

Housemaid's Knee

Housemaids knee

Housemaids Knee also known as  prepatellar bursitis or knee bursitis is a swelling of the bursa or small sack of fluid at the front of the knee.

Symptoms of pre-patella bursitis

Symptoms of Housemaids knee include pain and tenderness at the front of the kneecap and just below it. The kneecap or patella may be swollen and warm to the touch. Kneeling may be painful, hence the term housemaids knee. An abscess or lump may be visible over the patella. If the injury becomes chronic then there may be a tender lump floating underneath the skin on the kneecap.

Causes of Housemaids knee

Acute prepatellar bursitis can be caused by a direct blow or fall on the knee. This ruptures blood vessels which bleed into the bursa causing swelling and triggering an inflammation reaction in the walls of the bursa. Subsequently, the walls may then thicken, causing tenderness that may remain even after the swelling has reduced.

Acute knee bursitis can also be triggered by an infection as a result of a surface injury, such as a skin wound over the kneecap. In this case, bacteria may spread into the fluid within the pre-patellar bursa causing infection.

Chronic bursitis is a longer term problem which may recur over a period of time. Repeated damage to the knee for example from kneeling or work that involves alot of pressure on the kneecap thickens the walls of the bursa causing irritation.

Knee bursitis treatment

Acute Pre-patellar bursitis

Padded knee supportAcute pre-patella bursitis should be treated as soon as possible with rest and application of ice or cold therapy. Ice can be applied for 10 minutes every couple of hours for the first 24 to 48 hours, especially if it is painful. Avoid kneeling down or applying any pressure to the knee.

A doctor may prescribe NSAID's or anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen.  Always check with a doctor before taking medication.

Chronic pre-patellar bursitis

If an acute bursitis does not respond to treatment or has been present for a number of days or weeks then as with an acute case avoid any aggravating movements such as kneeling. Wear knee pads or padded knee supports to protect the knee.

If the swelling persists then a medical professional may aspirate some of the fluid within the bursa. This involves sucking the fluid out with a needle and syringe. In cases where the bursa has become infected then anti-biotics may be prescribed.  In more serious cases the bursa may be completely removed by surgical procedures.