What should you know about patella bursitis?

A bursa reduces friction between skin, soft tissue and bone. Repeated kneeling, a direct blow, prolonged pressure or irritation can make the prepatellar bursa enlarge and become sore. Joint Swelling in this condition is often most obvious directly over the kneecap, while bending may remain possible. Infection can also inflame a bursa and needs different treatment, so warmth, redness, drainage or fever should not be ignored.

A clinician may examine the skin and swelling, test knee movement and consider fluid testing when infection, crystal disease or another cause is possible. The goal is to identify the source rather than treat every swollen knee in the same way.

Avoid kneeling and use padding or a raised surface when the task cannot be postponed. Rest from activities that press directly on the kneecap, while keeping comfortable knee movement. Anti-Inflammatory Medication may help some people if it is safe with their medical history. A Cortisone Injection may be considered for selected non-infectious cases. If the swelling is large, painful or diagnostically uncertain, Joint Aspiration can remove fluid for testing or symptom relief; it should be performed by a qualified clinician.

Arrange medical review if swelling persists, returns repeatedly or limits walking and bending. Seek prompt care for rapidly increasing redness, warmth, severe tenderness, fluid leakage, fever or feeling unwell, as these can indicate infection. Urgent assessment is appropriate if the knee becomes locked, the leg suddenly cannot bear weight, or swelling follows a significant injury.

Ask whether the swelling is in the bursa or the knee joint, whether fluid should be tested, and which activities need modification. Discuss safe medication choices and what changes should prompt an earlier review.