Pes Anserine Bursitis

Bursitis is the general term used to describe inflammation of any bursae. The bursae are the cavitary structures lined with synovial tissue that cushion and assist during the motion of joints and muscles. Bursitis is usually accompanied with tenderness; however, swelling and redness may also be present. Pes anserine bursitis is a clinical entity that is associated with pain at the medial knee and upper tibial region. The term "pes anserine" comes from the Latin referring to "goose's foot," which the tendinous structures of the semitendinosus, gracilis, and sartorius muscles are said to resemble as they join to insert at the medial knee. The pes anserine bursa is sandwiched between the proximal medial tibia and the insertion point of the 3 tendons.[1] A more generic term, pes anserine pain syndrome, has been applied to refer to medial knee pain which may or may not include inflammation of the bursa sac. This article focuses on the clinical entity of pes anserine bursitis, unless otherwise specifically stated.