Introduction:

Prepatellar bursitis, also known as "housemaid's knee," is a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the prepatellar bursa located in front of the kneecap. It typically occurs due to repetitive friction, trauma, or infection, leading to the accumulation of fluid within the bursa. This comprehensive article aims to provide a detailed understanding of prepatellar bursitis, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Causes of Prepatellar Bursitis:

Prepatellar bursitis can be caused by various factors, including:

• Repetitive Knee Pressure: Activities that involve prolonged kneeling or crawling, such as carpet laying, gardening, or sports activities, can put pressure on the prepatellar bursa and cause irritation and inflammation.
• Trauma: Direct blows or injuries to the front of the knee, such as falls or impacts, can damage the prepatellar bursa and trigger an inflammatory response.
• Infection: In rare cases, prepatellar bursitis can be caused by bacterial infection, leading to an infected bursa. This typically occurs when bacteria enter the bursa through a puncture wound or open skin.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

The common symptoms of prepatellar bursitis include:

• Swelling over the kneecap: The affected area may appear swollen, puffy, and tender to the touch.
• Pain and discomfort: Pain is often experienced in the front of the knee, especially with movement or pressure on the bursa.
• Limited range of motion: Swelling and pain can restrict knee movement, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the leg.

To diagnose prepatellar bursitis, healthcare providers typically perform:

• Physical examination: The knee is examined for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
• Medical history: Inquiring about recent activities, injuries, or exposure to possible infections helps in determining the cause of bursitis.
• Imaging tests: X-rays or ultrasound may be ordered to rule out other knee conditions or complications, such as fractures or joint abnormalities.
• Aspiration and laboratory analysis: In some cases, fluid may be aspirated from the bursa and sent for laboratory analysis to check for infection or other underlying conditions.

Treatment Options for Prepatellar Bursitis:

The treatment of prepatellar bursitis focuses on relieving symptoms, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. Common treatment options include:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the bursa and taking breaks from kneeling or prolonged pressure can help alleviate symptoms and allow the bursa to heal.
• Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Compression and elevation: Using compression bandages or wearing a knee brace can help reduce swelling, while elevating the leg helps promote fluid drainage.
• Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by a physical therapist can improve knee flexibility and stability, reducing the risk of recurrence.
• Aspiration and corticosteroid injection: In some cases, the excess fluid from the bursa may be aspirated, and a corticosteroid medication may be injected to reduce inflammation and pain.

Preventive Measures and Management Strategies:

To prevent prepatellar bursitis or reduce the risk of recurrence, individuals can:

• Use knee pads or cushions: When engaging in activities that involve kneeling or prolonged pressure on the knees, using knee pads or cushions can provide extra protection.
• Take frequent breaks and change positions: If kneeling is necessary, taking regular breaks and changing positions can help distribute pressure and reduce strain on the bursa.
• Maintain knee strength and flexibility: Regular exercises to strengthen the quadriceps and stretch the muscles around the knee can improve stability and reduce the risk of bursitis.
• Practice good hygiene: Keeping the skin around the knee clean and avoiding puncture wounds or open sores can minimize the risk of infection.

Conclusion:

Prepatellar bursitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the bursa in front of the knee. By understanding its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, preventive measures, and management strategies, individuals can effectively manage prepatellar bursitis, alleviate symptoms, and prevent future flare-ups.

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