Infrapatellar bursitis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:57, 16 February 2025

An overview of infrapatellar bursitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment

Infrapatellar Bursitis

Infrapatellar bursitis, also known as clergyman's knee, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the infrapatellar bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located just below the kneecap (patella). This bursa acts as a cushion to reduce friction between the skin and the underlying patellar tendon.

Anatomy

The infrapatellar bursa is situated between the patellar tendon and the skin. It is one of several bursae around the knee joint, including the prepatellar bursa and the suprapatellar bursa. The infrapatellar bursa can be divided into two parts: the superficial infrapatellar bursa and the deep infrapatellar bursa.

Causes

Infrapatellar bursitis is often caused by repetitive kneeling or trauma to the knee. It is commonly seen in individuals whose occupations or activities involve frequent kneeling, such as carpet layers, gardeners, and athletes. Other causes may include direct trauma to the knee, infection, or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of infrapatellar bursitis include:

Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap
Swelling and warmth over the affected area
Limited range of motion in the knee
Difficulty kneeling or bending the knee

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of infrapatellar bursitis is typically based on clinical examination and patient history. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. Imaging studies such as X-ray or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for infrapatellar bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms. Common treatment options include:

Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms
Application of ice packs to reduce swelling
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
Aspiration of the bursa fluid in severe cases
Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

In cases where infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. Surgical intervention is rarely required but may be considered if conservative treatments fail.

Prevention

Preventive measures for infrapatellar bursitis include:

Using knee pads or cushions when kneeling
Taking regular breaks to avoid prolonged pressure on the knees
Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees

Related pages

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-'''Infrapatellar bursitis''' is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the infrapatellar bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located beneath the patella (kneecap). This condition is commonly associated with certain types of physical activities and occupations that involve frequent kneeling or crawling.
+{{Short description|An overview of infrapatellar bursitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment}}
-== Causes ==
+==Infrapatellar Bursitis==
+[[File:Prepatellar_bursa.png|thumb|right|Diagram showing the location of the prepatellar bursa, which is similar in location to the infrapatellar bursa.]]
+Infrapatellar bursitis, also known as clergyman's knee, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the infrapatellar bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located just below the kneecap (patella). This bursa acts as a cushion to reduce friction between the skin and the underlying patellar tendon.
-Infrapatellar bursitis is often caused by prolonged or excessive pressure on the knees, such as that experienced by carpet layers, roofers, or gardeners. It can also be caused by a direct blow to the knee, or as a secondary condition resulting from certain diseases such as [[rheumatoid arthritis]] or [[gout]].
+===Anatomy===
+The [[infrapatellar bursa]] is situated between the patellar tendon and the skin. It is one of several bursae around the knee joint, including the [[prepatellar bursa]] and the [[suprapatellar bursa]]. The infrapatellar bursa can be divided into two parts: the superficial infrapatellar bursa and the deep infrapatellar bursa.
-== Symptoms ==
+===Causes===
+Infrapatellar bursitis is often caused by repetitive kneeling or trauma to the knee. It is commonly seen in individuals whose occupations or activities involve frequent kneeling, such as carpet layers, gardeners, and athletes. Other causes may include direct trauma to the knee, infection, or inflammatory conditions such as [[rheumatoid arthritis]].
-The primary symptom of infrapatellar bursitis is pain in the front of the knee, which is often accompanied by swelling and tenderness. The pain may be worse when kneeling or bending the knee, and may also be present at rest.
+===Symptoms===
+The primary symptoms of infrapatellar bursitis include:
+* Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap
+* Swelling and warmth over the affected area
+* Limited range of motion in the knee
+* Difficulty kneeling or bending the knee
-== Diagnosis ==
+===Diagnosis===
+Diagnosis of infrapatellar bursitis is typically based on clinical examination and patient history. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. Imaging studies such as [[X-ray]] or [[MRI]] may be used to rule out other conditions.
-Diagnosis of infrapatellar bursitis typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Imaging tests such as an [[X-ray]] or [[MRI]] may also be used to rule out other conditions.
+===Treatment===
+Treatment for infrapatellar bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms. Common treatment options include:
+* Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms
+* Application of ice packs to reduce swelling
+* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
+* Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
+* Aspiration of the bursa fluid in severe cases
+* Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
-== Treatment ==
+In cases where infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. Surgical intervention is rarely required but may be considered if conservative treatments fail.
-Treatment for infrapatellar bursitis usually involves rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases, a corticosteroid injection may be used. Physical therapy exercises can also help to strengthen the knee and improve flexibility.
+==Prevention==
+Preventive measures for infrapatellar bursitis include:
-== Prevention ==
+* Using knee pads or cushions when kneeling
+* Taking regular breaks to avoid prolonged pressure on the knees
-Prevention of infrapatellar bursitis involves avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the knees, or using protective equipment such as knee pads when these activities cannot be avoided. Regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around the knee can also help to prevent this condition.
+* Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee
+* Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees
-== See also ==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Bursitis]]
-* [[Knee pain]]
+* [[Knee joint]]
-* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]]
+* [[Patellar tendonitis]]
-* [[Gout]]
+* [[Prepatellar bursitis]]
-[[Category:Medical conditions]]
+[[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]]
 [[Category:Inflammations]]
-[[Category:Rheumatology]]
-[[Category:Orthopedic problems]]
-{{stub}}