Do you also experience a strange pain on the inside of your knee when you bend your knee or climb stairs? Does it subside after a while, but does the pain increase when you walk or work again? Many people fear that this pain is a serious knee disease, but the cause of this may be a common condition that we don't talk about much, but many people suffer from. Today, let's talk about this condition called `Pes Anserine Bursitis`.
What is Pes Anserine Bursitis?
This name sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? Let's understand this simply. Imagine that near the joints of our body, that is, near the joints, there are small water-filled balloon-like sacs. In medicine, we call these bursa . These are like a shock absorber in a car, or a cushion. The main function of this bursa is to reduce the pressure that our muscles and tendons rub against the bones when they move.
On the inside of our knee, just below the shin bone (`tibia`), there is a bursa like this where the tendons of three muscles come together. This joint looks like the welt of a goose's leg, hence the Latin name 'pes anserinus', which means 'goose's foot'.
So, when this bursa is put under pressure for some reason and becomes swollen, the fluid inside it increases and swells even more. That's what we call bursitis . This swelling in this area of the knee is called `Pes Anserine Bursitis`.
What are the symptoms? How do you know?
A person with this condition rarely experiences sudden, severe pain. The pain usually increases gradually. Maybe you have similar symptoms.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Where the pain comes from | The pain is felt on the inside of the leg, about 2-3 inches below the knee joint. |
| Nature of pain | The pain increases gradually rather than suddenly. It decreases when you rest, but increases again when you work. |
| Times when the pain increases | The pain is felt more when there is pressure on the knee, such as when climbing or descending stairs, kneeling, or getting up from a chair. |
Why does Pes Anserine Bursitis occur?
Simply put, the main cause is the constant pressure on the knee. That is, overuse of the knee. Think of it like a machine that heats up and wears out when it is used continuously.
| Main reasons | How it affects |
|---|---|
| Sports that involve frequent knee bending | When playing sports like soccer, tennis, and running, the knee bends in the same way all the time, which can put pressure on the bursa. |
| Tight Hamstrings | When the hamstrings are tight, it puts unnecessary pressure on the bursa in the knee. |
| Changes in knee position | Some people's knees may naturally bend inward ('valgus'). This puts more pressure on the bursa. |
| Wrong training methods | Things like not warming up (stretching) before exercising can damage the muscles, which can affect the bursa. |
| Old accidents | This condition can also be caused by a previous injury to the ligament on the inside of the knee (the `MCL` - medial collateral ligament). |
Who is most at risk of developing this condition?
Although anyone can develop this, some people are at a slightly higher risk.
- For athletes, especially those who play running and jumping sports.
- Usually for women between 40 and 60 years old.
- For those with diabetes .
- For those with osteoarthritis of the knee.
- For those who are overweight/obese . Because as body weight increases, the pressure on the knees increases.
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask you about your symptoms, how the pain comes on, and how long you've had it. Then he will examine your knee and press on the painful area with his hand.
Sometimes the cause of this pain can be a small crack in a bone (a `stress fracture`), so you may be asked to take an X-ray to make sure that it is not there.
Additionally, an ultrasound scan or MRI scan may be recommended to accurately assess the extent of the swelling and ensure there are no other problems.
Well, what are the treatments for this now?
There are several treatments for this. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor will choose the treatment that is most suitable for you.
| Treatment method | What are you doing? |
|---|---|
| Medicines | Medications to reduce pain and swelling. For example, you can take painkillers (NSAIDs) prescribed by your doctor. |
| Rest | This is very important . You need to stay away from activities that increase pain for a while. Things like running and climbing stairs have to be stopped. |
| Applying ice (Cold packs) | Applying ice to the painful area for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day, will greatly reduce swelling and pain. |
| Physical Therapy | It is very important to do stretching exercises that strengthen and increase the flexibility of the muscles around the knee, as advised by a physical therapist. |
| Injections | Very rarely, if the pain is not controlled, the doctor may inject a steroid directly into the bursa. There is also a newer treatment called PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) injections. |
| Surgery | This is a very rare procedure. Surgery is only performed to remove the bursa if no other treatment is effective. |
When should I see a doctor?
If you have persistent knee pain, don't ignore it. Be sure to see a doctor. If your pain doesn't improve after a few months of home treatments (such as ice and rest), or if the pain gets worse, see your doctor again to discuss other treatment options.
How long will it take to heal?
In most cases, with proper treatment and plenty of rest, recovery will occur within 6 to 8 weeks . However, if the condition is severe, it may take longer. If your job is physically demanding, you may need to rest for a few weeks. Ask your doctor about the best time for you to return to work.
How can we prevent this situation from happening again?
It is also important to stop this problem from recurring after recovery.
- Correct exercises: Ask your doctor or physical therapist about exercises that strengthen and increase flexibility in the muscles of the knees, thighs, and abdomen. Doing these correctly can go a long way in preventing the condition from recurring.
- Weight control: If you are overweight, it puts a lot of pressure on your knees. Talk to your doctor about how to maintain a healthy weight for you. Losing weight can greatly reduce the pressure on your knees.
Pes Anserine Bursitis is a painful condition, but it can be cured quickly if diagnosed early and treated properly. So, instead of suffering with knee pain, see a doctor today and get advice.
Take-Home Message
- Pes Anserine Bursitis is a painful swelling that occurs on the inside of the knee, just below the joint.
- The main cause is continuous pressure and overuse on the knee.
- Rest, ice, and painkillers prescribed by the doctor are the primary treatments.
- If you have persistent knee pain, do not ignore it and seek medical advice.
- Proper exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent this condition from recurring.
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