Prepatellar Bursitis Therapy & Treatment Coventry, Warwickshire

What is Prepatellar Bursitis or (knee Bursitis)?

Prepatellar Bursitis, also known as housemaid's knee, is a very common cause of swelling and pain on top of the kneecap. This condition is usually associated with carpet fitters because of the extended periods of time spent on their knees.

Bursa - what is it?

A Bursa is a thin sac of connective tissue filled with the body's own natural lubricating fluid. This lubricating sac allows various tissues such as muscle, tendon, and skin slide over the bone surfaces without catching. The Bursas are very thin but they do present a potential site that can become inflamed and irritated. This condition is called Bursitis.

If inflammation of Bursa is associated with a break in the skin and trauma, the Bursa can become infected, this is called infected Bursitis.

The Symptoms of Prepatellar Bursitis or knee Bursitis includes:

• Swelling over the kneecap
• restricted motion and knee pain
• Knee Pain with movement of the knee

The swelling of the knee is caused by swelling of the Bursa, not the knee joint itself. This swelling on the knee joint is commonly called “water on the knee”, but it is important to differentiate fluid accumulation within the Bursa versus fluid accumulation within the knee joint. These are two different conditions.

Symptoms of Prepatellar Bursitis are usually aggravated by kneeling.

What is the treatment of Prepatellar Bursitis (Knee Bursitis)?

Treatment of Prepatellar Bursitis begins with rest and avoidance of activity that aggravates the condition. In some individuals, drainage or excision of the Bursa may be called for. In cases of infection, antibiotics are also prescribed.

Bursa drainage can be performed by using a needle and a syringe. The fluid can then be analyzed to detect possible infection. If the fluid continues to accumulate, excising, or removing the Bursa, can be considered. This procedure is performed as an outpatient at the doctor’s surgery or local hospital. Laser therapy has proven to be extremely affective in management of prepatellar bursitis (please see cold laser therapy page)

Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee).

What is jumper's knee?

Jumper's knee, also known as Patellar Tendonitis, is a condition caused by inflammation of the Patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone (Tibia). The condition is caused by overuse of the knee joint, for example, by frequent jumping onto a hard surface.

What are the symptoms of jumper's knee?

The symptoms of jumper's knee may vary significantly among individuals. The symptoms may include:

• Tenderness and pain around the Patellar tendon
• Swelling
• Pain with jumping, running, or walking or any leg movement.
• Bending or straightening the leg will be painful.
• Tenderness behind the kneecap

Jumper's knee diagnosed?

The diagnosis of jumper’s knee is usually based on a complete medical history and physical examination.
Sometimes the x-rays are performed.

Treatment for jumper's knee:

The treatment of choice for jumper's knee is an avoidance of any activity that may cause or aggravating the condition until the injury is healed. Other treatment modalities may include:

• ?Anti-inflammatory medications
• Rest
• Ice pack application.
• Cold laser therapy is very successful and effective in reduction of swelling and promotion of healing (See Cold laser therapy sections under conditions treated).
• Stretching and strengthening exercises

What are the common knee problems?

Many knee problems are can result from continual wear and tear and continued stress on the knee joint; other knee problems result from an injury or a sudden jolt or movement that strains the knee.

Common knee problems include the following:
Sprained or strained knee ligaments
Sprained or strained muscles
A sprained or strained knee ligament or muscle is usually caused by a violent blow to the knee, or a sudden twist of the knee. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty in using the leg while walking.
Torn cartilage
Trauma to the knee may tear the Menisci (the pads of connective tissue that act as shock absorbers and aid in joint stability). Cartilage tears will often occur with sprains. The wearing of a brace during an activity may protect the knee from further injury (See also Cold Laser Therapy section under Conditions Treated).
Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons can result from overuse of a tendon during sporting activities such as running and general athletics. Tendonitis of the Patellar tendon is called Jumper’s knee.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is generally the most common type of arthritis that affects the knee. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process where the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away, Osteoarthritis may be caused by excessive stress on the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the knees by causing the joint to become inflamed and by destroying the knee cartilage.

Knee bursitis

Carpet fitters and other people who spend a lot of time on their knees often experience swelling in the front of the knee. The constant friction irritates the lubricating sac (Bursa) located just in front of the kneecap (Patella). The Bursa enables the kneecap to move smoothly under the skin. If the Bursa becomes inflamed, it fills with fluid and causes swelling at the top of the knee. This condition is known as kneecap (Prepatellar) Bursitis.

Symptoms

• Pain with leg activity,
• Swelling on the front of kneecap
• Tender and warm to the touch

Treatment

First recommendation is an X-ray to rule out the possibility of a fracture. Non surgical treatment is very effective as long as the Bursa is simply inflamed and not infected. Discontinue from activity which aggravates the condition until the Bursitis clears up, and rest the knee.

• Apply ice regularly, 8 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. This should reduce swelling considerably if the knee is also rested.
• Elevate the affected leg as much as possible.
• Take an anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

(See also Cold Laser Therapy Section under conditions treated).

Goosefoot (Pes Anserine) Bursitis of the Knee

Pain and tenderness on the inside of the knee, approximately 2 to 3 inches below the joint, are symptoms of Pes Anserine Bursitis of the knee. The Pes Anserine Bursa is a lubricating sac located between the shinbone (tibia) and three tendons of the hamstrings muscle at the inside of the knee. Because the three tendons flare out on the front of the shinbone and look like the foot of a goose, Pes Anserine Bursitis is also known as Goosefoot Bursitis.

Risk factors

Bursitis, an inflammation of a Bursa, develops as the result of overuse or constant friction on the bursa. Pes Anserine Bursitis is common in athletes, especially runners. Several factors can contribute to the development of Pes Anserine Bursitis, including:

• Poor training techniques, neglecting to stretch before starting exercising or running longer distances.
• Tight hamstring muscles.
• An out-turning of the knee or lower leg.
• Osteoarthritis in the knee.
• Medial meniscus tear.

The symptoms of Pes Anserine Bursitis include:

• Slow developing pain on the inside of the knee in the center of the shinbone, approximately 2 to 3 inches below the knee joint.
• Increased pain with exercise.
• Symptoms may appear to be those of a stress fracture, so an X-ray is usually required.

Treatment

• Discontinue all vigorous activity until the Bursitis clears up.
• Injection - Your doctor may inject a solution of anesthetic and steroid into the bursa, which often provides prompt pain relief.
• Anti-inflammatory medication - nonsteroids may ease the pain and reduce inflammation.
• Ice application at regular intervals throughout the day, 8 times daily, for about 15 minutes each time.
• Cold Laser Therapy should be used if you require an Effective and fast Treatment.

(See our Cold Laser section under conditions treated).

At Central Chiropractic we aim to be available when you need help most.

When possible we will prioritise emergencies. For more information, please call us today to arrange an appointment.

Maria Kibkalo DC.MSc (Chiro) CCEP & Associates BCA & GCC registered.

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All physiotherapists chartered and registered with the health professionals council.

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