Infra-patellar Bursitis
A bursa is a small sac of fluid who's function is to lubricate the movement between tendons and bone. They can become inflammed causing pain. We look at symptoms and treatment.
Symptoms of Infra-patellar Bursitis
- Pain at the front of the knee.
- Swelling in the area of the bursa.
- Pain may be similar to that of jumper's knee or patellar tendonitis (or tendinopathy as it is more accurately called).
What is Infra-patellar Bursitis
A bursa is a small sac of fluid who's function is to lubricate the movement between tendons and bone. Infrapatellar bursitis or clergyman's knee as it may sometimes be known as is inflammation of the infrapatellar bursa. The deep bursa lies between the patellar ligament and the upper front surface of the tibia or shin bone.
The superficial bursa is situated between the patellar ligament or patellar tendon and the skin. Infrapatellar bursitis can be caused by friction between the skin and the bursa and may sometimes happen in conjunction with Jumper's knee.
Treatment of Infra-patellar Bursitis
- Rest and avoid putting direct pressure on the knee such as when kneeling.
- Apply cold therapy and compression to reduce the pain and swelling.
- A doctor may prescribe anti inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen (don't take if you have asthma).
- If conservative treatment fails then aspiration (sucking out) of fluid from the bursa and the injection of corticosteroids into the bursa may be used.
- Surgery to remove the bursa may be undertaken as a last resort.
