Pes Anserine Bursitis

What is pes anserine bursitis?

The pes anserine is the area on the inner side of the knee, just below the joint, where three tendons meet and attach to the shin bone. A small fluid-filled sac — a bursa — sits beneath these tendons to reduce friction.

Pes anserine bursitis is inflammation of this bursa. It's commonly seen in middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with osteoarthritis or who've recently changed their activity level. It can also affect runners and other athletes.

It's an unfamiliar diagnosis to most people but it's not a serious condition — it's a localised inflammation that almost always settles with the right approach.

What does it feel like?

The pain is on the inner side of the knee, just below the joint line. Common features include:

• Aching or sharp pain in a specific spot on the inner knee

• Pain when going up or down stairs

• Pain at night, particularly when lying with the knees together

• Tenderness when pressing on the area

• Sometimes mild swelling or warmth over the spot

Symptoms can sometimes be confused with those of inner-knee osteoarthritis or a meniscal problem, which is why getting the right diagnosis matters.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is clinical. The very specific location of tenderness, combined with the broader knee examination, usually makes the diagnosis clear.

Imaging — particularly ultrasound — can confirm the diagnosis and exclude other causes of inner-knee pain. It's not routinely needed but can be helpful when the picture is unclear.

It's also important to consider whether other conditions are coexisting — particularly osteoarthritis or a meniscal tear, both of which can drive or worsen pes anserine bursitis.

What are the treatment options?

Most cases of pes anserine bursitis settle with conservative management — rest from aggravating activities, physiotherapy targeting the supporting muscles, and sometimes anti-inflammatory measures.

If symptoms are persistent or severe, an ultrasound-guided injection of corticosteroid is often very effective. Surgery is very rarely needed. Whether any specific treatment is right in your case is something Nev will work through with you at your consultation.

When should you get it checked?

Seek a specialist assessment if:

• Inner knee pain has persisted for several weeks

• Pain is disturbing your sleep

• You've tried rest and basic measures without improvement

• There's clear localised swelling or tenderness

• You want a proper diagnosis and tailored plan

Pes anserine bursitis is one of those conditions that's easy to manage well once the diagnosis is clear — but easy to mistake for something else if it isn't.