Knee Bursitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Guide
Updated: 5 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Knee bursitis is swelling of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint, most often over the kneecap or on the inner side below the joint. It causes pain, warmth, and swelling, and it most commonly follows prolonged kneeling, sports, a direct blow, or an infection. Most cases improve with rest, ice, compression, elevation, and over-the-counter pain relievers. See a doctor if you develop a fever, lasting swelling, skin color changes, or trouble moving the knee [1] [2].
Quick Answer: What is knee bursitis?
Knee bursitis is inflammation of one or more bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion pressure points near the knee, most often over the kneecap or inner knee. The knee feels warm, tender and swollen. Most cases improve with rest, ice, compression and over-the-counter pain relievers. Infected bursae need antibiotics, and stubborn cases may need drainage, injections or, rarely, surgery. [1] [2]
What the research says
Bursitis around the knee and elbow is common, and most cases can be treated without surgery. A literature review of 52 papers on prepatellar (kneecap) and olecranon (elbow) bursitis reported a minimum annual incidence of 10 per 100,000, mostly in men (80%) aged 40 to 60, with about one third of cases septic (infected) and two thirds non-septic. Signs suggesting infection included a fever above 37.8 °C, a skin temperature difference over the bursa greater than 2.2 °C, and skin lesions. The authors recommended aspiration, NSAIDs and rest, ice, compression and elevation for most cases, antibiotics for infection, and surgery only for severe, refractory or recurrent cases (Baumbach et al., Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2014 [3]).
Keyhole removal of a stubborn kneecap bursa worked as well as open surgery. A systematic review of 10 studies (702 patients) found no significant difference between endoscopic and open bursectomy in recurrence at 1 year (odds ratio 0.41, 95% CI 0.05 to 3.53) or in surgical complications (odds ratio 1.44), and 80% of endoscopically treated patients were pain free at 1 year. Patients given antibiotics for fewer than 8 days for infected bursitis were not significantly more likely to have a recurrence than those treated for 8 days or more (2 of 17 vs 10 of 114). The authors noted that there is no consensus on the best treatment and that the antibiotic data came from a small cohort (Brown et al., Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2022 [4]).
What Is Knee Bursitis?
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs near the knee joint. They reduce friction and cushion pressure points between bones and tendons, and between muscles and skin. Knee bursitis is a condition in which one or more of these sacs become inflamed: swollen and irritated. Any of the bursae in the knee can be affected by this painful swelling.
Most often, knee bursitis happens in one of two spots: over the kneecap, or on the inner side of the knee below the joint. The condition causes pain and can limit your movement. Treatment usually combines self-care techniques with medical treatments to ease pain and inflammation [1].
What are the symptoms of knee bursitis?
Knee bursitis symptoms vary. They depend on which bursa is affected and what is causing the inflammation. The affected portion of your knee might feel warm, tender, and swollen. You also might feel pain when you move or when you are at rest.
How fast symptoms appear depends on the cause. A direct blow to the knee can cause symptoms to come on fast. But knee bursitis often stems from friction and irritation of the bursae, which occurs with jobs that require a lot of kneeling on hard surfaces. In that case, symptoms can start slowly and become worse over time [1].
Symptom | What you notice |
Warmth | The affected part of the knee feels warm to the touch |
Tenderness | The knee is sore when touched or pressed |
Swelling | Visible swelling over the kneecap or inner side below the joint |
Pain with movement | Aching or sharp pain when you move the knee |
Pain at rest | Discomfort even when the knee is not moving |
When to See a Doctor
Sometimes, the bursa that lies over the kneecap can become infected. Call your healthcare professional if you have:
A fever or chills along with pain and swelling in your knee.
Long-lasting swelling or a change in the color of the skin around the knee.
Trouble moving or extending your knee.
Warning sign | What it may mean |
Fever or chills with knee pain | The bursa over the kneecap may be infected |
Long-lasting swelling | Ongoing inflammation that needs evaluation |
Skin color change around the knee | Possible infection needing prompt care |
Trouble moving or extending the knee | Inflammation limiting joint function |
What Causes Knee Bursitis?
Knee bursitis can be caused by ongoing pressure from kneeling, overuse, a direct blow to the knee, a bacterial infection of the bursa or problems linked to arthritis or gout.
Frequent and ongoing pressure, such as from kneeling, especially on hard surfaces.
Overuse of the knee or strenuous activity.
A direct blow to the knee.
An infection of the bursa due to bacteria, which could get into the knee through a bruise or a cut.
Medical problems that can happen with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout in the knee.
Cause | How it leads to bursitis |
Frequent kneeling on hard surfaces | Ongoing pressure irritates the bursa |
Overuse or strenuous activity | Repeated strain causes friction inside the sac |
Direct blow to the knee | Trauma inflames the bursa suddenly |
Bacterial infection | Bacteria enter through a bruise or cut and infect the bursa |
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout | These joint conditions can inflame knee bursae |
What are the risk factors for knee bursitis?
Prolonged kneeling, certain sports, and obesity with osteoarthritis are factors that can raise the risk of knee bursitis.
