Prepatellar Bursitis - Housemaid's Knee

Prepatellar Bursitis - Housemaid's Knee
Prepatellar bursitis, commonly called housemaid's knee, is an inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap.

Bursitis is an inflammation of a bursa, occasionally accompanied by
a calcific deposit in the underlying supraspinatus tendon, the most
common site is the subdeltoid bursa. Bursa is a small, sac-like
structure, found mainly in joints, that protects bones and tendons from
friction (for example, in the elbows and knees).

In most cases the cause is unknown, but it can be caused by such
factors as injury, infection, and repeated friction. It is treated by
rest; use of cold, followed by heat; anti-inflammatory drugs; and
sometimes an injection of a corticosteroid drug. A bursa can become
inflamed from injury, infection, or underlying rheumatic condition.

The treatment of any form of bursitis depends on whether or not it
involves infection. If you modify your activities and stay off the
affected joint, symptoms should resolve within two-weeks. In the
meantime, you may want to take an anti-inflammatory drug such as
aspirin to relieve discomfort and reduce the inflammation. If the pain
is tenacious or acute, your doctor may inject a corticosteriod drug
directly into the area. Infectious (septic) bursitis requires even
further evaluation and treatment.

When bursitis occurs repeatedly in the same joint, the affected bursa may be removed surgically.