Pes Anserine Bursitis
Knee tendon, or pes anserine bursitis as it is known, is considered a self-limiting condition. The length of time it takes to resolve the condition varies. Six to eight weeks of stretching and strengthening for most patients can help reduce symptoms. It is important to treat knee tendon bursitis in the early stages to reduce the symptoms and prevent long-term damage and chronic conditions from setting in. When knee tendon bursitis is left untreated, you may experience an increase in inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, the muscles and tendons around your knee joint may weaken over time. So pain in the knee should not be ignored. A good place to determine where the pain is coming from and what to do about it is Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
OVERVIEW
The pes anserine bursa is a thin, fluid-filled sac located on the inside of the knee joint. It cushions the joint and prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. Pes anserine (knee tendon) bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of this bursa. This painful condition occurs most commonly in young people involved in sports, middle-aged women who are obese, and people aged 50-80 who have osteoarthritis of the knee. The condition is also commonly associated with type 2 diabetes; 24% to 34% of patients with type 2 diabetes who report knee pain are found to have knee tendon bursitis. Sometimes, however, no direct cause can be identified. What is important to realize is that the knee is very complex. From person to person, the size and location of a pes anserinus bursa can vary, so everyone’s situation is always unique.
ABOUT THE KNEE
The knee joint is the largest in the body. It is a sophisticated hinge joint that helps with standing, moving, and keeping balance. Three important bones come together at the knee joint: the tibia (shin bone), the femur (thigh bone), and the patella (kneecap). Besides bones, knee anatomy is composed of many ligaments, cartilage, muscles, nerves, and tendons. Bursae are small, jelly-like sacs that are located throughout the body, including around the shoulder, elbow, hip, heels, and knees. They contain a small amount of fluid and are positioned between bones and soft tissues, acting as cushions to help reduce friction. The pes anserine bursa is one of 13 bursa that surround the knee.
WHAT IS KNEE TENDON BURSITIS?
Knee tendon bursitis is the inflammation of the pes anserine bursa present between the tendons of the hamstring muscle and the tibia or shinbone on the inner side of the knee. The condition occurs when the pes anserine bursa becomes inflamed and produces excess fluid causing the bursa to swell which places pressure on the adjacent sections of the knee. Pain and tenderness on the inner aspect of the knee are the most common symptoms of knee tendon or pes anserine bursitis. This condition is sometimes called pes anserinus pain syndrome (PAPS).
Read more about Pes Anserine Bursitis on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.
