Focused Shockwave Therapy for Pes Anserine Bursitis
Pes anserine bursitis is a common cause of inner (medial) knee pain, involving irritation of the bursa located where the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus tendons attach to the tibia. This bursa reduces friction between tendons and bone, but repetitive stress, overuse, or biomechanical strain can lead to inflammation and localized pain.
Patients typically report tenderness about 4–5 cm below the inner knee joint, with symptoms that worsen during stair climbing, getting up from a seated position, or side-to-side movement. Risk factors include knee osteoarthritis, hamstring tightness, obesity, diabetes, and biomechanical issues such as hip weakness or poor knee alignment.
Because pes anserine bursitis is often driven by mechanical overload and soft tissue irritation, treatment focuses on reducing stress at the medial knee while restoring proper movement patterns. For individuals in Memphis with persistent symptoms, Focused Shockwave Therapy may be incorporated as a non-surgical treatment to help reduce pain and support recovery in chronic medial knee conditions.
Is shockwave therapy good for knee bursitis?
Shockwave therapy may be helpful in certain cases of knee bursitis, particularly when symptoms are persistent or involve surrounding tendon irritation. Pes anserine bursitis often occurs alongside soft tissue overload rather than isolated inflammation.
Focused shockwave therapy may help stimulate circulation and biological healing responses in the affected tissues. It is typically used alongside rehabilitation strategies such as strengthening and mobility work to improve outcomes.
What is the best treatment for pes anserine bursitis?
Conservative care is the primary treatment approach. This includes activity modification, stretching of the hamstrings and surrounding muscles, and strengthening of the hip abductors to improve knee alignment and reduce medial stress.
Addressing contributing factors such as muscle imbalance, joint mechanics, and foot positioning is essential. In persistent cases, therapies such as manual therapy or focused shockwave therapy may be added to support recovery.
Where should you not use shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy should not be applied over areas with active infection, malignancy, or unstable fractures. It is also avoided near sensitive structures such as certain nerves or growth plates in younger individuals.
A proper clinical evaluation is necessary to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate and to ensure treatment is directed at the correct tissue.
How did I get pes anserine bursitis?
Pes anserine bursitis often develops from repetitive stress or biomechanical overload at the inner knee. Activities involving repeated knee bending or side-to-side movement—such as running, swimming, or cutting sports—can increase irritation in this region.
Other contributing factors include knee osteoarthritis, hamstring tightness, hip muscle weakness, flat feet, and altered walking mechanics. These factors increase stress on the pes anserine area and contribute to ongoing symptoms.
Pes anserine bursitis often persists when underlying issues such as hip weakness, hamstring tightness, and poor knee mechanics are not fully addressed. These factors increase stress on the medial knee and contribute to ongoing irritation.
At Cole Pain Therapy Group in Memphis, care begins with a detailed evaluation of the knee, hip, and lower extremity to identify the source of overload. Treatment focuses on improving flexibility, restoring strength, and correcting movement patterns that place excessive stress on the inner knee.
For patients with persistent medial knee pain, Focused Shockwave Therapy may be incorporated into a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment plan. By combining targeted shockwave therapy with progressive rehabilitation, patients from Memphis, Bartlett, Lakeland, and Arlington can reduce pain, improve function, and return to daily activity with greater confidence.
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We are the Memphis area’s top-rated chiropractic group, providing you with gentle chiropractic care, dry needle therapy, exercise therapy, and therapeutic massage.
2845 Summer Oaks Dr, Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340
Life Shouldn't Hurt!
You Deserve To Feel Great. We Can Help!
Your go-to Chiropractor in Memphis, TN
Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAIPM, FIACN, FICC
Jeffrey D. Luebbe, DC, CCRD, CCSP
W. Steven Vollmer, DC, DAAPM
Bradford J. Cole, DC, MS, CSCS
J. Colby Poston, DC
Daniel H. Smith, DC
2845 Summer Oaks Dr., Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340
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