FILEX 2015
PRESENTER
& REHAB
WHEN KNEE PAIN IS
NOT JUST KNEE PAIN!
Knee pain can be caused by a number of
factors – and it doesn’t always ‘just go
away’ with rest.
WORDS: THUY BRIDGES
1
Gracilis
Photos from upcoming Elsevier book Length, Strength and Kinesio Taping by Thuy Bridges
2
here are many
causes
of
medial
knee
pain and an incorrect
diagnosis may inadvertently
lead to poor management of
symptoms and a delayed
recovery. In this issue we look at
pes anserine bursitis: the ‘other’ knee pain.
T
Pes anserine
Pes anserine is the anatomic term used
to identify where the tendons of gracilis,
sartorius, and semitendinosus muscles
attach to the tibia, just below the knee.
The word literally means ‘goosefoot’ as it
describes the appearance of these three
tendons at the attachment point. The pes
anserine bursa provides a lubricant/buffer
between the ligament and the tendons.
How does it occur?
Sartorius
3
Semitendinosus
The three muscles mentioned above are
primarily flexors of the knee, and also induce
internal tibial rotation, protecting the knee
against rotary and valgus stress. Bursitis
arises due to undue stress being placed on
the area at which these muscles attach.
Overuse of the hamstrings in runners
with particularly tight hamstrings is common
in cases of pes anserine bursitis. In addition
to trauma, sudden changes in training,
improper training, ‘cutting’ training (exercise
performed in a sideways motion that places
a high lateral strain on the knee) and running
up hills can contribute to the condition.
The bursa becomes irritable and inflamed
NETWORK AUTUMN 2015 | 23