Bursitis – Pes Anserive

Bursae are small sacs that are located throughout the body, including around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. They contain a small amount of fluid, and are positioned between bones and soft tissues, acting as cushions to help reduce friction.

Pes anserine bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa located between the shinbone (tibia) and the tendons of the hamstring muscle at the inside of the knee. It occurs when the bursa becomes irritated and produces too much fluid, which causes it to swell and put pressure on the adjacent parts of the knee.

Pain and tenderness on the inside of your knee, approximately 2 to 3 inches below the joint, are common symptoms of pes anserine bursitis of the knee.

Cause

Bursitis usually develops as the result of overuse or constant friction and stress on the bursa. Pes anserine bursitis is common in athletes, particularly runners. People with osteoarthritis of the knee are also susceptible.

Several factors can contribute to the development of pes anserine bursitis, including:

  • Incorrect training techniques, such as neglecting to stretch, doing excessive hill running, and sudden increases in mileage
  • Tight hamstring muscles
  • Obesity
  • An out-turning of the knee or lower leg
  • Osteoarthritis in the knee
  • Medial meniscus tear

Symptoms

The symptoms of pes anserine bursitis include:

  • Pain slowly developing on the inside of your knee and/or in the center of the shinbone, approximately 2 to 3 inches below the knee joint.
  • Pain increasing with exercise or climbing stairs

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament
  • Bursitis – pes Anserive
  • Cartilage Injuries
  • Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis)
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome
  • Knee Sprains & Strains
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries
  • Loose Bodies
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
  • Meniscus Tears
  • Osgood Schlaater Disease
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
  • Osteonecrosis of the Knee
  • Patella Tendonitis
  • Patella Tendon Rupture
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury (PCL)
  • Quadriceps Tendon Tear
  • Unstable Kneecap

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair (ACL)
  • Arthroscopic Chondroplasty
  • Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair
  • Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation
  • Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
  • Cartilage Transplant
  • Computer-Assisted Total Knee Arthrhoplasty
  • High Tibial Osteotomy
  • JOURNEY II Total Knee Replacement
  • Knee Arthroscopy
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Repair
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Repair
  • Meniscus Repair
  • MPFL Reconstruction of the Patella
  • OCE – Repair of the Osteochondritis
  • Partial Knee Replacement
  • Partial Knee Resurfacing
  • Partial Menisectomy
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Repair
  • Revision Knee Surgery
  • Subchondroplasty
  • Total Knee Replacement ~ VERILAST
  • Total Knee Replacement ~ VISIONAIRE
  • Uni-Compartmental Joint Repair

The Orthopedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide conservative treatment options for Knee conditions and injuries.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination & Patient History

During your first visit, your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. During the physical examination, your doctor will check all the structures of your injury, and compare them to your non-injured anatomy.  Most injuries can be diagnosed with a thorough physical examination.

Imaging Tests

Imaging Tests Other tests which may help your doctor confirm your diagnosis include:

X-rays. Although they will not show any injury, x-rays can show whether the injury is associated with a broken bone.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. If your injury requires an MRI, this study is utilized to create a better image of soft tissues injuries. However, an MRI may not be required for your particular injury circumstance and will be ordered based on a thorough examination by your Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic Orthopedic physician.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

Athletes with pes anserine bursitis should take steps to modify their workout program so that the inflammation does not recur.

Other treatments include:

Rest. Discontinue the activity or substitute a different activity until the bursitis clears up.
Ice. Apply ice at regular intervals three or four times a day for 20 minutes at a time.
Anti-inflammatory medication. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) may ease the pain and reduce the inflammation.
Injection. Your doctor may inject a solution of anesthetic and steroid into the bursa, which often provides prompt relief.
Physical therapy. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy for specific stretching exercises, and ice and ultrasound treatments.

Surgical

If your symptoms continue, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend surgical removal of the bursa.

This is typically performed as an outpatient (same-day) procedure.

If putting weight on your leg causes discomfort after the procedure, your doctor will recommend using crutches for a short time.

Normal activities can typically be resumed within 3 weeks of the procedure.

Treatment Highlights

Innovative Implant Design

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This Implant Technology is one of several innovative implant solutions  provided by Dr. Robert Detch of Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic.

Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic

The Orthopaedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide comprehensive services to all members of the family.
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