
How common is pes anserinus bursitis?
Pes anserinus bursitis is most common among athletes. The condition is also prevalent in adults with osteoarthritis and people with obesity. Statistically, anterior knee pain, or knee pain in the front of the knee, is most common in women over 50 with obesity.
Is pes anserinus bursitis permanent?
No. Pes anserinus bursitis can heal within six to eight weeks, as long as proper measures are taken. Some people may be more prone to developing the condition, especially athletes or those with osteoarthritis. However, with timely care, you can greatly reduce your risk for pes anserinus bursitis or prevent it altogether.
Symptoms and Causes
What causes anterior knee pain?
Bursitis most often occurs due to overuse or stress on the bursa. Some of the most common pes anserinus bursitis causes include:
- Playing sports that require repetitive knee movements, like soccer or tennis.
- Tight hamstrings.
- Abnormal knee alignment (valgus).
- Being overweight.
- Overuse of the knee.
- Improper training techniques, such as failing to stretch before a workout.
- An existing injury to the MCL (medial collateral ligament).
- Knee arthritis.
How do you treat pes anserinus bursitis?
There are several ways to reduce discomfort and begin your road to recovery. Pes anserinus bursitis treatments include:
- Medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Rest. Discontinue activities that lead to bursitis flare-ups. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal routines.
- Cold packs. Applying ice to the affected area three to four times daily can help reduce inflammation.
- Wedge insoles. If your anterior knee pain is due to abnormal knee alignment, wedge insoles can help place your leg in a more favorable position.
- Kinesiology tape. You can use kinesiology tape to ease your anterior knee pain symptoms. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about proper techniques.
- Physical therapy. Your healthcare provider may recommend ultrasound treatments or stretching exercises to help you regain strength and range of motion.
- Bursa injections. Your provider may inject steroid medications into the bursa to alleviate your symptoms.
How can I reduce my risk for pes anserinus bursitis?
To reduce your risk for pes anserinus bursitis, ask or seek your physio provider to recommend exercises you can do at home. These exercises can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your knees, thighs and abdomen — and in many cases, they can prevent a recurrence.
Contact us or book online today to get your knee pain back under control!
J. Press
Physiotherapist