A soft, visible swelling at the front of your knee, and kneeling has become impossible? Knee bursitis — “housemaid’s knee” — is common in people who work on their knees, and after direct blows or overload.
What is knee bursitis?
The knee has several bursae — fluid cushions that reduce friction. Most often inflamed are the prepatellar bursa (in front of the kneecap) and infrapatellar bursa (below it); deeper, the pes anserine bursa (inner side, below the joint line) causes pain on stairs. An irritated bursa fills with fluid, producing the characteristic swelling.
Common symptoms
Soft visible swelling in front of the knee, pain when kneeling and with pressure, local warmth, stiffness at full bend, and discomfort on stairs (pes anserine bursitis).
Common causes
Prolonged kneeling (fitters, plumbers, gardeners, cleaners), direct blows or falls onto the knee, sports overload, muscle imbalances — and, rarely, gout or infection: a red, hot knee with fever needs urgent medical review.
Can it be treated without surgery?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases: offloading pressure (knee pads, activity changes), settling the inflammation and correcting mechanics. Aspiration or surgery are exceptions for chronic or infected cases.
How we treat knee bursitis at Medicine Park
We identify the affected bursa and rule out other causes of a swollen knee, then treat the cause: protection and activity dosing, manual therapy, correcting muscle imbalances (quadriceps, glutes), dry needling for associated tension, and a graded return to work or sport. In English, central Bucharest.
How long does recovery take?
Recent cases: 2–4 weeks. Chronic occupational bursitis needs 6–8 weeks plus realistic adjustments to how you work — which we plan together.
When to seek help
If the swelling persists beyond two weeks or returns after every workday, book an assessment. Your first assessment at Medicine Park is free.
