About this topic
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac. It acts as a cushion between your bone and tendon. A tendon is a thick band that attaches your muscle to the bone. Bursae help the tendons glide and let your joints move easier. In between the front of your kneecap (patella) and the skin, there is a bursa called the prepatellar bursa. This bursa can get swollen and hurt. This is called prepatellar bursitis. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Kneeling for long periods of time
- Blow to the knee
- Falling on the knee
- Infection
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
What are the main signs?
- Pain at the front of the kneecap that happens with pressure or movement
- Trouble bending the knee
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Achiness
- Warmth
- Redness
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel the parts of your knee joint to find where the problem is. Your doctor may order: ‚
- Blood tests
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- Fluid removal to check for infection
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Padding the knee to keep pressure off the bursa
- Keeping the knee raised
- Braces or supports to keep your knee in a good position
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Removing fluid from the bursa
- Surgery is not often needed
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Use cushions or knee pads for things you do on your knees like gardening and scrubbing floors. If you have a job where you are on your knees a lot, like a carpet layer, roofer, or plumber, use knee pads.
- Protect your knees if you play contact sports like football and wrestling.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00338 ‚
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bursitis/default.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