A bursa is a bag that is closed and filled with fluid, its surface is smooth to help reduce friction between the tissues of the body.
Bursitis is the condition when the bursa becomes inflamed.
4 bursa in the knee
Prepatellar bursa (located above the patella).
Suprapatellar bursa (located above the knee, between the femur and the quadriceps tendon)
Infrapatellar bursa (located just below the kneecap and below the tendon that attaches the thigh muscle to the kneecap)
Anserine bursa
Causes
Kneeling often
Plumbers, roofers, carpet setters, charcoal miners and gardeners are at higher risk of developing this disease.
Receiving a direct hit to the front of the knee
Football, wrestling, or basketball are at greater risk for the disease.
People with rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Infectious bursitis.
If there is an injury to the knee, such as a bug bite, scratch, or puncture wound, bacteria can get inside the bursa and cause infection.
Infectious bursitis is less common, but more serious and needs to be treated more urgently.
Symptoms
Pain with activity, but usually not at night
Rapid swelling in the front of the kneecap
Tenderness and warmth to the touch
Bursitis caused by infection can produce fluid and redness, as well as fever and chills
Prevention
Use knee pads or supports for any sports, work, or household chores that strain your knees.
Rest your knees every now and then. Stretch them to keep them flexible. Don’t overdo it. If one type of exercise hurts you, try something else. Put a cold compress on the painful joint after activity.
Sit down, don’t crouch. Use a stool in the garden.
Stay at a healthy weight. Extra pounds put extra strain on the knees.
