Pes Anserine Bursitis Condition

This is a painful condition of the medial side of the proximal tibia, an inflammation of a bursa in your knee. A bursa is a liquid filled sac that acts as a cushion between tendons, bone and skin. This bursa is located on the inner side on the knee just below the knee joint.

The inflamed bursa is beneath the three tendons that comprise the pes anserine (sartorious, semintendinosus, and gracilis). These tendons act to bend the knee, bring the knees together and cross the legs. It is common in swimmers who do the breast stroke and is often called “Swimmers Knee” or in people that are kicking a ball repeatedly. Repeated pivoting from a deep knee bend (catcher in baseball) or a direct blow to the knee as often seen in football can cause Pes Anserine Bursitis. Excessive pronation places a stretch on these tendons that make up the Pes Anserine and can cause a bursitis. Biomechanical orthotics can help balance the foot, and prevent gait abnormalities. Hamstring stretching, quad strengthening, and avoiding steep hills also help.