A bursa is a small fluid filled sac that helps reduce friction between different tissue around joints throughout the body. Prepatellar bursitis is inflammation of the pre-patellar bursa, located in front of the patella or kneecap. Its function is to reduce friction between the patellar tendon and its overlying skin whilst bending the knee. The condition can be caused by:
- Injury – a direct blow on the knee
- A wound can allow bacteria to enter the blood and cause an infective inflammation
- Friction due to repeated kneeling on all fours – hence the name housemaids knee
Symptoms of prepatella bursitis
- Pain and tenderness on the kneecap
- Swelling on the knee cap that may be warm to the touch
- Pain aggravated by direct pressure e.g. kneeling
- Pain aggravated by movement of knee as contraction of overlying muscles compress bursa
- Mobile tender lump beneath skin on the kneecap
What you can do
- RICE (rest ,ice, compression, elevation) technique
- Avoiding aggravating movements such as kneeling
- Using knee pads or padded knee supports
What we can do
- Reduction of tension in overlying muscles by use of massage and stretching
Further Treatment Options
- Aspiration – sucking out fluid from the knee
- In cases where the bursa has become infected, anti-biotics may be prescribed
In cases where the bursa has become infected, anti-biotics may be prescribed
Tags: anterior knee pain, knee pain
