What Is Patellar Bursitis?

Patellar Bursitis is also called carpenter’s knee, housemaid’s knee, coal miner’s knee. It’s an inflammation of the bursa of the kneecap. Bursa: is a sac of fluid located between bone and soft tissue, acting as a cushion to help to reduce friction between tendons and bones.

Patellar Bursitis Symptoms:

• Difficulty while walking or going down stairs.

• Knee pain mainly during movement and physical activity.

• Tenderness around the affected area alongside swelling (significant in some cases).

• Warm sensation due to the inflammation, particularly if pressure is applied on it.

• If bursa gets infected, you may have fever. Hence, if you have fever or generally feeling unwell while experiencing patellar bursitis you should contact your GP.

Patellar Bursitis Causes:

• Prolonged kneeling position specially on hard surfaces.

• Overuse due to occupation or physical activity.

• Direct blow to the knee (sports like football, volleyball, rugby, martial arts).

• Complications from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, bacterial infection, obesity.

Initial Treatment Steps:

1. Rest: Minimize activities that put pressure on your knee.

2. Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.

3. Elevation: Keep the knee elevated to decrease swelling.

4. Compression: Use a wrap or a knee sleeve to help control swelling.

Medications:

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Infection Management: If the bursitis is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be necessary.

Advanced Treatment Options:

• Corticosteroid Injection: If the pain and swelling do not respond to basic treatments, a doctor might recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation.

• Aspiration: In cases of significant swelling, removing fluid from the bursa (aspiration) can relieve pressure and discomfort.

• Soft Tissue Massage: Release trigger points and knots, and reduce muscle tightness.

• Assisted Stretching: Help improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle tension.

Physical Therapy and Exercises:

Physical therapy can be a crucial component in the recovery from kneecap bursitis. A physical therapist might recommend:

• Flexibility Exercises: To improve the range of motion.

• Strengthening Exercises: To strengthen the muscles around the knee, which can help stabilize and protect the joint.

• Protective Measures: Use of knee pads for activities that involve kneeling to prevent recurrence.

Surgical and Other Procedures:

In severe cases where other treatments have failed, surgical options might be considered:

• Bursectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the bursa.

• Infection Drainage: If there is an infection that does not respond to antibiotics, surgical drainage may be necessary.

Preventing Kneecap Bursitis:

• Use Protective Gear: Wearing knee pads during activities that involve frequent kneeling can significantly reduce the risk of developing bursitis.

• Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Regular exercise to keep the muscles around the knees strong and flexible can help minimize the risk.

• Avoid Prolonged Kneeling: When possible, avoid activities that require prolonged kneeling or alternate with other tasks.

Wrap-Up:

Managing kneecap bursitis effectively is key to reducing downtime and enhancing quality of life. By following a structured treatment regimen, including both at-home care and professional medical advice, you can expect a return to normal activities with minimized discomfort.

FAQs:

Q: How long does it take to recover from kneecap bursitis? A: Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach, but typically it takes a few weeks to several months.

Q: Can kneecap bursitis become a chronic condition? A: Yes, without proper management and recurrent stress to the knee, kneecap bursitis can become chronic.

Q: Are there any home remedies for kneecap bursitis? A: Home treatments like rest, ice, compression, and elevation are effective. Additionally, herbal compresses such as arnica may provide symptomatic relief.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us near Essex Rd in Angel Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!