Prepatellar bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae sac under the lower kneecap. The bursae sac is a small slippery sac that cushions tendons or ligaments that run over bones. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) states people who spend a lot of time on their knees often experience swelling in the front of the knee, which may be prepatellar bursitis. Treatment for this condition is conservative.
Benefits of Rest
A patient experiencing prepatellar bursitis should rest the affected knee, states the AAOS. Specifically, the patient should avoid activities that involve excessive bending or kneeling on the knee. A patient who must use his knees for work should consider using knee pads when he has to be on his knees. Rest and cushioning will allow inflammation and swelling to reduce in the affected bursae. A patient should continue resting and using protective knee pads until the pain and swelling associated with the bursitis improves.
Ice Effect on Symptoms
MayoClinic.com states a patient with bursitis should apply ice to the affected knee after activity, leaning on the knee or during a flareup of symptoms. Ice vasoconstricts, or shrinks, blood vessels in the knee, which can reduce swelling. Furthermore, ice numbs irritated nerves around the prepatellar bursae, which results in significant pain reduction. The patient should apply ice to the affected knee for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. The person should repeat this cycle as often as possible throughout the day.
NSAID Benefits
Doctors commonly prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling associated with prepatellar bursitis. NSAIDs reduce chemical signals related to pain and inflammation, which can reduce symptoms. Patients with heart, stomach, liver or kidney problems should consult a physician before taking an NSAID. Furthermore, a patient should seek immediate medical attention if she experiences bloody vomit, bloody stools, clay-colored stools, stomach pain or dark urine.
Corticosteroids in Severe Cases
In more severe cases of prepatellar bursitis, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection into the bursae, states MayoClinic.com. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that are effective in reducing inflammation. Thus, controlling inflammation results in better pain control. Risks of a corticosteroid injection into the prepatellar bursae include infection, excessive bleeding or soft tissue damage. A patient should thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of a corticosteroid injection with his physician before proceeding.
Surgery Benefits
If corticosteroids and oral medications are ineffective, a doctor may recommend surgery, states the AAOS. In this case, a surgeon will remove the affected bursa, which will cure symptoms of prepatellar bursitis. Furthermore, surgical removal of the bursae will prevent future episodes. A patient considering surgery should fully discuss the risks and benefits with her doctor.
