Knee pain can be disabling. At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic we acknowledge that it is essential to determine the cause of pain.
Pes anserine bursitis and tendinosis is a common cause of anterior knee pain.
The pes anserinus is the insertion of the conjoined tendons of three muscles of the hamstring onto the front inside (anteromedial) surface of the shin bone (tibia).
The three muscles are the sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosus.
A bursa is s fluid filled sac that lies between the bone and the tendons. It serves as cushion and helps reduce friction and provides a gliding surface.
Pes bursitis is a condition in which the bursa gets inflamed resulting in pain and potential restriction in range of motion.
Patients often complain of pain directly over the pes anserine area which is located about two to four inches below the joint line on the inside of the knee. Pain, swelling and tenderness are common.
Overuse of the hamstrings is a common cause of pes anersine bursitis. Runners are affected most often. Direct trauma and osteoarthritis are other causes.
Treatment typically involves rest, ice, PT and hamstring stretches.
At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic IMS (intra-muscular stimulation) is used to treat dysfunctional hamstring muscles along with ultrasound guided injections into the inflamed tendons or bursa. Prolotherapy is an effective therapy to pes anersine bursitis and tendonosis.