What Are the Treatments for Prepatellar Bursitis?

Prepatellar bursitis, also called housemaid's knee, is an inflammation of the bursa sack located between the patella (kneecap) and tendon that covers the knee. People with this condition often have pain when kneeling or moving their knee. There may also be swelling and limited mobility of the knee. Anyone with these symptoms will usually need to treat this condition before it gets worse. Treatments can include ice, anti-inflammatory drugs and even certain medical procedures.

Efects of Rest & Ice

• Anyone with prepatellar bursitis will need to refrain from kneeling or overusing their knee. This will prevent further aggravation of the bursitis and allow ice time to reduce inflammation and pain. Ice causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) which alleviates inflammation and pain by limiting blood flow to the area. Ice is most effective when it is compressed against the kneecap at 20-minute intervals. Elevating the knee above the heart can also help reduce inflammation from prepatellar bursitis.

Types of Medicines

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and pain from prepatellar bursitis. These medications inhibit Cox-2 enzymes from producing prostaglandins (chemicals), the body's natural inflammatory response to injuries or tissue damage. Because prepatellar bursitis can lead to infection in the bursa sack, antibiotics may be prescribed to relieve swelling and pain.

Types of Medical Procedures

• In some cases, a doctor may need to drain the bursa sack to get prepatellar bursitis under control. Needles are injected directly into the bursa sack for draining excess synovial fluid. If there is evidence of infection during the process, a small amount of cortisone may be used for controlling inflammation. Sometimes, this procedure needs to be repeated several times. Other times, a small incision is necessary for draining the excess fluid. If the condition has still not improved or the walls of the bursa sack have thickened, the bursa sack may need to be removed.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy session can also help a person recover from prepatellar bursitis. The process of Iontophoresis is sometimes used for prepatellar bursitis. This procedure uses electric currents to send anti-inflammatory medicines to the affected area. Ultrasound can also help control pain and inflammation. Once swelling is under control, stretching the legs and light resistance exercise (bicycling) can help stimulate blood (with its healing properties) to the bursa sack.

Time Frame

• There is no set time frame for getting over prepatellar bursitis. It can take several weeks or even months with non-surgical treatments. If a doctor performs an incision there will be a period of rest. If a person requires surgery, they may need crutches for several weeks. Generally, those who take a more proactive approach to their healing can expect to recover more quickly.