Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about housemaid’s knee and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
What is a Prepatellar Bursa?
The prepatellar bursa is a small fluid-filled sac located between the kneecap (patella) and the skin. It prevents friction between bone and soft tissues and protects the patella. There are four main bursae around the knee: suprapatellar, infrapatellar, pes anserine, and prepatellar. The prepatellar and olecranon (elbow) bursae are most frequently affected by bursitis.
What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, which are sacs that reduce friction and allow smooth movement around joints. The prepatellar bursa is especially prone to inflammation from pressure or trauma, leading to swelling and pain in front of the knee.
Categories of Prepatellar Bursitis
- Septic bursitis: Caused by infection, resulting in pain, swelling, and sometimes fever.
- Aseptic bursitis: Not caused by infection, but still results in pain and swelling.
- Acute prepatellar bursitis: Sudden onset from trauma or infection.
- Chronic prepatellar bursitis: Due to repeated overuse or pressure from frequent kneeling.
Risk Factors of Housemaid’s Knee
- Frequent kneeling: Most common cause, especially in certain occupations.
- Sudden injury or fall: Acute trauma can trigger inflammation.
- Repeated minor injuries: Prolonged kneeling or pressure on the kneecap.
- Infection: Cuts or bites can introduce bacteria, causing septic bursitis.
- Gout: Uric acid crystals can inflame the bursa.
- Other inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis increase risk.
Symptoms of Housemaid’s Knee
- Pain, especially when moving or bending the knee
- Swelling at the kneecap
- Redness and warmth over the knee
- Tenderness to touch
- Limited knee movement in severe cases
- Fever, chills, or achiness if infection is present
- Tightness and stiffness with knee flexion
Symptoms of a Baker’s cyst (pain in the back of the knee and calf) can be similar.
Diagnosis of Housemaid’s Knee
- Physical examination for warmth, redness, swelling, and tenderness
- Fluid aspiration and lab tests if infection is suspected
- Ultrasound scan (gold standard for bursal pathology)
- X-rays, MRI, or other imaging if needed
Treatment of Housemaid’s Knee
- Non-infectious bursitis: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) for pain and inflammation
- Infectious bursitis: Antibiotics, fluid aspiration, and protective knee padding; surgery if needed
- Corticosteroid injections: For persistent inflammation
- Aspiration: Draining excess fluid from the bursa
- Surgery: Removal of the bursa in refractory cases
Prolotherapy for Prepatellar Bursitis
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat Prepatellar Bursitis.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This stimulates the production of collagen cells, which are essential for repairing the damage and helping Prepatellar Bursitis.
As prolotherapy treats the root cause of Prepatellar Bursitis, it is considered a long-term solution, preventing symptoms from returning.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Housemaid’s Knee
- Rest: Avoid overuse and kneeling activities
- Ice: Apply ice packs for 20 minutes several times a day
- Stretching: Gentle stretching to relieve pressure on the bursa
- Physiotherapy: Exercises to support knee muscles and restore movement
- Assistive devices: Use a cane or walking aid to reduce pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the treatment for housemaid’s knee?
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and pain. Use ice, NSAIDs, compression, and elevation. Severe cases may require aspiration, steroid injections, or surgery.
How long does it take for housemaid’s knee to heal?
With proper treatment, pain and swelling usually resolve within 4–6 weeks. Avoid aggravating activities during recovery.
What does bursitis in your knee feel like?
Bursitis causes pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness at the knee. Movement may be limited, and symptoms can appear suddenly after sharp movement.
Is it OK to walk with knee bursitis?
Walking is generally safe if pain is tolerable. Avoid strenuous activity and use a cane if needed to reduce pressure.
Can squats cause knee bursitis?
Deep squats can increase pressure on the knee and may contribute to bursitis, especially if done with poor form or excessive weight.
Can I exercise with housemaid’s knee?
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises are recommended, but avoid activities that worsen pain. Consult a physiotherapist for a tailored program.
Case Study: Prolotherapy for Prepatellar Bursitis
Case: A 52-year-old gardener with chronic prepatellar bursitis unresponsive to NSAIDs and aspiration underwent three sessions of Prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic. The patient reported a 75% reduction in pain and swelling within two months, highlighting the potential of regenerative treatments for persistent prepatellar bursitis.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let Prepatellar Bursitis 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
Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH
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 Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating Prepatellar Bursitis, 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 Prepatellar Bursitis 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.
Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile: Oliver Eaton
References
- Tidy, D. C. (2020, June 28). Housemaid’s knee (prepatellar bursitis): Health. Patient.info
- Doctor, S. (2022, February 12). House maids knee: What can you do about it?
- Foundation, W. (2021, March 30). Prepatellar bursitis. Wikipedia
- Injections, U. G. (2022, January 21). Prepatella bursitis (known as Housemaid’s knee) what is it? Ultrasound Guided Injections.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.