Patellar bursitis, also known as maid’s knee, is an inflammatory condition that affects the kneecap and can cause pain and inflammation. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy, and severe cases may require surgery. Repeated pressure on the kneecap or direct impact injuries can contribute to the development of the condition. Diagnosis involves physical examination and imaging tests.
Patellar bursitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the kneecap. Historically referred to as maid’s knee, patellar bursitis usually presents with symptoms of pain and inflammation that can limit your mobility and make it difficult to participate in various physical activities. Treatment for knee patellar bursitis usually involves administering anti-inflammatory medications and, in some cases, physical therapy to reduce inflammation and improve joint function.
Knee bursitis is a progressive condition that can manifest itself initially due to a variety of situations. Repeatedly applying pressure to the kneecap, such as when kneeling, can cause inflammation and discomfort contributing to the development of patellar bursitis. Most people can develop knee bursitis if they have had repeated falls that directly impact the knee or have suffered a direct impact injury to the knee joint. Other factors that may contribute to the development of prepatellar bursitis include having a chronic arthritic condition, such as gout, or a bacterial infection within the knee joint.
A diagnosis of patellar bursitis is usually made during a palpatory and physical examination of the knee joint. If there is fluid buildup, an aspiration procedure may be performed, which involves drawing a sample of the fluid with a small, hollow needle. Sometimes, a series of additional tests may be ordered to discount the presence of infection or other markers indicative of disease. Individuals may undergo imaging tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, to further evaluate the condition of the knee joint and confirm the presence of bursitis.
Individuals with early-stage knee bursitis, known as prepatellar bursitis, may experience mild discomfort and inflammation in the knee joint that gets progressively worse as activity continues. It is not uncommon for the kneecap to occasionally feel warm or show swelling with continued use. As patellar bursitis worsens, warmth and discomfort that was initially episodic will become chronic in presentation. Symptomatic individuals may also experience tenderness or sharp pain when pressure is applied to the affected knee.
Treatment for patellar bursitis generally involves proactive steps by the individual to limit physical activity that can further strain or put pressure on the affected knee. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroid injections, may be used to reduce inflammation and improve joint function. If there is an infection, an antibiotic drug will usually be given to eliminate the bacterial presence that is causing the symptoms. Physical therapy may also be suggested for people whose mobility has been impaired. Severe presentations of patellar bursitis that do not respond to traditional treatment may require surgery to restore joint function.
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