Pes Anserine Bursitis

What is Pes Anserine Bursitis?

Pes Anserine Bursitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction) located near the pes anserinus — a group of three tendons (the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus) that insert into the medial side of the tibia, just below the knee. This bursa sits between the tendons of these muscles and the tibia, helping to cushion and reduce friction during movement.

Symptoms:

The most common symptom of pes anserinus bursitis is pain on the inner side of the knee, just below the joint line, which can be aggravated by specific movements or activities. Other symptoms may include:

  • Tenderness to touch over the medial aspect of the knee.
  • Swelling over the pes anserinus area, which may feel warm to the touch.
  • Pain during activity, particularly with movements that involve bending or extending the knee (such as squatting or climbing stairs).
  • Pain at rest in more severe cases.
  • Stiffness in the knee joint, which can affect mobility.
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Treatments we offer:

  • Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that can help to quickly reduce inflammation and swelling in the bursa. When injected directly into the affected area, it can provide rapid relief from the pain and discomfort associated with pes anserinus bursitis. The injection targets the inflamed bursa, reducing irritation and allowing the tissue to heal more effectively.

     

Benefits of Cortisone Injections for Pes Anserine Bursitis

    1. Pain Relief: One of the primary benefits is rapid pain relief. This is particularly helpful for individuals who are experiencing significant pain that limits their ability to perform daily activities or participate in physical activities.
    2. Reduced Inflammation: By directly targeting the inflammation in the bursa, cortisone can help reduce swelling and redness, which can also alleviate stiffness and discomfort.
    3. Faster Recovery: Reducing inflammation can make other treatments, such as physical therapy and strengthening exercises, more effective, speeding up the overall recovery process.

Your Care Pathway with us

  1. To book an appointment you can call our reception line, 0142084487, or email to info@altonpainclinic.co.uk or click the button given below.
  2. Comprehensive Musculoskeletal examination and testing.
  3. Same day Ultrasound Guided Injection for pain relief.
  4. Discussion of your treatment plan, treatment plan can include advanced treatments for example  Cortisone Injections, Hyaluronic injections and various other options tailored to your specific needs.
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Understanding Pes Anserine Bursitis

Pes Anserinus Bursitis is the inflammation of the pes anserinus bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located on the inner side of the knee, just below the joint. The bursa helps reduce friction and cushion the tendons that pass over it. The pes anserinus itself refers to the region where three tendons — the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles — converge and insert into the medial tibia (shinbone). These muscles are part of the inner thigh and are involved in knee flexion and rotation.

When the bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort around the inner knee, and it often results from repeated stress or overuse of the knee.

Causes of Pes Anserine Bursitis:

  1. Overuse: Engaging in activities that involve repetitive knee movements, such as running, squatting, cycling, or climbing stairs, can put stress on the pes anserinus area and lead to inflammation.
  2. Trauma: A direct blow or injury to the inner side of the knee can irritate the bursa.
  3. Muscle Imbalance or Weakness: Weak or tight muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings, can place excessive strain on the pes anserinus area.
  4. Obesity: Excess weight increases the load on the knee joint, which may contribute to bursitis.
  5. Altered Biomechanics: Poor alignment of the knee or feet, such as flat feet or abnormal gait, can put abnormal pressure on the pes anserinus region.
  6. Underlying Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes can increase the risk of bursitis due to inflammatory changes in the body.

Treatment for Pes Anserine Bursitis:

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and addressing any contributing factors such as muscle imbalances or overuse. Common treatment options include:

  1. Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain, like running or squatting, to give the bursa time to heal.
  2. Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can reduce swelling and pain.
  3. Anti-inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  4. Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and address any muscle imbalances are often recommended.
  5. Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of severe pain that don’t respond to oral medications, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
  6. Knee Braces or Sleeves: Wearing a knee brace or compression sleeve can help stabilize the knee and reduce pain during activity.
  7. Surgery: Rarely, if other treatments fail, surgical intervention to remove the inflamed bursa may be considered.

Prevention of Pes Anserinus Bursitis:

To reduce the risk of developing pes anserinus bursitis:

  • Gradually increase activity levels to avoid overloading the knee joint.
  • Strengthen the muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip stabilizers.
  • Stretch regularly to maintain flexibility and prevent tight muscles.
  • Wear appropriate footwear to ensure proper knee alignment.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint.

Our Treatment Procedures

PROCEDURE

  • Preparation:
    The patient is positioned comfortably, and the affected area is cleaned with antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. The ultrasound machine is positioned to visualize the targeted area, and a gel is applied to the skin to facilitate sound wave transmission.

  • Ultrasound Guidance:
    The physician uses the ultrasound probe to locate the exact site of the inflammation or cyst. The real-time imaging allows the healthcare provider to visualize the tissues, joints, and structures to accurately guide the needle toward the target area, such as a joint space or soft tissue.

  • Injection of Corticosteroid:
    Once the needle is properly positioned, the physician injects a corticosteroid (such as cortisone) mixed with a local anesthetic. The corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation and swelling, while the anesthetic provides immediate pain relief.

  • Post-Procedure:
    After the injection, the needle is carefully withdrawn, and the area is cleaned again. The patient may be asked to rest briefly before resuming normal activities. In some cases, patients may experience mild soreness at the injection site for a few days.

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