kneecap and above the shinbone, also known as the goosefoot bursitis. Infrapatellar bursitis is often caused by overuse of the knee, such as from running or jumping. Symptoms of infrapatellar bursitis include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth below the kneecap and above the shinbone.
4. Pes anserine bursitis
Pes anserine bursitis affects the bursa located on the inside of the knee, just below the kneecap. Pes anserine bursitis is often caused by overuse of the knee, such as from running or jumping. Symptoms of pes anserine bursitis include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth on the inside of the knee, just below the kneecap.
5. Iliotibial band bursitis
Iliotibial band bursitis affects the bursa located on the outside of the knee, just below the kneecap, also known as the runner’s knee. Iliotibial band bursitis is often caused by overuse of the knee, such as from running or cycling. Symptoms of iliotibial band bursitis include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth on the outside of the knee, just below the kneecap.
6. Hoffa’s fat pad bursitis
Hoffa’s fat pad bursitis affects the bursa located deep inside the knee joint, behind the kneecap. Hoffa’s fat pad bursitis is often caused by overuse of the knee, such as from running or jumping. Symptoms of Hoffa’s fat pad bursitis include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee, especially when squatting or kneeling.
7. Popliteal bursitis
Popliteal bursitis affects the bursa located at the back of the knee, behind the knee joint, also known as Baker’s cyst. Popliteal bursitis is often caused by other underlying conditions, such as arthritis, gout, or pseudogout. Symptoms of popliteal bursitis include swelling, redness, and warmth at the back of the knee.
Symptoms for each type of knee bursitis:
Prepatellar bursitis
- Pain in the front of the kneecap
- Swelling in the front of the kneecap
- Redness and warmth in the front of the kneecap
- Difficulty kneeling or squatting
- Popping or crackling sound when bending or straightening the knee
Olecranon bursitis
- Pain at the back of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Swelling at the back of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Redness and warmth at the back of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Difficulty leaning on the elbows
Infrapatellar bursitis
- Pain below the kneecap and above the shinbone
- Swelling below the kneecap and above the shinbone
- Redness and warmth below the kneecap and above the shinbone
- Difficulty running or jumping
Pes anserine bursitis
- Pain on the inside of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Swelling on the inside of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Redness and warmth on the inside of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Difficulty walking or standing
Iliotibial band bursitis
- Pain on the outside of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Swelling on the outside of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Redness and warmth on the outside of the knee, just below the kneecap
- Difficulty running or cycling
Hoffa’s fat pad bursitis
- Pain deep inside the knee joint, behind the kneecap
- Swelling deep inside the knee joint, behind the kneecap
- Difficulty squatting or kneeling
Popliteal bursitis
- Swelling behind the knee
- Redness and warmth behind the knee
- Pain behind the knee
- Stiffness in the knee
It is important to note that not everyone with knee bursitis will experience all of these symptoms. The severity of symptoms can also vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment for each type of knee bursitis
Prepatellar bursitis
Treatment for prepatellar bursitis typically includes:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the bursitis, such as kneeling and squatting.
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Compression: Wrap the affected area with an elastic bandage or compression sleeve to help reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Elevate the affected leg above the level of the heart when resting.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and pain. However, they should only be used sparingly, as too many injections can weaken the tendons and ligaments around the knee.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion.
Olecranon bursitis
Treatment for olecranon bursitis is similar to that of prepatellar bursitis. However, it is important to avoid leaning on the elbows, as this can aggravate the bursitis.
Infrapatellar bursitis
Treatment for infrapatellar bursitis is also similar to that of prepatellar bursitis. However, it is important to avoid activities that put stress on the front of the knee, such as running and jumping.
Pes anserine bursitis
Treatment for pes anserine bursitis is similar to that of other types of knee bursitis. However, it is important to avoid activities that put stress on the inside of the knee, such as running and standing for long periods of time.
Iliotibial band bursitis
Treatment for iliotibial band bursitis is similar to that of other types of knee bursitis. However, it is important to avoid activities that put stress on the outside of the knee, such as running and cycling.
Hoffa’s fat pad bursitis
Treatment for Hoffa’s fat pad bursitis is similar to that of other types of knee bursitis. However, it is important to avoid activities that put stress on the back of the knee, such as squatting and kneeling.
Popliteal bursitis
Treatment for popliteal bursitis is typically similar to that of other types of knee bursitis. However, it is important to treat the underlying condition that is causing the bursitis.
In severe cases of any type of knee bursitis, surgery may be necessary to remove the bursa or to repair any damage to the surrounding tissues.