Prolonged kneeling. The risk of bursitis is higher for people who work on their knees for long amounts of time. This includes carpet layers, plumbers, and gardeners.
Playing certain sports. Sports that can lead to direct blows or frequent falls on the knee raise your risk. So do sports that create friction between the knee and a mat. These sports include wrestling, football, basketball, and volleyball. Runners also can get pain and inflammation in the bursa located on the inner side of the knee below the joint. This is called pes anserine bursitis.
Obesity and osteoarthritis. Pes anserine bursitis often occurs in obese women with osteoarthritis.
Risk factor | Who is affected |
Prolonged kneeling at work | Carpet layers, plumbers, gardeners |
Contact and mat sports | Wrestling, football, basketball, volleyball players |
Running | Runners (pes anserine bursitis on the inner knee) |
Obesity with osteoarthritis | Often obese women with osteoarthritis |
How can knee bursitis be prevented?
Knee bursitis can be prevented, or kept from coming back, by wearing kneepads, taking regular breaks from kneeling and staying at a healthy weight.
Wear kneepads. This can help if you often work on your knees or play sports that put your knees at risk. Use padding to cushion and protect your knees.
Take breaks. If you are on your knees for a while, take regular breaks to stretch your legs and rest your knees.
Reach and stay at a healthy weight. This can help take pressure off the knee joints.
Prevention step | How it helps |
Wear kneepads | Cushions and protects knees during kneeling work or risky sports |
Take regular kneeling breaks | Gives knees time to rest and legs time to stretch |
Maintain a healthy weight | Reduces pressure on the knee joints |
How is knee bursitis diagnosed?
Knee bursitis is diagnosed by first reviewing your medical history with your healthcare professional. Then you are given a physical exam. During the exam, your healthcare professional likely will:
Compare the condition of both knees, especially if only one hurts.
Gently press on areas of your knee to feel for warmth, swelling, and the source of pain.
Check the skin over the tender area to look for a change in color or other symptoms of infection.
Carefully move your legs and knees to determine your affected knee's range of motion, and find out whether it hurts to bend or flex the knee.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests may be needed to find out if a condition other than knee bursitis is the cause of your symptoms [2].
Test | What it shows |
X-ray | Useful in finding a problem with a bone or arthritis |
MRI | Radio waves and a strong magnetic field create detailed images of structures inside the body, including soft tissues such as bursae |
Ultrasound | Sound waves make images that help find swelling in the affected bursa |
Aspiration
Rarely, a sample of bursa fluid may be taken for testing. A needle is placed into the affected area to drain some of the fluid. This procedure is called aspiration. It might be done if your healthcare professional thinks that you have an infection or gout in the bursa. Aspiration also can be used as treatment [2].
What are the treatment options for knee bursitis?
Bursitis often gets better over time, so treatment most often aims to ease your symptoms. Your healthcare professional might recommend one or more treatments, depending on the cause of your knee bursitis and which bursa is affected [2].
Medications
If an infection with bacteria causes your knee bursitis, your healthcare professional prescribes medicines called antibiotics. Rarely, surgery to remove the infected bursa is done if medicine does not help.
Physical Therapy
Your healthcare professional might refer you to a physical therapist or specialist in sports medicine. These professionals can teach you exercises that help the muscles around your knee and leg become more flexible and stronger. This treatment might ease pain and lower your risk of getting repeated bouts of knee bursitis. Protective knee braces might help if you must kneel. Compressive knee sleeves can help control swelling.
Surgery and Other Procedures
Procedure | How it works | When it is used |
Corticosteroid injection | Steroid medicine injected into the affected bursa to lessen inflammation and relieve pain | When bursitis does not improve with basic treatments |
Aspiration | Needle drains extra fluid from the bursa to treat inflammation; may cause mild short-term pain; a brace may be worn afterward to keep the knee still and lower repeat swelling | When medicines and self-care do not help enough |
Surgery | Removes the affected bursa; return to usual activities in a few weeks | Rarely; when other treatments fail or persistent infection is present |
What lifestyle changes and home remedies help knee bursitis?
Home remedies that ease knee bursitis pain include resting the knee, taking short-term pain relievers, applying ice, using gentle compression, raising the knee and losing extra weight if needed.
Rest your knee. Take a break from the activity that caused your symptoms. Try not to kneel and avoid movements that make your pain worse.
Take pain relievers. Some medicines sold without a prescription can help ease pain. They are meant for short-term use. They include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Apply ice. Apply an ice pack to your knee for 20 minutes at a time. Do this a few times a day until the pain and warmth in the knee go away.
Try gentle compression. A compressive wrap or knee sleeve can help ease swelling.
Raise your knee. Prop your affected leg on pillows. This helps curb swelling in your knee.
Lose extra weight if needed. This can take pressure off your affected knee.
Home remedy | How to do it |
Rest | Break from the causing activity; avoid kneeling and pain-worsening movements |
OTC pain relievers | Aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium for short-term use only |
Ice | Ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day |
Gentle compression | Compressive wrap or knee sleeve to ease swelling |
Elevation | Prop the affected leg on pillows to curb swelling |
Weight loss | Shed extra weight to take pressure off the knee |
How should you prepare for a knee bursitis appointment?
