Knee bursitis might not be the most common joint condition, but for those who deal with it—especially in physically demanding jobs—it can be a real problem. A large-scale study found that while general prevalence was low (0.6% in men, 0.2% in women), cases were significantly higher among blue-collar workers.
In fact, rates jumped to 2.3% in the construction sector and 1.4% in food and meat processing industries. In my clinic at The Disc Chiropractic, I often work with tradespeople, factory workers, and other active professionals who are dealing with joint pain they can’t ignore.
Bursitis usually starts as swelling or soreness around a joint, but when left unaddressed, it can turn into persistent pain that limits. How you work or how you live life in general.
What Is Bursitis? Everything You Should Know
Bursitis is the inflammation of a synovial bursa—a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. You have more than 150 bursae throughout your body, and when one gets irritated—often from repeated pressure, poor posture, or trauma—it swells and becomes painful.
Most people feel this pain near a joint, especially when moving or applying pressure. The area might feel stiff, tender, or even warm to the touch. While it’s often mistaken for a muscle or tendon issue, bursitis is different. The bursa is a protective buffer, and once inflamed, it can limit joint mobility and cause lingering discomfort.
Importantly, bursitis is a mechanical problem, not an infection or autoimmune condition (except in rare cases). That means it usually responds well to conservative care when the source of irritation is corrected.
Types of Bursitis That You Should Know
Subacromial Bursitis (Shoulder)
The subacromial bursa sits just under the acromion—the bony tip of your shoulder. When the rotator cuff isn’t doing its job, or the shoulder joint moves inefficiently, this bursa gets irritated. It’s common in people who do a lot of overhead reaching or have shoulder impingement.
Trochanteric Bursitis (Hip)
This type affects the bursa on the outer part of your upper thigh, over the greater trochanter. Muscle imbalance, tight iliotibial bands, or a misaligned pelvis often put unnecessary stress on this part of the hips.
Olecranon Bursitis (Elbow)
The olecranon bursa, located at the back of your elbow, can swell if you frequently rest your elbows on hard surfaces. Swelling and tenderness may show up gradually or after a bump or fall.
Prepatellar Bursitis (Kneecap)
Workers who kneel often like contractors, roofers, or gardeners can irritate the bursa in front of the patella. Repetitive pressure causes visible swelling and makes bending the knee uncomfortable.
Pes Anserine Bursitis (Inner Knee)
The pes anserine bursa sits just below the inner side of your knee, where three hamstring tendons attach to the tibia. When your hips are weak or misaligned—especially with inward knee collapse (valgus stress), this bursa gets compressed and irritated.
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis (Back of Heel)
The bursa between the Achilles tendon and heel bone can become compressed when calf muscles are tight or shoes put pressure on the back of the heel. It often flares up when you go for a run or walk in excessive periods.
Ischial Bursitis (Sit Bone)
The ischial bursa sits between the ischial tuberosity (your “sit bone”) and the gluteal muscles. Its job is to reduce friction and cushion the area when you sit down. When you sit for long periods especially on hard surfaces or narrow seats the bursa gets compressed directly between the bone and your body weight.
How We Treat Bursitis at The Disc Chiropractic
Bursitis doesn’t respond well to rest alone if the joint mechanics that caused it haven’t been corrected. Here’s what I typically recommend for patients dealing with joint inflammation and bursa pain:
Chiropractic Adjustments
I use targeted adjustments to realign the joints surrounding the inflamed bursa—whether that’s the shoulder, hip, pelvis, or knee. By improving how these joints move, we take unnecessary pressure off the bursa so it can heal without repeated irritation.
Shockwave Therapy
With the Intelect RPW 2, I deliver focused acoustic waves to the inflamed area. This stimulates blood flow, breaks up chronic inflammation, and helps trigger the body’s natural healing response—especially useful for bursitis that hasn’t improved with time or rest.
FAQs About Bursitis
What does bursitis feel like?
Bursitis typically causes a dull, persistent ache or tenderness near a joint. The pain often worsens with movement, direct pressure, or repetitive use. In some cases, localized swelling, warmth, or a soft lump may be noticeable under the skin, especially around the elbow, knee, shoulder, or hip.
How is bursitis different from tendonitis?
Bursitis is the inflammation of a synovial bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions between bones and soft tissues. Tendonitis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cord that connects muscle to bone. Both can cause similar pain near joints, but they affect different structures.
Can untreated bursitis lead to arthritis?
While bursitis doesn’t directly turn into arthritis, chronic inflammation and abnormal joint loading can increase the risk of joint degeneration over time. If the cause of the irritation such as repetitive strain isn’t addressed, long-term wear may contribute to conditions like osteoarthritis in the affected joint.
What symptoms typically indicate bursitis?
Bursitis typically causes a dull, persistent ache or tenderness near a joint. The pain often worsens with movement, direct pressure, or repetitive use. In some cases, localized swelling, warmth, or a soft lump may be noticeable under the skin, especially around the elbow, knee, shoulder, or hip.
What is bursitis and how does it develop?
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. It commonly develops from prolonged pressure on a joint or trauma. Chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can also contribute to bursitis.
How can I prevent bursitis from returning?
To keep bursitis from coming back, it’s important to strengthen the muscles around the joint, move with proper form during exercise or work, and maintain a healthy weight and regular chiropractic care help catch small issues before they lead to flare-ups.
Don’t Let Bursitis Control Your Life
Bursitis pain doesn’t have to become a long-term problem. Our $97 New Patient Special gives you a clear starting point — a full consultation, movement exam, and your first treatment (if safe to proceed). At The Disc Chiropractic, I focus on what’s actually causing your joint irritation so you don’t have to rely on pills or repeat injections.
If you’re ready to move better and feel better — without the guesswork —
Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910