What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Bursitis of the Kneecap
• Housemaid’s Knee
• Prepatellar Bursitis

What is Kneecap Bursitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• A bursa is characterized as a fluid–filled sac that acts as a cushion, to help the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, glide easily over the bones
• Kneecap Bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursa within the kneecap
• Since, bursae are located throughout the body; a bursitis not only affects the knee, but other locations too. Other areas of the body that may develop this inflammatory condition include the shoulder (causing shoulder bursitis), elbow (causing elbow bursitis), hip (causing hip bursitis), and heel
• Treatment measures for Kneecap Bursitis include both nonsurgical and surgical methods. The prognosis for the condition is generally good, with proper treatment

Who gets Kneecap Bursitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Kneecap Bursitis may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and gender
• Children are more likely to have an infection as the cause of Kneecap Bursitis
• Men have a higher prevalence of this condition, than women

What are the Risk Factors for Kneecap Bursitis? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with Kneecap Bursitis include:

• Individuals, who participate in sports or activities that can commonly result in a traumatic injury or a fall, such as football, wrestling, and basketball
• Traumatic injury to the kneecap caused by an automobile accident
• Excess body weight associated with obesity, which increases pressure on the joints
• Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
• Individuals, whose occupation requires them to kneel at work, such as plumbers, roofers, carpet layers, coal miners, or gardeners

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Kneecap Bursitis? (Etiology)

Causal factors of a Kneecap Bursitis include:

• Traumatic injury to the knee
• Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Medial meniscus tear can result in Kneecap Bursitis, in the future
• Tight hamstring muscles causes abnormal stress on the kneecap causing Bursitis of the Kneecap
• Any traumatic injury, or falling on one’s knee, sports or occupation-related stress
• Bacterial infection of the knee joint

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Kneecap Bursitis?

Signs and symptoms of Kneecap Bursitis include:

• Knee pain while exercising
• Noticeable swelling within the frontal part of the kneecap
• Tender and warm sensation to touch
• Decreased range of movement
• Difficulty walking

How is Kneecap Bursitis Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Kneecap Bursitis include:

• Physical examination: The physician will perform a thorough physician examination (such as checking if the area surrounding the knee is tender) to assess any pain or weakness in the knee. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray: This imaging tool is not helpful in determining a diagnosis of bursitis. However, it may aid in ruling-out other possible causes of discomfort, such as knee fracture, tumor, or arthritis
• MRI of the knee joint
• Culture of fluid in knee bursa, to rule-out infections

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Kneecap Bursitis?

Complications of Kneecap Bursitis include:

• Chronic irritation within the knee
• Chronic pain
• Infection within the bursa

How is Kneecap Bursitis Treated?

A majority of the individuals, who develop non-infected Kneecap Bursitis, seldom require a surgery; while in others, surgery may be necessary.

The nonsurgical treatment measures include:

• Any activity that aggravates the knee condition should be avoided. The physician may advise the individual to refrain from participating in any physical activity, till the pain stops or symptoms get better
• Individuals may also be advised to apply ice to the knee joint, at least 3-4 times a day
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) and Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, etc.), may be used to treat Kneecap Bursitis. These medications can help decrease pain and swelling within the knee
• Corticosteroid injections help in the temporarily relieving the symptoms, such as pain, and in improving one’s range of motion. It is important to note that corticosteroid injections only provide a temporary relief; prolonged episodes of such injections may injure the joints in the long run

Surgical treatment measures are generally for individuals with an infected bursa. The measures may include:

• Incision and drainage of the infected knee bursa: Incision and drainage is a non-invasive surgical procedure that involves the drainage of the fluid, which has build-up in the infected bursa
• Open bursectomy for Kneecap Bursitis: Open bursectomy is the traditional surgical approach in which the infected bursa is surgically removed
• Arthroscopic bursectomy for Kneecap Bursitis: It is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure, used to remove the infected bursa, using an orthopedic device and a tiny camera, called an arthroscope. This instrument is inserted through a tiny incision around the knee and the infected bursa removed

How can Kneecap Bursitis be Prevented?

To prevent Kneecap Bursitis, individuals should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted. 

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or Kneecap Bursitis include:

• Individuals are advised to add low-impact activities to their exercise program, in order to avoid repetitiveness
• Healthy body weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce abnormal pressure within the joints, which can decrease the risk
• Consume a healthy diet regularly
• Individuals, who participate in any high-risk sports, such as football, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of injuring their knee, or other joints
• Wearing appropriate footwear (such as wearing the proper shoe size) may help prevent accidents
• Individuals, whose occupation requires them to kneel at work, should wear kneepads

What is the Prognosis of Kneecap Bursitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• A majority of Kneecap Bursitis heal without any serious complications. A full recovery and a return to sports or normal daily activities usually require 3-4 weeks, which is dependent upon the requirement of surgery
• If properly treated and rehabilitated, a high percentage of individuals regain their full strength and range of motion within the knee

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Kneecap Bursitis:

Hip bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursa within the hip. The condition usually occurs in two different regions of the hip and is called trochanteric bursitis and ischial bursitis.

The following article link will help you understand hip bursitis:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/hip-bursitis/