You might start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. You might then be referred to a doctor who treats other joint conditions, called a rheumatologist, or to an orthopedic surgeon [2].
What You Can Do
Make a list of:
Your symptoms and when they began.
Key personal information, including the activities and exercises you perform.
All medicines, vitamins, and other supplements you take, including the doses.
Questions to ask your healthcare team.
Take a family member or friend along if you can. A loved one can help you remember the information you are given. For knee bursitis, basic questions to ask your healthcare professional include:
What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Are there other possible causes?
What tests will I need?
What treatment do you recommend?
Will I need to limit my activities?
Are there self-care measures I can try?
Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?
What Your Doctor May Ask
Did your pain start quickly or slowly?
What work or other activities do you do that might affect your knees?
Does your pain occur or get worse when you do certain activities, such as kneeling or climbing stairs?
Have you recently fallen, been in an accident, or been hit in the knee?
What treatments have you tried at home?
What effect did those treatments have?
What is the bottom line on knee bursitis?
Knee bursitis inflames the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, most often over the kneecap or on the inner side below the joint. Prolonged kneeling, contact sports, direct blows, bacterial infection, and joint conditions like osteoarthritis all raise the risk. Most cases respond well to rest, ice, compression, elevation, and short-term pain relievers, with physical therapy helping to prevent repeat flare-ups. Antibiotics treat infection, and drainage, steroid injections, or rarely surgery address stubborn cases. Watch for fever, lasting swelling, skin color changes, or trouble moving the knee, because these signals mean it is time to get evaluated.
Your next step: if your knee feels warm, tender, and swollen, especially after frequent kneeling or a fall, start with rest and ice, and see a healthcare professional if symptoms last, worsen, or come with a fever. Bring your symptom notes, medication list, and questions to make the most of your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is knee bursitis?
Knee bursitis is inflammation of one or more bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs near the knee joint that reduce friction and cushion pressure points. It most often happens over the kneecap or on the inner side of the knee below the joint.
What does knee bursitis feel like?
The affected part of the knee feels warm, tender, and swollen, with pain when you move or at rest. A direct blow causes fast-onset symptoms, while kneeling-related friction causes symptoms that build slowly.
What causes knee bursitis?
Common causes include frequent kneeling on hard surfaces, overuse or strenuous activity, a direct blow to the knee, bacterial infection entering through a bruise or cut, and joint conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.
Who is at risk for knee bursitis?
People who kneel for long periods (carpet layers, plumbers, gardeners), athletes in wrestling, football, basketball, and volleyball, runners (pes anserine bursitis), and obese women with osteoarthritis.
How is knee bursitis diagnosed?
Through a medical history and a physical exam that compares both knees, checks for warmth and swelling, inspects the skin, and tests range of motion. X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound may be used, and fluid may be drained for testing.
Can knee bursitis go away on its own?
Often, yes. Bursitis often gets better over time, and treatment most often aims to ease symptoms while it heals.
What are the best home treatments for knee bursitis?
Rest, short-term over-the-counter pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium), ice for 20 minutes several times a day, gentle compression, elevating the leg on pillows, and weight loss if needed.
When should I see a doctor for knee bursitis?
See a doctor if you have fever or chills with knee pain and swelling, long-lasting swelling, skin color changes around the knee, or trouble moving or extending the knee. These can signal an infected bursa.
How is an infected knee bursa treated?
Bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics. Rarely, surgery to remove the infected bursa is done if medicine does not help.
What is aspiration for knee bursitis?
A needle drains fluid from the affected bursa. It is used to test for infection or gout, and also as treatment to remove extra fluid. A brace may be worn afterward to help the bursa heal.
How can I prevent knee bursitis from coming back?
Wear kneepads when working on your knees or playing risky sports, take regular kneeling breaks to stretch your legs, and reach and stay at a healthy weight.
Related Reading
Pes Anserine Bursitis: Understanding Medial Knee Pain explains bursitis on the inner side of the knee below the joint.
Swollen Knee (Knee Effusion): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment explains fluid in the knee joint and its many causes.
Bursa Injection: What It Treats, How It's Done and What Recovery Looks Like explains how a steroid shot eases stubborn bursitis pain.
Arthrocentesis (Joint Aspiration): Uses, Procedure and Risks explains how fluid is drained from a joint and tested.
References
Mayo Clinic Staff. Knee bursitis: symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. March 2, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-bursitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355501
Mayo Clinic Staff. Knee bursitis: diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. March 2, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-bursitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355506
Baumbach SF, Lobo CM, Badyine I, et al. Prepatellar and olecranon bursitis: literature review and development of a treatment algorithm. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2014;134(3):359-370. PMID: 24305696. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-013-1882-7
Brown OS, Smith TO, Parsons T, et al. Management of septic and aseptic prepatellar bursitis: a systematic review. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2022;142(10):2445-2457. PMID: 33721054. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-021-03853-9
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The clinical information in this guide reflects source material accessed in October 2026.
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