Prepatellar Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa; the bursa is small fluid-filled sac which is located near the joint of the knee. The bursa helps to reduce friction and lubricate the pressure points between the bones and the tendons, muscle, and skin near the joints.
Any of the bursa found in the knee can become inflamed; however, in the case of pre-patellar bursitis, it usually occurs over the patella or the inside of the knee underneath the joint. Prepatellar bursitis causes pain and can reduce the mobility of an individual.
In general, the bursa helps to reduce friction and provide the maximum range of motion around the joints. Bursitis is an inflammation within the bursa. This inflammation causes an increased production of synovial fluids and causes swelling of the bursa.
In the knee joints, there are four bursae and all of the four bursae are prone to bursitis, however, the most commonly affected is the prepatellar bursa. The infrapatellar and the deep patellar bursa can be inflamed but it occurs less frequently.
What are the Causes of Prepatellar Bursitis?
There are numerous possible causes of knee bursitis as well as some of the risk factors that some people are likely to develop. Below are some common causes of prepatellar bursitis:
1. Previous injury. Damages to prepatellar bursitis can occur as a result of trauma to the knee, this makes the knee to be filled with blood and it’s lining to become inflamed. Even if the body re-absorbs the blood, the lining of the bursa can remain inflamed resulting in the symptoms of knee bursitis.
2. Repeated and prolonged kneeling. Bursitis usually occurs as a result of "mini-traumas", which can cause the same problems as a single, more serious injury. The categories of people that are affected by knee bursitis include carpet installers and people who kneel a lot.
3. Another basic condition. Inflammation of the prepatellar bursa can occur as a result of another condition, for example, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout or pseudogout. In these cases, the treatment of knee bursitis should follow the treatment of the underlying disease.
4. Infection. Approximately 20% of individuals that have knee bursitis have septic bursitis, which means that the prepatellar bursa is infected. Septic bursitis occurs more frequently in summer months. Infection can get into the bursa through cut, puncture or even as a result of an insect bite. It is possible to have septic bursitis without obvious cuts or scrape; sometimes the cause of the infection is unknown.
5. Certain medical conditions and medications suppress the immune system and make it more susceptible to septic bursitis. For example, people with cancer, HIV / AIDS, lupus, alcoholism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes are more likely to suffer from septic bursitis.
What are the Symptoms of Prepatellar Bursitis?
Below are some common symptoms of prepatellar bursitis:
• Pain with activity, but not usually at night.
• Quick swelling on the front of the patella.
• Tenderness and warmth to the touch.
• Bursitis caused by infection may produce fluid and redness, as well as fever and chills.
Prepatellar Bursitis Treatment
Treatment for Prepatellar Bursitis 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
