Inner knee pain can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or exercising uncomfortable. One possible cause is pes anserine bursitis, a condition affecting the inside of the knee where a small fluid-filled sac, known as the pes anserine bursa, becomes irritated.

At Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, we help people throughout Canberra understand the source of their knee pain and develop personalised management plans that support their recovery and long-term function.

What is Pes Anserine Bursitis?

The pes anserine bursa sits between the shin bone (tibia) and the tendons of three muscles on the inside of the knee. Its role is to reduce friction during movement.

When this bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can lead to pain and tenderness along the inside of the knee. The condition often develops gradually due to repeated stress rather than a single injury.

What Causes Pes Anserine Bursitis?

Several factors may contribute to developing pes anserine bursitis, including:

• Repetitive walking or running

• Sudden increases in training or activity

• Muscle weakness around the hips or knees

• Tight hamstrings

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Reduced lower limb flexibility

• Poor movement mechanics during activity

• Carrying excess body weight

Identifying the contributing factors is an important part of physiotherapy management.

Common Symptoms of Pes Anserine Bursitis

Symptoms may include:

• Pain on the inside of the knee

• Tenderness when pressing the inner knee

• Pain when climbing or descending stairs

• Discomfort after prolonged walking

• Pain getting up from sitting

• Mild swelling in the affected area

• Stiffness after periods of rest

These symptoms can resemble other knee conditions, making an accurate assessment important.

Who is More Likely to Develop It?

Pes anserine bursitis can affect people of many ages but is more commonly seen in:

• Recreational and competitive runners

• People returning to exercise after a break

• Adults with knee osteoarthritis

• Individuals with reduced hip strength

• People whose work involves frequent kneeling or climbing

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy aims to identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop an individual management plan.

Depending on your assessment findings, your physiotherapist may recommend:

Education and Activity Modification

Understanding which activities may temporarily aggravate symptoms can help reduce unnecessary irritation while maintaining appropriate levels of movement.

Exercise Therapy

A structured exercise program may include:

• Hip strengthening exercises

• Quadriceps strengthening

• Hamstring flexibility exercises

• Balance and control exercises

• Gradual return-to-running or sport programs where appropriate

Hands-On Physiotherapy

Manual therapy may be used alongside exercise to help improve movement and address stiffness where clinically appropriate.

Movement Assessment

Your physiotherapist may assess walking, running or functional movements to identify factors that may be contributing to ongoing irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pes anserine bursitis go away on its own?

Some mild cases may settle with reduced aggravating activity and appropriate self-management. However, persistent symptoms should be assessed to identify underlying contributing factors and guide appropriate treatment.

Is walking bad for pes anserine bursitis?

Walking is often still appropriate, although longer distances or hills may temporarily increase symptoms. Your physiotherapist can advise you on suitable activity levels during recovery.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies depending on the severity of symptoms, activity levels and contributing factors. Many people notice gradual improvement when following an individualised management plan.

Do I need imaging?

Not always. Physiotherapists can often identify pes anserine bursitis through a thorough clinical assessment. If further investigation appears appropriate, your healthcare provider may discuss imaging options.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Consider arranging an assessment if:

• Your knee pain has persisted for more than a few weeks

• Walking or exercise has become difficult

• Pain is limiting your daily activities

• Symptoms continue returning

• You are unsure what is causing your knee pain

Early assessment may help identify contributing factors before symptoms become more persistent.

Physiotherapy for Pes Anserine Bursitis in Canberra

If you're experiencing pain on the inside of your knee, the team at Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic can provide a comprehensive assessment and discuss management options tailored to your individual needs.

Conveniently located in Belconnen, we welcome patients from across Canberra seeking physiotherapy for knee pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.

To arrange an appointment, contact Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic on (02) 6251 3487. Our team is here to help you understand your symptoms and support you in working towards your activity goals with an evidence-informed treatment plan.

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