Pre Patellar Bursitis

What is Prepatellar Bursitis?

Prepatellar bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) located in front of the kneecap (patella). This bursa reduces friction between the skin and the knee.

When inflamed, it leads to visible swelling and pain at the front of the knee, often called “housemaid’s knee.”

Patients often describe: 👉 “Swelling in front of my knee” 👉 “Pain when kneeling” 👉 “Knee feels tender to touch”

If you are looking for knee pain physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides expert treatment for conditions like prepatellar bursitis.

Causes

Prepatellar bursitis typically develops due to irritation or injury to the bursa.

Common causes include:

• Direct fall or blow to the knee
• Repeated kneeling (cleaning, gardening, work-related)
• Prolonged pressure on the knee
• Overuse or repetitive stress

This is why many patients say: 👉 “Knee swelling after kneeling a lot” 👉 “Pain after hitting my knee”

Symptoms (What patients actually feel)

Prepatellar bursitis usually presents with:

• Swelling at the front of the kneecap
• Pain when kneeling
• Tenderness when touching the knee
• Stiffness in the knee

Other symptoms may include:

• Reduced range of movement
• Weakness around the knee
• Balance difficulties
• Changes in walking (gait problems)

Patients commonly say: 👉 “Cannot kneel without pain” 👉 “Front of knee feels swollen and tight”

What Should I Do?

• Start physiotherapy early
• Follow RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
• Avoid kneeling activities
• Protect the knee from further pressure
• Seek professional assessment

Early management helps reduce swelling and speed up recovery.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

• Avoid kneeling or putting pressure on the knee
• Do not apply heat in the first 48 hours
• Avoid massage in early stages
• Avoid alcohol and excessive activity
• Do not ignore swelling

These can worsen inflammation and delay healing.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Prepatellar Bursitis

At ACE Physio Sports, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and restoring knee function.

1. Detailed Assessment

• Identify cause (trauma vs overuse)
• Assess knee movement and strength
• Rule out ligament or tendon injury

2. Pain & Swelling Management

• Ice therapy
• Compression techniques
• Electrotherapy (TENS, ultrasound)

3. Mobility Restoration

• Gentle range of motion exercises
• Prevent stiffness
• Restore normal knee movement

4. Strengthening Programme

• Strengthen quadriceps and surrounding muscles
• Improve knee stability

5. Activity Modification

• Avoid kneeling or pressure
• Gradual return to normal activities

6. Supportive Techniques

• Taping to reduce pressure on the bursa
• Protective padding advice

7. Advanced Management (if required)

• Referral for fluid drainage (aspiration)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections

8. Hydrotherapy & Functional Rehab

• Low-impact exercises
• Restore movement without stress

Explore our knee rehabilitation services at https://acephysiosport.com.

Recovery & Long-Term Effects

• Mild cases: 2–4 weeks
• Moderate cases: 4–6 weeks
• Chronic cases: longer recovery

With physiotherapy:

✔ Swelling reduces ✔ Pain improves ✔ Knee function returns ✔ Recurrence risk reduces

Without treatment:

❌ Chronic swelling ❌ Persistent pain ❌ Reduced knee function ❌ Recurrent flare-ups

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

✔ Expertise in knee injury and inflammation conditions ✔ Personalised rehabilitation programmes ✔ Focus on long-term prevention ✔ Evidence-based physiotherapy ✔ Conveniently located near East Coast Road, Singapore

If you are searching for knee swelling treatment in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides expert care to help you recover quickly and safely.

Book Appointment

Get relief from knee pain and swelling today.

👉 Book now: https://acephysiosport.com 📞 Call / WhatsApp: +65 81535374