In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about Clergyman’s Knee (infrapatellar bursitis) and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called prolotherapy.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Clergyman’s Knee
- Causes of Clergyman’s Knee
- Recognizing Symptoms
- Diagnosing Clergyman’s Knee
- Treatment Options for Clergyman’s Knee
- Preventing Clergyman’s Knee
- How Long Does Recovery Take?
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact ProHealth Clinic
- Author Bio
- References
Understanding Clergyman’s Knee
Clergyman’s knee, or infrapatellar bursitis, is inflammation of the infrapatellar bursa beneath the kneecap. This small fluid-filled sac cushions the area between the tibia and patellar tendon, reducing friction during movement. The bursa has two parts: the deep infrapatellar bursa (between tibia and tendon) and the superficial bursa (just under the skin). Inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and limited knee function. Learn more about creaky knees and their causes.
Causes of Clergyman’s Knee
Clergyman’s knee is often caused by frequent kneeling (e.g., carpet layers, gardeners, plumbers), direct trauma to the knee, or underlying conditions like arthritis and gout. Repetitive pressure or injury irritates the bursa, leading to inflammation and swelling. Understanding these causes helps at-risk individuals take preventive steps.
Recognizing Symptoms
Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, tenderness, and reduced flexibility. The area may appear red, warm, and puffy. Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort, especially during activities like kneeling, climbing stairs, or after prolonged bending. Untreated, swelling and pain can worsen, so early diagnosis is important.
Diagnosing Clergyman’s Knee
Diagnosis involves a review of symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam. A healthcare provider will look for swelling, warmth, and tenderness around the knee. Imaging (X-rays, MRI) may be used to rule out other causes and confirm bursitis.
Differential Diagnosis
It’s important to distinguish clergyman’s knee from other knee conditions like patellar tendonitis, prepatellar bursitis, and pes anserine bursitis. Superficial infrapatellar bursitis shows swelling from fluid buildup, while deep bursitis may show a triangular fluid collection behind the tendon on MRI. Redness, warmth, or edema may indicate septic bursitis, which requires urgent care.
Treatment Options for Clergyman’s Knee
The main goal is to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Treatment may include rest, medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. The approach depends on the severity and individual health needs.
Home Remedies
Resting the knee, using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), and gentle stretching can help reduce pain and swelling. Ice packs decrease inflammation, while compression and elevation help control swelling. These measures are often the first step before medical intervention.
Medical Interventions
If home care isn’t enough, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation. In rare cases, surgical removal of the bursa (bursectomy) may be needed. Physical therapy helps strengthen the knee and prevent recurrence. Combining medical treatment with lifestyle changes and home care offers the best results.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat Clergyman’s Knee.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with Clergyman’s Knee.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of Clergyman’s Knee, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Preventing Clergyman’s Knee
Use knee pads or braces when kneeling, maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen the muscles around the knee. Take breaks from kneeling and avoid prolonged pressure on the knees. These steps can help reduce the risk of developing infrapatellar bursitis.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most people see improvement within a few weeks with proper care. Severe cases may take longer, especially if not treated early. Following your treatment plan and making lifestyle changes are key to full recovery and preventing recurrence.
Summary
Clergyman’s knee (infrapatellar bursitis) can cause significant pain and limit daily activities. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventive measures are essential for recovery and long-term knee health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clergyman’s knee?
It’s inflammation of the bursa below the patellar tendon, often from frequent kneeling, causing pain and swelling.
What causes clergyman’s knee?
Frequent kneeling, direct trauma, arthritis, and gout are common causes.
What are the symptoms?
Pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited knee movement.
How is it diagnosed?
Through symptom review, physical exam, and imaging (X-ray, MRI) to rule out other conditions.
What are the treatment options?
RICE, medication, steroid injections, physical therapy, and in rare cases, surgery.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let Clergyman’s Knee control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
Get in Touch
- Phone: +44 1234 380345
- Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
Our Clinic Locations
- London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
- Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
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All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating Clergyman’s Knee, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with Clergyman’s Knee and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
Connect with Oliver Eaton on LinkedIn
References
- Smith TO, et al. Infrapatellar bursitis: a review of diagnosis and management. Knee. 2012;19(6):728-733. View Study
- Rabago D, Slattengren A, Zgierska A. Prolotherapy in Primary Care Practice. Prim Care. 2010;37(1):65-80. View Study
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Bursitis: assessment and management. View Guideline
- Hegedus EJ, et al. Physical therapy management of bursitis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2015;45(11):887-892. View Study