What is prepatellar bursitis? Prepatellar bursitis is an irritation or inflammation of a bursa in the knee. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between tendons, bones, and skin. There are several bursae in the knee. The prepatellar bursa is located just in front of the kneecap near the attachment of the kneecap (patellar) tendon. Prepatellar bursitis is also called "housemaid's knee" from when maids were injured cleaning floors on their knees. The injury is common in wrestlers, who get it from their knees rubbing on the mats. Volleyball players get it from diving onto their knees for the ball.

How does it occur? Bursitis can result from overuse, a direct blow to the area or chronic friction, such as from frequent kneeling.

What are the symptoms? Prepatellar bursitis causes pain and swelling over the front of the knee. Pain is felt during knee motions.

How is it treated? As in any injury, the immediate treatment is to minimize and limit the amount of inflammation by R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and anti-inflammatory drugs. Depending on the severity of the injury, hot & cold treatments, Ultrasound and electrotherapy are proven methods to speed recovery. The later stages will involve physical therapy to strengthen, restore full range of motion and elasticity of the damaged tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. In severe cases, injection of a corticosteroid medicine into the swollen bursa is needed.

How long will the effects last? The pain from prepatellar bursitis is usually gone within a few weeks although there may be painless swelling for up to several months.

When can one return to normal activities? One may safely return to activities when the injured knee can be fully straightened and bent without pain, the knee and leg have regained normal strength compared to the uninjured knee and leg and when the knee bursa is not swollen or tender to touch. 

How can one prevent prepatellar bursitis? Prepatellar bursitis is best prevented by avoiding direct blows to the kneecap area and by avoiding prolonged kneeling. Proper protective kneepads will help prevent inflammation of the bursa.