Pre-Patellar Bursitis

Pre-patellar bursitis is a condition where the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac in front of the kneecap, gets swollen and irritated (Figure 1). This happens when there’s too much pressure on the kneecap from activities like kneeling for long periods, repeated falls, or direct injuries to the knee. The bursitis causes swelling and often pain at the front of the knee, just above the kneecap, and sometimes the area feels warm or looks red. People who spend a lot of time kneeling, like plumbers, carpenters, or gardeners, are more likely to get it, but it can also affect athletes or anyone who injures their knee.

Diagnosing Pre-Patellar Bursitis

Pre-patellar bursitis is diagnosed by a doctor by looking at the knee and asking about your symptoms and activities. If the front of your knee is swollen, tender, and possibly red or warm, the doctor may suspect bursitis. They might gently press on the area to check for pain and swelling. If the swelling is large or if there’s a chance of infection, the doctor might take a small sample of the fluid from the bursa using a needle to test it. In some cases, an X-ray or other imaging test is done to make sure the problem isn’t caused by a broken bone or other knee issues.

Treatment of Pre-Patellar Bursitis

Pre-patellar bursitis is usually treated by resting the knee and avoiding activities like kneeling that make the swelling worse. Applying ice to the area can help reduce swelling and pain, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medicines, like ibuprofen, can help with inflammation. If the swelling is caused by an infection, a doctor might give you antibiotics. In some cases, the doctor might drain the fluid from the swollen bursa using a needle. If the bursitis doesn’t get better with these treatments, physical therapy or even surgery might be needed, but that’s rare. Most people recover by taking care of the knee and letting it heal.

Edited by Amari Eubanks and Stephen Pinney MD August 18th 2025