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Pes anserine bursitis: what to know

How the structures involved in Bursitis differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Bursitis differ from normal

Short answer

Pes anserine bursitis is irritation of a small fluid-filled sac on the inner side of the knee, often causing local tenderness with walking, stairs or bending.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Typical location
Inner knee, slightly below the joint line
Main symptom
Local tenderness worsened by pressure or repeated bending
First steps
Activity adjustment, symptom relief and guided rehabilitation

What the name describes

The pes anserinus is where three tendons attach to the upper inner shin. A bursa lies between these tissues and the bone, helping them glide. Repeated friction, a change in activity, reduced leg strength or altered knee mechanics can irritate it. Pain is usually felt a little below the inner knee joint rather than directly over the kneecap. A clinician may examine the tender spot and check hip, knee and walking movement; other causes of inner-knee pain can feel similar.

Mild local puffiness can accompany the condition; see [Joint Swelling](/symptoms/joint-swelling/) for a broader explanation of swelling around a joint.

Practical treatment

Temporarily reduce activities that repeatedly provoke the area, while keeping comfortable movement so the knee does not become stiff. Ice wrapped in cloth may calm symptoms after activity. A clinician or pharmacist can discuss whether an anti-inflammatory medicine is suitable, including its risks and interactions; read about [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/). Physiotherapy may address hamstring and hip flexibility, leg strength and movement habits. Persistent symptoms may prompt discussion of a [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/), while aspiration is not automatically needed for this superficial bursa.

When to get medical help

Arrange an assessment if pain limits walking, climbing stairs or sleep, or if it is not settling after reducing aggravating activity. Seek prompt care for a hot or increasingly red area, fever, rapidly growing swelling, drainage, a significant injury, inability to bear weight or a locked knee. These features can point to infection or another knee problem needing different treatment.

Questions for your doctor

Could the tender area be the pes anserine bursa rather than the knee joint? Which activities should I modify, and what exercises are appropriate? Do my medicines or health conditions affect anti-inflammatory options? What findings would make imaging, aspiration or another treatment useful?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Is pes anserine bursitis the same as arthritis?

No. Bursitis affects a cushioning sac near the inner knee, while arthritis affects the joint surfaces. They can occur together and may need different assessments.

Can it return after treatment?

It can recur if the provoking load or movement pattern returns. Gradual activity changes and strengthening can help reduce repeated irritation.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.