Prepatellar bursitis or carpenter’s knee or housewife’s knee is an inflammation of the prepatellar bursa, located in front of the knee. The knee may swell and feel tender to the touch.
A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac of fibrous tissue with a thin synovial lining. Bursae help in reducing friction and enabling maximum range of motion around joints. Inflammation within a bursa is known as bursitis. Synovial fluid production increases due to inflammation, resulting in swelling of the bursa.
There can be multiple reasons for someone getting a carpenter’s knee. So, today in this blog, we will discuss the causes and treatments of Prepatellar bursitis. Let’s begin!
The Major Causes of Prepatellar Bursitis
Prepatellar bursitis mostly occur due to:
- Acute trauma such as a fall or direct blow to the knee.
- A minor recurrent injury that develops after prolonged periods of kneeling forward and applying pressure to the patella. It is common for housemaids who spend a lot of time scrubbing floors while kneeling down. It is also more frequently observed in tradespeople, such as roofers, carpet installers, plumbers, coal miners, gardeners, and concrete finishers.
- Infection from a scratch, cut, or bite from an insect. The bacterial infection can spread to the prepatellar bursa sac resulting in the carpenter’s knee. Infectious bursitis is the name for this specific type of prepatellar bursitis. Despite being less common, it is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Having gout and/or rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is not much likely to occur.
Symptoms of Carpenter’s Knee
The majority of people with the carpenter’s knee report pain with activity. Depending on which bursa is impacted and what the underlying cause of the bursitis is, different symptoms may also exist. The majority of knee bursitis cases are brought on by irritation and friction. The symptoms of bursitis. In addition to pain, prepatellar bursitis sufferers may encounter:
- Swelling
- Warmth around the affected area
- Tenderness
You might also feel feverish if you have an infected bursa. Consult a doctor right away if you have a fever along with the knee pain or swelling.
Treatment Options for Prepatellar Bursitis
The treatment for prepatellar bursitis depends on whether the bursa is inflamed or infected. Prepatellar bursitis that only involves inflammation can usually be treated at home without the need for hospitalisation. Antibiotics are needed if an infection is causing prepatellar bursitis.
Treatment options for carpenter’s knee involving only an inflamed bursa include:
- Resting and reducing certain activities: Until your prepatellar bursitis improves, be sure to avoid or reduce activities and motions that make your symptoms worse.
- Ice: Regularly applying ice to your knee can help to lessen pain and swelling.
- Leg Elevation: When you’re at rest, try to elevate the leg whose knee is injured.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Medicines that reduce inflammation and pain include ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Corticosteroid Injection: If rest and other anti-inflammatory medications aren’t working, your healthcare provider may give you a corticosteroid injection to help with the inflammation.
Infection-related prepatellar bursitis treatment may include the following:
Antibiotics: These are required to treat bacterial infections. You may be prescribed pills or an IV by your healthcare provider.
Surgery: It may be necessary to drain your prepatellar bursa surgically if antibiotics aren’t working.
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