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Experiencing persistent knee pain? While many associate bursitis with the shoulder or hip, it's also a common cause of discomfort in the knee. At Spectrum Healthcare (North Ryde & Macquarie Park), our expert physios and chiropractors can help diagnose and treat your knee bursitis, getting you back to your active lifestyle.

Understanding Knee Bursitis

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between tendons, muscles, and ligaments, helping to facilitate smooth movement. "Itis" indicates inflammation, so bursitis means one or more bursae are inflamed. In the knee, several bursae can be affected.

Where are the Bursae in My Knee?

While the exact number is debated, these are the primary bursae around the knee:

• Prepatellar Bursa: Located over the kneecap, just under the skin.
• Suprapatellar Bursa: Situated above the kneecap.
• Infrapatellar Bursa: Found beneath the kneecap.
• Pes Anserine Bursa: Located on the inside (medial) side of the knee.
• Semimembranosus Bursa: On the outside (lateral) side of the knee.

What Causes Knee Bursitis?

Knee bursitis arises when these bursae become inflamed due to:

• Direct Trauma: A direct blow or fall onto the knee.
• Repetitive Trauma: Repeated minor impacts or overuse, often linked to tendinopathy or cartilage wear and tear.
• Infection: (Less common) Bacteria entering through cuts or grazes, particularly affecting the prepatellar bursa.

Recognising the Signs & Symptoms

Think you might have knee bursitis? Look out for these common signs:

• Pain: A dull ache around the knee that sharpens with movement or pressure. Our Spectrum clinicians can pinpoint if your pain is bursa-related.
• Swelling: Noticeable swelling around the knee.
• Skin Changes: Redness, warmth, and a potential sign of infection. Our team can differentiate between infection-related and regular bursa swelling for proper care.

Diagnosis: Do I Need Imaging?

Often, our Spectrum Healthcare experts can diagnose knee bursitis through a physical examination and review of your history. However, imaging may be necessary in some cases:

• MRI: The gold standard for soft tissue assessment, providing detailed images of the bursae and surrounding structures.
• Ultrasound: A more affordable and accessible option, useful for visualising soft tissues and real-time swelling during movement.
• X-ray: Primarily used to rule out other potential causes of knee pain.

Spectrum Healthcare's Conservative Care Approach

Our approach focuses on hands-on therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and advanced recovery technology:

• Soft Tissue Therapies: Massage, cupping, and dry needling to reduce pain and swelling.
• Joint Mobilisation: Gentle techniques to restore mobility in the knee joint and reduce stress.
• Rehabilitation & Reconditioning: A supervised program to rebuild strength, improve balance, and restore function.
• Recovery Technology:
  • Game Ready: Cold and hot therapy to control swelling and pain.
  • Alter G anti-gravity treadmill: Reduced gravity treadmill for retraining walking mechanics.
  • Neubie Device: Electrical stimulation to optimise muscle activation.
  • Gym Equipment: Comprehensive rehabilitation equipment.

When Conservative Care Isn't Enough

If conservative treatment isn't providing sufficient relief, Spectrum Healthcare can refer you to trusted allied health professionals for options like targeted corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.