Knee Bursitis Information

Last reviewed on 16 January 2024 by Danniel Jacques (B.Med.Sci UNSW)

What is Knee Bursitis?

Knee Bursitis - OSMO PatchWithin and around the knee lie several small cushion like structure called bursae. A bursa allows different tissue types within the knee (such as bones, muscles and tendons) to move smoothly across each other which reduces friction and irritation from occurring in the knee.

When one of these bursae becomes inflamed due to injury they can fill with fluid causing pain and swelling in the knee. This condition is called knee bursitis.

There are four main areas of the knee where bursitis in the knee will occur. These are classified by the region of the knee they affect, and are named as follows;

» Pes anserine Bursitis
» Prepatellar Bursitis
» Infrapatellar Bursitis
» Suprapatellar Bursitis

What Causes Knee Bursitis?

Bursitis in the knee is normally a result of either trauma due to an impact injury, overuse through work or sports or age related wear and tear. Another less recognised cause can be due to post operative irritation in the knee.

There are also certain jobs where individuals may be more susceptible to developing bursitis in the knee as they require long periods where kneeling on hard surfaces is required. These jobs may include carpenters, plumbers, gardeners and cleaners. In fact prepatellar bursitis is also known as housemaid’s knee.

What are the Symptoms of Knee Bursitis?

Symptoms and signs may include;

  • A visible lump on the knee
  • Mild to extreme knee pain
  • Knee pain at nights while you sleep,
  • Pain in the knee when walking or running,
  • Localized swelling and tenderness
  • Possible knee pain at rest.

Bursitis can occur equally in either knee and may initially present as either right knee pain or left knee pain.

How is Knee Bursitis Diagnosed?

Due to there being several conditions that may present as knee bursitis it is best to visit a qualified medical professional for a proper diagnosis.

To properly diagnose knee bursitis your doctor will likely get you to have both an x-ray and ultra sound of the knee. If there is an infection suspected then a blood test and maybe an aspiration of the synovial fluid may be required for testing and culturing.

In some cases an MRI may also be required to rule out any co-exist conditions that may have contributed to the condition.

Next Page: Learn the answers to the most common questions asked about treating knee bursitis, including:

Testimonials

Real accounts by real people. Hear what they have to say!

Bursitis in the hip

I have always been a very active person over the years. A couple of years ago I developed quite a discomfort in my left hip. I attempted to ignore it, but after much deliberation went to see a doctor. After scans it was diagnosed as bursitis. I went for cortisone injections twice, but it really did not ease the pain much.

After coming across the OSMO patch website, not having anything to lose, I immediately ordered 10 of the patches. I placed a patch on the affected hip for a total of three nights. I was absolutely stunned that after the third application, the pain in my hip had disappeared. It was a few weeks before I actually needed to reapply any more patches due to a small amount of pain returning. I assume that the problem will always be there, however, it is very comforting to know that the OSMO patches are available so that you can virtually live pain-free.

Extremely happy that I stumbled on the website.

Bruce M
WA, Australia
Knee problems

Dear Toky,

Some time ago I corresponded with you and was duly sent 10 patches to try for bursitis of the knee. As I am a Carmelite Nun, our life is dedicated to prayer so kneeling is rather important!! I kept off the knee for a long time before trying the patches and found it helped to ease the condition, however, it still felt painful to kneel.

After using the first night, sure enough, there were signs fluid had been drawn off. The second night the same. The area became flat and normal. I have gingerly begun kneeling again with knee pads. However, I have noticed there is now no pain and the knee looks perfectly normal.

This was a couple of weeks ago, and I thought I would give it a good go to make sure before informing you of the patches’ success! So that is good news, and I am delighted.

I would also like to mention that your attitude to your customers is exemplary and obviously sincere. I am very grateful and will certainly recommend them.

Thanks, Every blessing

Carmelite Sister (Sr)
Carmelite Monastery, Christchurch, New Zealand
Knee problems

Many thanks Toky….

The patches were fab last time and it’s now been over 6 months since I have had to use them.

Alas, it seems my bursitis is back, so hence the need for the wonder patches……

I got a bit careless with kneeling on my knee, so all my fault

Sarah K
West Sussex, United Kingdom
Knee Bursitis

Hello Jasmine,

I just wanted to say that my husband has been using the patches for a few days now and they have definitely made a difference to his knee.

I have brought some more from one of your UK stockists, The Health Workshop, and they, like you, could not have been more helpful.

Thank you!

Pamela A
Welshpool Powys, United Kingdom
General & Knee problems

Hi,

I have used your patches with great success for a bursa that I got when I was thrown from a horse.

I have used it also for my husband’s knee.

Thanks

Joan G
North Carolina, United States
Bursitis in the knee

Hi,

I ordered these patches for my son who has terrible bursitis in his knee. He owns a carpet installing business, and the constant kicking has really damaged his knee.

He took meds, had a steroid shot, nothing worked. The doctor told him he needed surgery. I had found your patches online, and they have worked for him.

Thanks so much, Sincerely

Sandra C
Rochester, United States
Bursa on knee

Dear Friends at MediWise,

I had what a nurse practitioner at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London called ‘that huge bursa’ on my right knee as a direct result of falling from the top of a railway staircase when the city was inundated with a snowfall and resulting ice.

I received your patches the day before yesterday, and after two nights am now completely back to normal. I cannot thank you enough. This is one of the BEST investments I have ever made, and I will certainly be happy to recommend it to anyone who is looking for rapid relief from bursitis.

Cheers for now,

Bruce W
London, United Kingdom
Knee problems

Dear Danniel,

I fell 1.5 meters landing on my patella. The pain was severe, after 2 weeks on crutches I was left with a fluid-filled bursa the size of half a golf-ball. I already had a swelling just below my kneecap for 5 years, and another specialist had thought this was probably a lipoma.

I’ve used 16 patches so far, in conjunction with acupuncture. The bursa began to shrink from the first patch, and is now almost gone. I’ve been able to return to my Taiji classes. What is more surprising is that the ‘lipoma’ also has almost vanished.

So, no invasive needle drainage for me, no surgery, and I’m recovering fast.

I am very impressed

Paul S
Auckland, New Zealand
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