Bursitis - inflammation of the knee, which can begin in one part of the articular cavity, and in several. This disease can occur in both an adult and a child, and can lead to complications. In our material we will analyze the main symptoms of this disease, we will tell about the treatment.
Main characteristics of knee bursitis
Bursa, or articular "bag", plays an important role in the work of the knee joints. The main task is to isolate and protect the joint from damage. In the synovial bag is exudate - fluid, which is necessary to facilitate the movement of the joints. If bursitis of the knee joint is observed, then pus and serous discharge appear inside the planes.
Most often, this problem is found in people who are constantly “on their feet,” for example, in the service sector (salespeople, bartenders, hairdressers). In addition, this disease can affect athletes. There is a disease in children, but most often it is associated with injury or lack of Ca.
Causes and types of pathology
The most common causes of this disease are injuries, for example, bruises, sprains, cracks.
But there are other reasons:
rheumatism;- arthrosis;
- infections in other parts of the body;
- prolonged physical exertion;
- poisoning;
- lack of vitamins;
- hormonal disorders.
rheumatism;In addition, bursitis is often found in those who lead an active life without a normal rest.
Depending on the place of occurrence, this disease can be divided into such types as:
- The front that appears above the patella. The main reason for the occurrence is serious knee injuries.
- Popliteal, in which the articular sac inflames. Usually it is painted as a result of injuries and sprains. Most often, this type of bursitis occurs in athletes.
- Goose Formed in the area of the knee pits. Manifested with severe stress, overweight people.
In addition, bursitis varies depending on which fluid is in the joints:
- purulent;
- hemorrhagic (blood appears).
By the nature of the course, such forms of the disease are distinguished as:
- Acute. Developed with mechanical injuries of the patella. Usually characterized by severe pain during flexion of the knee.
- Chronic. Usually, this disease proceeds without symptoms, most often occurs in parallel with arthrosis.
Main symptoms
As we have said, with the chronic form of this disease, there are almost no symptoms: pain can only appear after heavy exertion and walking. But during an exacerbation, the clinical picture of the disease changes: fluid forms in the synovial cavity, reddening and swelling appear.
Over time, the shell of the bursa becomes more dense, cysts appear in the cavity, as a result of which the knee is almost impossible to bend.
At the same time, I am glad that in these cases surgery is not required.
The main thing is to detect symptoms in time. This will allow you to consult a doctor at an early stage. Let's take a closer look at the main features.
The acute form is characterized by:
- severe pain above or below the knee;
- swelling;
- fever.
In addition, pain may occur even in the feet, lower leg.
In this case, treatment should begin as soon as possible, because in the absence of it, the disease will become chronic.
There is also a subacute form of bursitis, which usually occurs during treatment.
If we are talking about a purulent form, then the symptoms are as follows: indisposition, the appearance of a migraine, nausea, fever. With their presence, an urgent need to consult a doctor.
Diagnosis and treatment of bursitis
Diagnosis is carried out by a traumatologist, general practitioner or orthopedist - much depends on the stage of the disease. Regardless of which doctor you go to, a patient will be visually examined, tests will be taken, and ultrasound, fluoroscopy will be prescribed, and in difficult cases MRI.
Also, a puncture of the cavity contents is performed without fail, which will allow determining the type of bursitis. After the diagnosis is made, the doctor will prescribe a treatment regimen - the choice of method depends on the type of disease.
Uncomplicated Bursitis
For mild illness, the following treatment is recommended:
- to impose splints;
- be at rest (excluding physical exertion);
- apply compresses with the use of Novocain;
- take inflammatory drugs, for example, Knise;
- use gels and anti-inflammatory ointments, for example, Dimexide (in some cases hormonal ointments may be prescribed);
- go for a massage, therapeutic exercises.
If edema is observed, most likely, the doctor will order a puncture surrender. In other cases, the treatment will be at home.
The main task of medication is the elimination of inflammation. Only after such symptoms subside, you can go for exercise therapy or massage, and the massage is aimed at enhancing blood circulation, which leads to a rapid recovery of the joint membranes.
The choice of physiotherapy depends on the severity of the disease. For example, in the presence of edema, cryotherapy is needed - cold treatment. To supply the tissues with oxygen, you need a bath, acupuncture. UV therapy and electrophoresis will be helpful.
Complicated form
What can be treated purulent stage of bursitis? If a secondary infection is caused by a bacterium, such as staphylococcus, then antibiotics cannot do without them - the doctor picks them up after testing.
If antibiotics have not had the desired effect, surgery is needed. There are the following indications for surgery:
- the presence of pus;
- salt deposits;
- the presence of cysts.
There are such surgical methods as:
- Puncture or puncture the cavity and remove the contents from the inside.
- Opening the "bag" in which the shell is first made an incision, then inserted into the tube, using them to drain the liquid. After surgery, the cavity is washed, then a special antimicrobial solution is introduced there.
Usually, after the operation, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent re-inflammation. Rehabilitation after such treatment is quite long: try at this time to strain the limbs less, keep movements to a minimum. And only after the healing of wounds, you can begin to develop a damaged leg, do gymnastics. In general, the rehabilitation process may take about a month.
Folk remedies to help
Immediately it should be said that the treatment of this disease with the help of folk methods can lead to complications, therefore it is better to first consult with your doctor.
The most commonly used homeopathic remedies include:
- honey and propolis;
- mummy;
- wax.
Bandages and a compress can be made from the ingredients listed above.
In addition, there are such recipes of traditional medicine:
- Propolis tincture. 1 tsp propolis dissolved in 50 ml of vodka, insist 5 days. Use for lotions.
- Use vegetables. It is necessary to cut or grate potatoes or beetroot into thin slices, put them on the sore area and rewind. To make such procedures better before bedtime.
- Means from soap, onions and honey. It is necessary to cut or rub all the components, mix them, apply on the knee, cover with a package and leave overnight.
- If you need to do ice compresses from edema, you need to roll the ice in a towel, apply, leave overnight.
It is worth remembering that these treatments can only be used in the treatment of mild bursitis.
To reduce the risk of recurrence, several important preventive tips should be remembered:
- It is necessary to completely cure the knee bursitis.
- Avoid hypothermia.
- Do not forget about physical therapy.
- Monitor physical activity.
- Follow all recommendations of the doctor and do not interrupt the treatment.
Do not delay in going to the doctor if you notice the signs listed above, as this may cause serious complications, such as the appearance of osteomyelitis. Also, the disease can become chronic - in this case, the lack of treatment will cause the tissue to turn into scars, which will become a serious obstacle in the normal work of the joints.
