Pes Anserine Bursitis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

What Is Pes Anserine Bursitis?

Pes anserine bursitis occurs when the pes anserine bursa becomes inflamed. This bursa is located on the inner (medial) side of the knee, just below the joint, where three hamstring tendons attach to the shinbone. Because of its location, inflammation in this area often causes inner knee pain, especially during activity.

A bursa is a small sac filled with fluid that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues, such as muscles or tendons. Its job is to reduce friction and allow smooth movement. Without bursae, tissues would rub directly against bone, leading to irritation and damage over time. When repeated stress or pressure is placed on a bursa, it can become inflamed, resulting in bursitis and knee discomfort.

What causes Pes Anserine Bursitis?

How the Injury Occurs

Pes anserine bursitis causes are most often related to repeated stress or strain on the inner knee. This stress irritates the bursa and leads to inflammation. The condition commonly develops over time rather than from a single injury.

Common Everyday Causes

Pes anserine bursitis can occur for several reasons, including:

• Repetitive stress on the knee from activities such as running, climbing stairs, or frequent squatting
• Poor training techniques or mechanics, which place uneven pressure on the knee
• Lack of stretching, especially tight hamstring muscles that pull on the inner knee
• Sudden increases in activity, such as starting a new workout routine or increasing training intensity too quickly

These factors place extra demand on the bursa, making it more likely to become irritated and inflamed.

Sports Commonly Linked to Pes Anserine Bursitis

Pes anserine bursitis is more common in sports that involve repetitive knee motion, including:

• Long-distance running, where repeated impact stresses the inner knee
• Swimming, especially breaststroke, which places strain on the knee and hamstrings

Symptoms

You may have pes anserine bursitis if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain on the inner side of the knee, just below the joint
• Increased pain when climbing stairs or getting up from a seated position
• Pain that worsens during or after exercise, especially activities that involve bending the knee
• Mild swelling or tenderness over the affected area

Pain often starts gradually and may feel worse with continued activity, improving with rest.

Non-operative treatment

Pes anserine bursitis treatment is almost always non-surgical. Common non-operative options include:

• Resting the affected knee to reduce irritation
• Applying ice to decrease swelling and inflammation
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain
• A home exercise program focused on flexibility and strength
• Physical therapy to stretch tight muscles and improve knee mechanics
• Corticosteroid injections, administered by a specialist, for persistent pain

Your doctor may also recommend specific exercises to support recovery. A guided exercise program can help reduce strain on the bursa and prevent recurrence.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Pes Anserine Bursitis

Surgical Treatment

Pes anserine bursitis does not require surgery. The condition is treated conservatively using non-operative methods, and surgery is not considered necessary.