Bursae are thin sacks containing synovial fluid which provide lubrication for tissues such as muscle, tendon and skin. They reduce friction and allow smooth movement between surfaces. Bursitis causes the bursa to become inflamed and irritated, resulting in pain above or below your knee. This can be due to:
- Acute or repeated trauma to the knee
- Repeated pressure on the knee e.g. overuse from prolonged periods of kneeling or running or repetitive minor trauma to the knee
- Knee Arthritis; bursitis can be associated with gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis
Bursitis Symptoms:
- Swelling over, above or below the kneecap
- Reduced / painful range of movement
- Redness and warmth at the painful bursa
At Jonathan Clark Physiotherapy we provide advice and treatment to help reduce pain and inflammation around the affected area. Our therapists use a selection of modalities including ultrasound, ice, taping, individualised exercise prescription and education regarding activity modification. We aim to:
- Restore normal joint range of movement
- Normalise muscle length
- Strengthen the knee and lower limb through individualised exercise programmes
- Enhance proprioception and balance
- Improve activity/exercise technique to reduce re-occurrence of injury
