KNEE BURSITIS |
|
General Information
DEFINITION--Inflammation of a bursa in the knee. Bursitis may vary in degree from mild irritation to an abscess formation that causes excruciating pain. There are many bursas in the knee:
In front of and behind the kneecap.
On both sides of the knee.
Behind the knee (Baker's cyst).
Just above the knee (popliteal bursa).
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Knee bursas--soft sacs in the knee area filled with lubricating fluid that facilitate motion in the knee.
Soft tissue surrounding the knee, including nerves, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels (both large vessels and capillaries), periosteum (the outside lining of bone) and muscles.
{224}
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Pain, especially when moving the knee.
Tenderness.
Swelling.
Redness (sometimes) over the affected bursa.
Fever if infection is present.
Limitation of motion in the knee.
CAUSES
Injury to the knee, especially falling on a bent knee.
Acute or chronic infection in the knee.
Arthritis.
Gout.
Unknown (frequently).
RISK INCREASES WITH
Participation in competitive athletics, particularly contact sports such as football.
Previous history of bursitis in any joint.
Exposure to cold weather.
Poor conditioning and inadequate warmup.
Inadequate protective equipment in contact sports.
HOW TO PREVENT
Warm up adequately before athletic practice or competition.
Wear warm clothing in cold weather.
To prevent recurrence, continue to wear extra knee pads until healing is complete.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Doctor's exam for precise diagnosis and treatment.
Surgery (sometimes), particularly for a frozen knee.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
X-rays of the knee.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Frozen knee.
Permanent limitation of the knee's normal mobility.
Prolonged healing time if activity or weight-bearing is resumed too soon.
Proneness to repeated flare-ups.
Arthritic knee following repeated episodes of bursitis.
PROBABLE OUTCOMEKnee bursitis is commonly a chronic problem. Symptoms may subside with treatment, but recurrent flare-ups are common. If surgery becomes necessary, allow 6 to 8 weeks for healing.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AIDNone. This problem develops slowly.
CONTINUING CARE
Use frequent ice massage. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day, and before workouts or competition.
After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments.
Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
Use crutches to prevent weight-bearing on the knee, if needed.
Whenever possible, elevate the knee above the level of the heart to reduce swelling and prevent accumulation of fluid. Use pillows for propping or elevate the foot of the bed.
Gentle massage will frequently provide comfort and decrease swelling.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Antibiotics if the bursa is infected.
Prescription pain relievers for severe pain. Use non-prescription aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen (available under many trade names) for mild pain.
Injection with a long-lasting local anesthetic mixed with a corticosteroid drug, such as triamcinolone.
ACTIVITYRest the knee as much as possible. If you must resume normal activity, use crutches until the pain becomes more bearable. To prevent a frozen knee, begin normal, slow knee movement as soon as possible.
DIETEat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity. Your doctor may suggest vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.
REHABILITATIONSee section on rehabilitation exercises.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of knee bursitis.
Pain increases despite treatment.
Pain, swelling, tenderness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
You develop signs of infection (headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever).
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
|
|
|
|
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
