Things You'll Need:
- Health care practitioner
- X-ray or tissue scan
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Step 1
Acknowledge a recurrent, aching pain on the outside of the knee, just above the joint, as a health condition that needs attention.
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Step 2
Note whether the knee pain occurs on the top of the knee, runs up your leg on the outside toward your hip or worsens following exercise.
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Step 3
Note whether you feel a "popping" sensation or hear a clicking sound at times in the knee or upper leg.
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Step 4
Recall whether you have recently stressed your knee with repetitive flexing and bending, such as pedaling, running or dancing.
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Step 5
Consider any foot, knee or spinal conditions in your medical history, such as pronation, a bone deformity or spinal curvature resulting in a shortened limb. Any of these could cause the iliotibial band to irritate the knee bursa.
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Step 1
Get a physical exam. Tell your doctor that you have bursitis pain in the knee. Your doctor will try to re-create and locate the pain by making you move the afflicted area. Having this information will help her accurately diagnose your problem.
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Step 2
Describe your pain, including any clicking or popping, and tell your doctor if you have recently put extra stress on the knee.
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Step 3
Inform your doctor of your medical history and your training or exercise regimen. Runners should bring their shoes to test for excessive pronation.
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Step 4
Get X-rays or tissue scans for inconclusive cases.
