Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Pes Anserinus: A Common, Frequently Misdiagnosed Condition
The pes anserinus (Latin: goose foot) is the conjoined insertion of three medial knee tendons -- sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus -- on the medial (inner) aspect of the proximal tibia. Pes anserinus tendinopathy or bursitis causes medial knee pain approximately 2-3 cm below the joint line, and is frequently misdiagnosed as medial compartment OA or MCL pathology.
Who Gets Pes Anserinus Conditions?
Pes anserinus tendinopathy/bursitis is particularly common in: overweight individuals (increased knee valgus loading), older adults with medial knee OA (co-existing condition), distance runners (high repetitive knee loading), and patients with tight hamstrings and hip adductors.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Load Management
Reducing running volume, hill training, and prolonged stair activity temporarily while the tendon/bursa heals.
Hamstring and Adductor Flexibility
Tight hamstrings and hip adductors increase pes anserinus tendon tension. Regular stretching of these muscles (particularly the medial hamstrings: semimembranosus and semitendinosus) significantly reduces symptoms.
Valgus Control
Hip abductor strengthening reduces dynamic knee valgus that overloads the medial knee structures including pes anserinus.
Electrotherapy
IFT and ultrasound therapy reduce bursal or tendon inflammation and provide pain relief enabling exercise.
Pes Anserinus Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we accurately diagnose and treat this frequently overlooked condition. Book your knee assessment today.