Pes anserine bursitis—sometimes called pes anserine pain syndrome—is a condition that affects the inner side of your knee, just below the joint. It’s caused by inflammation of a small, fluid-filled sac called the bursa, which sits between your shinbone and three tendons: the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus. This bursa acts like a cushion, helping these tendons glide smoothly over the bone. When it gets irritated, it can swell and become painful—but the good news is, it’s treatable and manageable with the right approach!
If you’re experiencing a dull ache or burning pain on the inside of your knee—especially when climbing stairs, walking uphill, or getting up from a chair—you might be dealing with pes anserine bursitis. You may also notice:
These symptoms can be frustrating, but they’re your body’s way of asking for a little extra care and attention.
Please be wary, because several conditions can cause similar knee pain, it’s important to rule out other possibilities. Your trusty OHL Physio will test and needs to consider:
A thorough physical exam is usually sufficient to get a clean picture—yet sometimes imaging like an MRI—can be used to help pinpoint the extent or complexity of the irritation.
The path to recovery is often smooth with a combination of gentle care and targeted therapy. Here’s what works best:
AND Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy plays a vital role in resolving pes anserine bursitis by addressing both the inflammation and the underlying biomechanical causes which cause the actual cause of the bursa irritation... the tendon! Through targeted exercises, particularly isometric strengthening of the hamstrings and adductors, physio helps reduce pain, restore muscle activation, and improve tendon load tolerance without aggravating the bursa. These exercises also reverse cortical inhibition—a neurological response that can weaken muscles after tendon injury—helping to re-establish proper movement patterns. In addition to exercise, physiotherapists use manual therapy, stretching, and modalities like ice to reduce swelling and improve flexibility. Education on gait habits and activity modification ensures long-term relief and prevents recurrence.
By combining hands-on care with a personalised tendon-specific exercise plan, your trusted OHL Physio empowers each patient to recover fully and return to their daily activities with confidence from conditions like pes anserine bursitis. If you think you are suffering this condition, book today via our Client Portal online or you can call us on 9431 5955.
