Housemaid's Knee is generally known as the most common form of knee bursitis. It occurs as a result of the prepatellar bursa. The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that is present throughout the body. The task performed by the bursa is to prevent friction between bone and soft tissue (muscles, tendons, skin, and ligaments). At the time when there is a lot of stress on the bursa, they become filled with fluid which is referred to as bursitis.
The prepatellar bursa is located in front of the knee, between the kneecap and the overlying skin. When the prepatellar bursa becomes irritated as a result of friction or pressure, it creates additional fluid to protect the knee joint and the swelling which arise from this is known as the Housemaid’s Knee. Housemaids Knee has been found to be prevalent among individuals that spend more than enough time on their knees.
What are the Causes of Housemaid's Knee?
Below are some of those things that can cause housemaid's knee:
1. A sudden, one-off, injury to the knee. This could be, for example, a fall or a direct knock on the knee.
2. Repetitive minor injury to the knee. This usually occurs after spending long periods of time on the knees, exerting pressure on the patella. Historically, this is common to housemaids that spent a lot of time on their knees cleaning the floor, therefore the name housemaid’s knee.
3. Infection. The fluid which is found in the prepatellar bursa can be infected and lead to inflammation in the bursa known as bursitis. This is most prevalent among kids that have housemaid’s knee. It usually follows a cut, scratch or skin injury on the surface of the knee. This injury allows the germs (bacteria) to spread the infection into the bursa.
4. Another inflammatory disease. In the event that you already have an inflammatory disease, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, your chance of developing bursitis is high. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation, pain, and swelling of the joints.
5. Gout. If you suffer from gout or pseudogout, you have an increased risk of developing bursitis. Gout occurs from the accumulation of uric acid crystals. Uric acid is a chemical which is present in the blood and it is usually harmless and it is removed from the body by urine. In gout, the accumulation of uric acid in the joint leads to pain, inflammation, and swelling of the joints.
What are the Symptoms of Housemaid's Knee?
The most common symptoms of housemaid's knee are pain and swelling in the affected knee. There can be the appearance of redness of the skin over the knee and also the patella can be tender. It can also be difficult to bend the knee and beyond this, kneeling and walking can also be difficult. You can have higher temperature in the event that housemaid's knee is caused by infection.
Housemaid's Knee Treatment
Treatment for Housemaid's Knee requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your knee. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your knee to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
