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ConditionsKneeKnee Bursitis
Knee Bursitis Recovery Guide

Knee BursitisInflammation Management

Knee bursitis involves inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your knee joint. Learn effective treatment strategies to reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence.

11
Bursae around the knee
40-60
Most common age range
2-6
Weeks typical recovery
90%
Respond to conservative treatment

Types of Knee Bursitis

Prepatellar Bursitis

Housemaid's Knee

Location: Front of kneecap

Common Causes:

  • Prolonged kneeling
  • Direct trauma
  • Infection

Symptoms:

  • Swelling over kneecap
  • Pain with kneeling
  • Warmth and redness

Treatment Focus:

Rest, ice, padding, sometimes drainage

Infrapatellar Bursitis

Clergyman's Knee

Location: Below kneecap

Common Causes:

  • Kneeling on hard surfaces
  • Jumping activities
  • Overuse

Symptoms:

  • Pain below kneecap
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty kneeling

Treatment Focus:

Activity modification, stretching, strengthening

Pes Anserine Bursitis

Goose Foot Bursitis

Location: Inner side of knee

Common Causes:

  • Running
  • Tight hamstrings
  • Knee osteoarthritis

Symptoms:

  • Inner knee pain
  • Pain climbing stairs
  • Night pain

Treatment Focus:

Stretching, strengthening, activity modification

Suprapatellar Bursitis

Quadriceps Bursitis

Location: Above kneecap

Common Causes:

  • Overuse
  • Direct trauma
  • Inflammatory conditions

Symptoms:

  • Swelling above kneecap
  • Pain with knee bending
  • Stiffness

Treatment Focus:

Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications

Treatment Phases

Acute Phase (0-2 weeks)

Reduce inflammation and protect the bursa

Goals:

Control pain and swellingProtect inflamed bursaMaintain mobility

Key Interventions:

Rest from aggravating activities
Ice therapy 15-20 minutes, 4-6 times daily
Compression with elastic bandage
Elevation when possible
Anti-inflammatory medications
Avoid direct pressure on affected area
Gentle range of motion exercises
Subacute Phase (2-6 weeks)

Restore function and address underlying causes

Goals:

Improve flexibilityBegin strengtheningAddress biomechanical issues

Key Interventions:

Progressive stretching program
Gentle strengthening exercises
Activity modification
Biomechanical assessment
Gradual return to activities
Continue ice after activities
Consider physical therapy
Recovery Phase (6+ weeks)

Return to full activity and prevent recurrence

Goals:

Full return to activityPrevent recurrenceMaintain strength and flexibility

Key Interventions:

Progressive activity increase
Sport-specific training
Continued strengthening program
Proper technique training
Equipment modifications
Regular stretching routine
Monitor for symptom recurrence

Exercise Program

Stretching Exercises

Improve flexibility of surrounding muscles

Quadriceps Stretch

Pull heel toward buttocks while standing

Protocol: 3 sets x 30 seconds
Frequency: 3 times daily
Hamstring Stretch

Straight leg stretch while lying down

Protocol: 3 sets x 30 seconds
Frequency: 3 times daily
IT Band Stretch

Cross-leg stretch against wall

Protocol: 3 sets x 30 seconds
Frequency: Daily
Calf Stretch

Lean against wall with straight leg

Protocol: 3 sets x 30 seconds
Frequency: Daily
Strengthening Exercises

Build strength to support proper mechanics

Quad Sets

Tighten thigh muscle while leg is straight

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 reps
Frequency: 3 times daily
Straight Leg Raises

Lift straight leg in multiple directions

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 reps each direction
Frequency: Daily
Wall Sits

Slide down wall and hold squat position

Protocol: 3 sets x 30 seconds
Frequency: Daily
Clamshells

Side-lying hip strengthening

Protocol: 3 sets x 15 reps
Frequency: Daily
Activity Modification

Techniques to reduce bursa irritation

Knee Padding

Use knee pads during kneeling activities

Protocol: As needed
Frequency: During activities
Proper Kneeling

Kneel on soft surfaces, alternate knees

Protocol: Technique modification
Frequency: Always
Activity Pacing

Take breaks during repetitive activities

Protocol: Every 15-20 minutes
Frequency: During work/activities
Ergonomic Assessment

Modify work environment to reduce kneeling

Protocol: One-time assessment
Frequency: As needed
Prevention Strategies
Use knee pads when kneeling on hard surfaces
Take frequent breaks during repetitive kneeling
Maintain good flexibility of leg muscles
Strengthen hip and thigh muscles
Use proper body mechanics during activities
Avoid prolonged kneeling or squatting
Modify work environment when possible
Gradually increase activity levels
When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever with knee swelling (possible infection)
Severe pain or inability to move knee
Red, hot, or very tender swelling
No improvement after 2-3 weeks of treatment
Recommended Products for Recovery

Knee Pads

Protective padding for kneeling activities

View Products

Ice Therapy

Cold therapy for inflammation control

View Products

Stretching Tools

Equipment for flexibility improvement

View Products

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