Pes anserine bursitis is a painful condition in which the medial ) or inside) of the knee is tender and inflamed. Pes anserine bursitis treatment is often overlooked as the pes anserine bursitis can mimic other conditions such as patellar tendinitis, collateral ligament injury, meniscus tear or a muscle strain. The treatment for pes anserine bursitis must target removing the cause of the knee bursitis which often is a dysfunction somewhere other than the pes anserine itself. Pes anserine bursitis is suffered by a large portion of the population and is commonly seen in overweight people as well as in athletes that run and jump. It is understandable to confuse pes anserine bursitis with a common tendinitis in that the both illicit pain on the medial knee near the top of the tibia. I have found that pes anserine bursitis commonly accompanies other problems associated with the back, hip, neck and ankles and when the body is balanced the pes anserine bursitis subsides.

The pes anserine is the area on the inside of the knee where three tendons join before attatching to the tibia. These tendons belong to the gracilius, sartorius and semitendinosus. They form what is described as a goose foot. 

Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon. Tendons link muscle to bone. Bursitis is an inflammation of the attachment point of the tendon or the lining of joints. Pes anserine bursitis can be either of these two and more often is a combination of both conditions.

The easiest way to locate the pes anserine is to sit with your knees bent and locate the widest part of your knee. The knee is made up of the wide top of the tibia and the large lower end of the femur. If you feel the widest part of the inside of your knee, just about where the crease is when it is bent, and run your hand down you should feel the bone slope towards the center of your leg. At the point where it starts to flatten out is where these tendons attach.

The area will be tender to the touch if you suffer from pes anserine bursitis. Usually one side will be more tender than the other. This is a result of an imbalance in your body.

The chart above explains why many people with pes anserine bursitis often presents with other complaints.

Because the knee is simply a hinge joint, it doesn't have too much flexibility when it comes to how it can move. Any change in the hip joint will alter the normal movement of the knee and the "hinge" is twisted which puts pressure on the tendons crossing the knee.

Treatment for pes anserine bursitis involves removing the inflammation.

• Remove the inflammation:

  • Use a high quality pain relief gel such as Oxyflex
  • Ice the area
  • Kinesio tape to the surrounding muscles
  • Steroid shots (last resort)
  • Use a heel lift ( consult a Chiropractor, Orthopedic Doctor or Physical Therapist)

Removing the inflammation with be temporary unless the cause of the irritation is corrected.

• Lose Weight
• Stretch your muscles
• Restore proper posture
• Do not wear worn out shoes
• Do not sit on a wallet
• Visit a Chiropractor or Physical Theapist