Infrapatellar Bursitis Treatment Guidelines Handout

Diagnosing infrapatellar bursitis involves a clinical evaluation of symptoms such as localized knee pain, swelling, and tenderness near the patella tendon. A healthcare provider may assess the range of motion in the affected knee to rule out other conditions like pes anserine bursitis or arthritis. Imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, can help confirm the inflammation, and analysis of synovial fluid may be necessary to exclude infection in cases of suspected septic infrapatellar bursitis.

Both infrapatellar bursitis and prepatellar bursitis involve inflammation of a bursa in the knee, but they differ in location and causes. Infrapatellar bursitis affects the bursa located below the kneecap, near the patellar tendon and shin bone, often caused by repetitive kneeling or soft tissue injury. In contrast, prepatellar bursitis occurs in the bursa directly in front of the kneecap and is more commonly associated with direct trauma or pressure on the knee cap itself. Both conditions can cause knee pain, swelling, and restricted mobility, but the treatment may vary slightly based on the location of the inflamed bursa.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect soft tissues like the bursae in the knee joints. Inflammation caused by RA may increase the likelihood of developing knee bursitis, as the immune response targets these areas. Patients with RA often experience joint stiffness, swelling, and tenderness, which can exacerbate bursitis symptoms in the affected knee. Treating RA with disease-modifying medications can help reduce the risk of recurring knee injury.