Bursitis is an inflammation of the periarticular bag called the bursa. Bursa is located in the places of the greatest load on the joint and serves to reduce friction, damping and protection of joints, tendons and muscles, for which there is a special fluid inside them.
The knee joint is surrounded by three bursa:
- pre-patellar - is in the upper part of the knee, above the kneecap;
- infratellular - under the great tendon of the patella;
- goose - is on the inside of the knee from below.
Types of bursitis
All periarticular knee bags are susceptible to inflammatory processes, but the most common prepathel bursitis. Depending on what factors cause pathology, bursitis of the knee joint is divided into:
- aseptic (associated with excessive stress, trauma, arthritis, gout, etc.);
- septic (associated with the penetration of infection in the bursa from the outside or with blood flow from the internal infectious foci).
Symptoms of bursitis of the knee joint
The manifestations of aseptic bursitis of the knee joint include:
- pain and discomfort in the knee area, increasing during movement and with pressure;
- the presence of a palpable or visible compaction of a rounded shape;
- puffiness and redness over the affected area;
- stiffness of movements in the joint;
- muscle weakness;
- local temperature increase (knee hot touch).
If the periarticular knee bag covers infectious inflammation, the clinical picture of the pathology is more pronounced, characterized by such symptoms:
- sharp pain in the knee, making it difficult to move;
- presence of an elastic, very painful compaction in the knee;
- significant redness and swelling around the affected area;
- limited functions of the joint;
- increased local and general body temperature;
- deterioration of general well-being, weakness.
Inflammation of the infra -patellar bursa is often not accompanied by severe symptoms, patients can be bothered only by discomfort when walking or with prolonged standing, and also a slight swelling of the knee.
In the absence of treatment, acute bursitis of the knee joint can go to the chronic stage, which is characterized by the phases of remission and exacerbation (relapses are often caused by hypothermia, physical exertion).
Treatment of bursitis of the knee joint
First of all, you should ensure maximum peace of mind for a damaged leg. For immobilization, compressive bandages are recommended, for the removal of puffiness - cold compresses. Medical treatment of bursitis of the knee joint often involves the appointment of the following groups of drugs:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (local and systemic action);
- muscle relaxants ;
- analgesics;
- local corticosteroids (in the form of injections);
- antibiotics (in the case of infectious bursitis).
Depending on the symptoms and causes of bursitis of the knee joint, ointments with an anti-inflammatory effect may be prescribed for treatment:
- Traumeel;
- Diklak;
- Apizarthron ;
- Deep Relief and others.
Physiotherapeutic procedures, physiotherapy exercises, and massage are also used.
When a large amount of fluid is accumulated in the periarticular bag, the presence of pus produces aspiration and antiseptic treatment of the internal cavity. In severe cases, surgical removal of the bursa is required.
Treatment of bursitis of the knee joint folk remedies
With initial symptoms, the treatment of bursitis of the knee joint can be supplemented with folk remedies. For example, honey-cabbage compresses are an effective method.
Prescription means
Ingredients:
- cabbage leaf - 1 piece;
- honey - 1 tsp.
Preparation and use
A leaf of cabbage to rinse, cut off rigid veins, then beat off with a hammer or rolling pin until the appearance of juice. Lubricate the knee with honey, then attach the cabbage leaf, cover with a film and wrap it with a warm kerchief. Keep the compress 4-6 hours.