Introduction
There are different types of bursitis of the knee. The most common are bursitis prepatellaris and bursitis infrapatellaris. “Pre” means “before” and “infra” means “below”.
Consequently, both the bursa in front of the kneecap (Latin: patella) and the one under the kneecap can be affected. In general, bursitis is caused by overloading. This can happen during sports, but also in special occupational groups, for example tilers, who have to do most of their work on their knees. The symptom complex is similar to that of tendonitis; redness, swelling, restricted mobility, knee pain and overheating of the skin. However, the duration of the symptoms depends on the strain and the course of the disease.
How long does a bursitis of the knee
The duration of a bursitis depends largely on the course of the inflammation. If the inflammation progresses relatively without complications, the bursa can be painless again after a few weeks with appropriate treatment. However, too fast and too much strain can also easily lead to recurrences.
This means that the inflammation can quickly reappear after healing. It becomes problematic when the bursitis becomes chronic. If it is not treated appropriately, it may last for months or years and represent a permanent restriction of movement.
This can also lead to calcification, which precipitates as crystals in the bursa. This is extremely painful and should definitely be treated. In case of chronic bursitis, a bursectomy (surgical removal of the bursa) may be considered.
After this operation, the affected area should be spared for four to six weeks for complete healing. Physiotherapy and lighter movements can already take place during this time so that no permanent restriction of movement of the joint is provoked. The duration of the pain as well as the duration of healing depends on the treatment.
If the affected joint is sufficiently protected and treated appropriately with anti-inflammatory drugs or appropriate ointments, possibly a pressure bandage or certain splints, the healing process will be complete in a few weeks. The pain will probably subside a little earlier, or will only occur under appropriate stress. A little later or at the same time, the redness and swelling will also subside, so that you will soon be free of pain again. In the case of chronic bursitis, the pain can understandably extend and last for months.
How can I shorten the duration of a bursitis?
There are various approaches to positively influence the duration of bursitis (inflammation of the bursa). – On the one hand, at the beginning of the inflammation, care should be taken to protect the respective joint. Cooling with various ointments or cool packs can also be helpful in reducing the inflammation.
Heat coming from outside should be avoided at all costs, as the inflammation can then progress better. – You also have the possibility to take anti-inflammatory drugs. These have both anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects.
These include ibuprofen and diclofenac, for example. – If these are not sufficient to inhibit pain, the attending doctor can also prescribe stronger pain medication. Anti-inflammatory ointments and gels can also help the bursitis heal more quickly.
These are usually applied three times a day and, in addition to inhibiting the inflammation, also have a cooling and thus pleasant effect on the usually overheated skin. – Massage of the surrounding tissue can also help to promote relaxation and better blood circulation in the inflamed area. – However, it is essential to clarify with a doctor first whether it is a bacterial infection.
If the bursitis is based on a bacterial infection, it is essential to treat it with antibiotics. – If the signs of inflammation have subsided but a thickened bursa can still be palpated, it may have to be punctured to drain the fluid it contains. Cortisone is an immunosuppressive agent, which means it inhibits the body’s own cells that are responsible for an excessive inflammatory reaction.
If the bursitis is certainly not caused by a bacterial infection, the injection of cortisone can be a good aid. However, this measure is only used when there has been no improvement for about ten days with anti-inflammatory ointments or anti-inflammatory drugs. The cortisone is injected directly into the affected joint where it can take effect and accelerate healing. However, there is always a certain risk of infection during an injection, so cortisone injection is not the first standard measure for bursitis.
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