7. Prepatellar Bursitis

Prepatellar bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa (small fluid-filled sac) in front of the kneecap (patella). It is also known as housemaid’s knee. It not only affects housemaids but also tradesmen such as roofers or carpet layers who repeatedly kneel. Prepatellar bursitis may be caused by sudden injury (fall or the direct blow to knee), recurrent minor injury to the knee (repetitive kneeling), infection, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. It can occur among individuals in any age group

Symptoms of prepatellar bursitis may include pain in the front of the knee, redness and swelling in the front of the knee, and difficulty bending the knee, walking, and kneeling. Fever may accompany prepatellar bursitis caused by infection. Most cases of prepatellar bursitis respond to conservative treatment with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, and elevation of the affected knee. The condition may be prevented or kept from recurring with the use of kneepads.