4. Complications from osteoarthritis
Persistent pain in the knee can be a sign of either osteoarthritis or bursitis. They can feel quite similar, particularly in the early phase. However, osteoarthritis and bursitis are not mutually exclusive but sometimes occur together. Arthritis is a degenerative condition that is marked by a loss of cartilage and a wearing down of the joints. One thing that distinguishes bursitis from osteoarthritis is that when pressure is placed on the kneecap, the pain gets worse.
In addition, with bursitis, the pain starts quite strong and then eases down to a milder discomfort or ache. Osteoarthritis has similar symptoms to bursitis, including swelling, stiffness, pain, and discomfort. Osteoarthritis can lead to bursitis because the joints are already vulnerable given the loss of cartilage, and any additional strain or injury can make it more likely that the bursa will experience inflammation. Check with a medical professional to determine which condition is the cause of your discomfort.