When the MRI Says “Normal” but Your Knees Say “No”: Managing Post-Fall Bursitis

A slip and fall can happen in a heartbeat, but the recovery often takes a marathon. We had a patient who took a hard fall onto their knees—a classic premises liability case. While the initial abrasions healed, the knees remained tender, swollen, and stiff for over a month.

Interestingly, the MRI came back “clean”—no fractures, no ligament tears, and no meniscus damage. For many, this is frustrating. You feel the pain, but the “big” tests say you’re fine. However, the imaging did reveal Bursitis and joint effusion (fluid buildup).

Bursitis is the inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. When you impact the patella directly, these sacs can become irritated. At Premier Massage & Chiropractic of Arcadia, Dr. Kwan specializes in bridging the gap between “no broken bones” and “back to 100%.” We implemented targeted therapeutic exercises to reduce swelling and restore a full range of motion. If you are handling a personal injury claim, remember: objective findings like bursitis are crucial evidence of your injury. We work closely with local attorneys to ensure your medical necessity is documented while you get the care you deserve.