What are the symptoms and treatment options for knee bursitis?

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Last updated: June 3, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Knee bursitis typically results in localized knee pain, particularly when kneeling, walking, or applying pressure, rather than generalized pain. The symptoms of knee bursitis include swelling, warmth, redness, and pain around the knee joint. Treatment typically begins with conservative measures like rest, ice application for 15-20 minutes several times daily, compression with an elastic bandage, and elevation of the affected leg. Some key points to consider in the treatment of knee bursitis include:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily with food) or naproxen (220-500mg twice daily) can reduce pain and inflammation, as suggested by general principles of managing musculoskeletal symptoms 1.
  • For more severe cases, a doctor may perform aspiration to drain excess fluid from the bursa using a needle and syringe, sometimes followed by a corticosteroid injection like methylprednisolone to reduce inflammation.
  • Antibiotics such as cephalexin (500mg four times daily for 7-10 days) are prescribed if infection is present.
  • Physical therapy exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles may help prevent recurrence.
  • In rare, persistent cases, surgical removal of the affected bursa (bursectomy) might be necessary. Preventive measures include using knee pads during activities that put pressure on knees, taking regular breaks from kneeling, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress. Bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee become inflamed due to repetitive pressure, injury, or infection, disrupting their normal function of reducing friction between moving parts of the joint. It's worth noting that while the provided evidence primarily discusses osteoarthritis and general musculoskeletal symptoms, the principles of managing localized inflammation and pain can be applied to knee bursitis, emphasizing the importance of a tailored approach to treatment 2, 3.

From the FDA Drug Label

For relief of the signs and symptoms of bursitis The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Symptoms of Knee Bursitis

  • Knee bursitis can result in localized knee pain, particularly in the area surrounding the affected bursa 4
  • The pain can be exacerbated by specific movements or activities, such as valgus stress test 4
  • Swelling and tenderness over the affected area are common symptoms of knee bursitis 5, 4
  • Decreased range of motion in the knee can also occur due to knee bursitis 4

Treatment Options for Knee Bursitis

  • Conservative therapy, including ice, activity modification, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be effective in managing knee bursitis 6
  • Local corticosteroid injection can be used to treat prepatellar and olecranon bursitis, but its use in other types of bursitis may be limited due to potential adverse effects 6
  • Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection into the affected bursa can provide significant improvement in pain intensity 4
  • Surgical intervention, such as incision and drainage or surgical excision of the bursa, may be required for recalcitrant or infected cases of knee bursitis 5, 6

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Medial collateral ligament bursitis in a patient with knee osteoarthritis.

Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, 2018

Research

Four common types of bursitis: diagnosis and management.

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2011

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.