A bursa is a mall sac filled with fluid that helps reduce friction between different tissue around joints throughout the body. Infra-patella bursitis is a condition involving inflammation of the infra-patellar bursa. This bursa is found between the patellar ligament and the top front surface of the tibia (shin bone). The bursa is situated between the skin and the patellar ligament. 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 upright – hence the name clergymans knee
Symptoms of infra-patella bursitis
- Pain and tenderness below the kneecap
- Swelling below the knee cap that may be warm to the touch.
- Pain aggravated by direct pressure e.g. kneeling upright
- Pain aggravated by movement of knee as contraction of overlying muscles compress bursa
What you can do
- RICE (rest ,ice, compression, elevation)
- Avoiding aggravating movements such as kneeling
- Using knee pads or padded knee supports
Treatment
- Aspiration – sucking fluid out of the knee
- In cases where the bursa has become infected, anti-biotics may be prescribed
- Reduction of tension in overlying muscles by use of massage and stretching
Tags: anterior knee pain, bursitis, knee pain
