Knee Bursitis
Evidence-based care to address knee pain close to home.
Peninsula Physio & Rehab
Don’t Need Knee Pain?
As a physiotherapist in Frankston, we’ve seen many people with knee pain and knee conditions. Whether you hurt your knee playing football or taking a leisurely stroll, it has the potential to stop you in your tracks.
However, it doesn’t have to. Our knee bursitis treatment options in Frankston aim to get you back on your feet and the field. From remedial massage to sports physiotherapy and more, you don’t need to go far from home to get the care you deserve.
Peninsula Physio & Rehab
What is Knee Bursitis?
Knee bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) near your knee joint become inflamed. These sacs are designed to prevent friction and add cushioning between your bones, tendons, muscles, and skin.
When they become inflamed, this cushioning becomes less effective, often leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. Sometimes, this pain is mild, and you may be able to manage it at home.
Other times, the pain may persist, worsen, or even lead to an infection. If this happens, it’s best to seek medical treatment, such as from a physiotherapist who offers knee bursitis treatment in Melbourne.
Peninsula Physio & Rehab
Knee Bursitis Symptoms
Some people may have one symptom, while others have many. Pain may come on suddenly or develop slowly and worsen over time.
Common symptoms of knee bursitis include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Tenderness
If you develop an infection, you may also notice additional symptoms. Ensure you seek medical care if you experience:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swelling that doesn’t go down
- The skin near the knee changing colour
- Trouble moving your knee
- Difficulty extending your leg from the knee
Peninsula Physio & Rehab
Knee Bursitis Treatments
Every case of knee bursitis is different, as every body is different. At Peninsula Physio & Rehab, we evaluate your pain, medical history, fitness or sporting goals, and any other concerns you may have before recommending a treatment plan.
Depending on factors like these, as well as the cause and the extent of the injury, treatment options may include:
- Home treatment such as over-the-counter pain medication, compression, resting, icing, and elevating your leg
- Physiotherapy
- Sports physiotherapy
- Corticosteroid injection
- Knee bracing
- Aspiration (a fine needle that aims to draw fluid from the bursa or bursae)
Peninsula Physio & Rehab
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Bursitis
What causes knee bursitis?
Knee bursitis is often caused by ongoing pressure to the knee, such as kneeling, particularly on hard surfaces. It may also be caused by overuse of the knee (such as during sports), direct blows to the knee, and conditions such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
How is knee bursitis diagnosed?
Knee bursitis is usually diagnosed with a physical examination, and sometimes with imaging tests.
Your doctor or health practitioner will look at both of your knees to compare them (especially if only one hurts) and check for warmth, redness or other discolouration, and swelling. They may also gently move your legs around to check your range of motion and to see if the pain increases or decreases with certain movements.
If imaging tests may be beneficial, they may also send you for an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound.
Can you prevent knee bursitis?
You can’t guarantee that you won’t experience an injury, but there are ways you may be able to reduce your risk of developing knee bursitis. We recommend:
- Using knee pads when kneeling, such as when gardening, working (such as if you’re a mechanic, plumber, or tiler), or playing sports that require kneeling or squatting
- Taking breaks to stretch your legs
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Elevate your knees after exercising
- Addressing cuts and scrapes promptly in an effort to reduce infection risk
- Seek prompt medical attention if you notice pain or signs of infection
How may physiotherapy assist with knee bursitis?
Physiotherapy takes a personalised approach to your pain or condition. At Peninsula Physio & Rehab, we tailor your treatment plan to address knee bursitis in a way that suits you. This may include:
- Exercises that aim to strengthen muscles around the knee
- Exercises designed to increase flexibility
- Stretching exercises
- Recommending home exercises
- Massage
- Recommending knee braces or protective knee sleeves
What other conditions and types of pain do you work with?
As well as knee pain, we aim to manage a range of conditions and injuries covering;
Peninsula Physio & Rehab
Why Peninsula Physio & Rehab?
One-on-One Physiotherapy
We work with you as an individual, getting to know you, your pain, and your goals before we begin your treatment plan.
Conveniently Located in the Heart of the Peninsula
Located on Wells St in Frankston, our clinic is easily accessible for residents on the Mornington Peninsula and across Melbourne’s southeast.
Friendly, Experienced Team
Our allied health team is skilled and educated in musculoskeletal conditions and uses evidence-based techniques to address pain.
Hoping to Kick Knee Pain to the Side?
Nobody needs knee pain. At Peninsula Physio & Rehab, we want to see you back up and running just as much as you do! Whether you’re dealing with new knee pain, a knee bursitis flare-up, or another musculoskeletal condition that’s getting you down, you can find our care right here at home.