Bursitis of the knee

Overview

Bursitis of the knee is inflammation (swelling and irritation) of a small fluid-filled sac called a bursa near the knee joint. Bursae help reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. When a bursa becomes inflamed, it causes pain and swelling around the knee.

Yes, knee bursitis is fairly common, especially in people who kneel a lot for work or hobbies, such as gardeners, carpet layers, or plumbers.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in people whose jobs involve frequent kneeling (like construction workers) or athletes who put repeated pressure on their knees (like runners or cyclists). Older adults may also develop it due to age-related changes in the knee.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain and tenderness on or around the kneecap
• Swelling or a bump on the knee that feels soft or warm
• Stiffness when bending or straightening the leg
• Pain that worsens when kneeling, climbing stairs, or standing up

Symptoms in children

• Similar symptoms as adults, but children may also have redness over the knee and a general feeling of being unwell
• Watch for a warm, red area that spreads – this could mean an infection

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain and swelling may be less noticeable but stiffness can be more limiting
• They might find it harder to walk or get up from a chair
• The knee may feel tender when touched

Causes

Main causes

• Repeated kneeling or putting pressure on the knee – for example, during gardening, cleaning, or playing sports
• A direct blow or injury to the knee, like falling on it
• An infection that enters the bursa through a cut or scrape on the skin
• Certain medical conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis that can cause inflammation

Risk factors

• Jobs that require a lot of kneeling (carpet laying, plumbing, gardening)
• Sports that involve frequent knee bending (wrestling, rugby, basketball)
• Having a condition like rheumatoid arthritis or gout
• A recent knee injury or surgery
• Being overweight, which puts extra pressure on the knees

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number if you have signs of infection – severe pain, fever, red streaks, or the knee is very hot and swollen.
• Go to the nearest emergency department if you cannot put any weight on your leg or if the knee looks deformed.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your doctor or a healthcare provider if the pain does not improve after 2–3 days of rest and simple home care.
• Make an appointment if the swelling is getting worse or if you have a fever with knee pain.
• If you have a known condition like gout or rheumatoid arthritis and the knee is swollen, check with your doctor.

Diagnosis

A doctor will talk about your symptoms and examine your knee. They will press on the knee to check for tenderness and swelling, and may compare it with your other knee.

Tests that may be done

• Sometimes an ultrasound or MRI scan is used to see the swollen bursa and rule out other problems like a fracture or tendinitis.
• If an infection is suspected, the doctor may take a small sample of fluid from the swollen bursa with a needle and send it to a lab to check for bacteria.

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is usually quick and not painful. If your doctor needs to take fluid, they will numb the area first. You will likely be told to rest the knee and apply ice, and if it is infected, you will need antibiotics.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Most cases are not infected and get better with simple steps to reduce swelling and pain. If there is an infection, antibiotics and sometimes drainage are needed.

Self-care at home

• Rest the knee – avoid kneeling, squatting, or activities that cause pain.
• Apply an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours to reduce swelling.
• Keep the leg elevated (for example, on a pillow) when sitting or lying down.
• Gently bend and straighten the leg a few times a day once the sharp pain goes away, to keep the joint flexible.

Medical treatments

A doctor may suggest anti‑inflammatory medicine (like ibuprofen or naproxen) to reduce pain and swelling – always follow the label or your doctor’s advice. If the bursitis does not improve, they might drain the fluid or give a steroid injection into the knee to calm inflammation. For infected bursitis, you will be prescribed antibiotics, and sometimes the fluid needs to be drained more than once.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered for chronic (long‑lasting) bursitis that does not respond to other treatments, but most people recover without an operation.

Living with this condition

For a few days, you will need to avoid kneeling and activities that stress your knee. You can still walk gently if it does not hurt. Use a cushion or knee pads if you have to kneel. As the pain goes away, slowly return to normal activities.

Lifestyle tips

• Use kneepads or a thick cushion when you need to kneel – for gardening, cleaning, or DIY.
• Take short breaks from kneeling – stand up and walk around every 15–30 minutes.
• Wear comfortable shoes with good support to reduce strain on your knees.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for bursitis, but eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may help reduce overall inflammation. For exercise, low‑impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking on flat ground are good. Avoid high‑impact sports or deep knee bends until you have healed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with knee pain can be frustrating and may limit what you can do. It is normal to feel down or annoyed. Try to stay positive by focusing on small improvements and doing gentle activities you enjoy. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a friend or a healthcare professional.

Prevention

Yes, many cases can be prevented. Avoid prolonged kneeling – take breaks, use knee pads, and do gentle stretching before activities that involve kneeling. If you play sports, warm up properly and strengthen your thigh muscles.

Complications

If left untreated

• The swelling and pain may become chronic (long‑lasting) and harder to treat.
• An infected bursa can spread the infection to the rest of the knee or blood (sepsis) if not treated quickly.
• You might develop stiffness and weakness in the knee, making it hard to walk or climb stairs.

Long-term outlook

Most people with knee bursitis recover fully within a few weeks with simple rest and care. Even if it takes longer, the condition usually improves with proper treatment. Infections respond well to antibiotics if treated early. There is a good chance you will be able to return to all your normal activities.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.