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Bursitis, an inflammation of a bursa, usually develops as the result of overuse or constant friction and stress on the bursa.
Pes anserine bursitis (bursitis of the knee) is common in athletes, particularly runners. People with osteoarthritis of the knee are also susceptible.
Pes anserine bursitis, or knee tendon bursitis, occurs most commonly when the bursa becomes swollen or inflamed due to overuse. The pes anserine bursa is a small lubricating sac located between the shinbone (tibia) and three tendons of the hamstrings muscle at the inside of the knee.
Symptoms of pes anserine bursitis include:
- Pain and tenderness on the inside of your knee, and/or in the center of the shinbone, about 2 to 3 inches below the knee joint.
- Pain that increases with exercise or climbing stairs.
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
Your doctor will examine your knee, and talk with you about your symptoms.
Symptoms of pes anserine bursitis may mimic those of a stress fracture, so an x-ray is typically required for diagnosis.
Athletes with pes anserine bursitis should take steps to modify their workout program so that the inflammation does not recur. Other treatment options may 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, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication(such as ibuprofen), or acetaminophen 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.