Suprapatellar bursitis is a condition that affects the knee joint and can cause pain and swelling. It occurs when the fluid-filled sac, or bursa, located above the kneecap becomes inflamed. This can cause pain and swelling around the kneecap that may be mild or severe. Without treatment, this inflammation can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. . While anyone can develop this condition, it is most common in athletes who engage in sports such as running and jumping that require frequent knee bending. The good news is that there are several effective treatments available to help reduce symptoms and improve mobility. 

Symptoms: Pain, Swelling 

Suprapatellar Bursitis is a painful and disabling condition that can affect those who are active or have knee injuries. It occurs when the bursa sac, which is located above the kneecap (patella), becomes inflamed due to excessive use of the joint or an injury. The most common symptom of suprapatellar bursitis is pain and swelling in the area above the patella. In some cases, limited range of motion may also be present. 

These symptoms typically appear suddenly and worsen over time as inflammation increases. Pain will usually feel worse during activities such as climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling, or running; however it may remain even at rest and throughout sleep. Swelling will usually cause a visible bump directly above the patella which can often be tender to touch. 

Causes: Trauma, Overuse

Suprapatellar bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa located above the kneecap, or patella. It is a common cause of knee pain and swelling that can be either acute or chronic in nature. Acute suprapatellar bursitis typically results from a single traumatic event such as a fall, while chronic cases are often caused by repeated overuse activities. 

Traumatic causes include direct contact to the area such as a tackle during football or basketball, or falling onto the knees while skiing. Overuse injuries occur when repetitive activities put excessive stress on the knee joint, leading to inflammation and eventually pain in the area above the kneecap. Common examples of activities associated with overuse-related bursitis include running, cycling, weight lifting and squatting exercises. 

Diagnosis: X-Ray, MRI 

Diagnosing Suprapatellar Bursitis can be challenging for doctors and patients alike. This condition is one of the most common causes of localized knee pain and necessitates a precise diagnosis in order to receive proper treatment. X-Ray imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are two preferred methods used by physicians which allow them to obtain detailed views of the affected area so they can accurately diagnose Suprapatellar Bursitis. 

The bursa sac, located just above the kneecap, cushions the bones from friction caused through movement. When inflammation occurs in this area due to overuse or injury, it can cause extreme discomfort for sufferers that may even limit their range of motion. To identify if this is the root of your pain, a knee pain doctor may recommend an X-ray or MRI for further evaluation. 

Treatment: Rest, Medication

Suprapatellar bursitis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the knee joint. This painful condition affects many people, especially those who are active and engage in activities such as running or hiking. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available for relieving the symptoms of suprapatellar bursitis. Rest and medication are two common treatment options used to reduce knee pain caused by this condition.

For those experiencing knee pain in Hillsboro due to suprapatellar bursitis, rest is typically recommended as the first form of treatment. Taking time away from activities that aggravate the symptoms can help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. If you are experiencing pain in your knees due to suprapatellar bursitis, it is important to rest your knees as much as possible so they have time to heal. During this period of rest, try to avoid activities that involve bending or using too much force on the joint, such as running and high-impact sports. Along with rest, anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to further ease pain and encourage healing of the affected area. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are commonly used to reduce swelling and relieve pain associated with suprapatellar bursitis. Corticosteroid injections may also be recommended to help reduce inflammation in the affected area. Additionally, physical therapy can be used to strengthen muscles around the knee joint and improve range of motion. 

Prevention: Stretching, Strengthening 

Suprapatellar Bursitis is a condition that affects the knee joint, causing pain and discomfort in many individuals. This type of bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) located above the kneecap becomes inflamed. It can be caused by overuse or injury to the area and can result in severe knee pain and mobility issues. Fortunately, there are steps that individuals in Hillsboro can take to prevent this condition from occurring or worsening. 

Stretching and strengthening exercises are beneficial for improving overall knee health, as well as preventing suprapatellar bursitis from developing or becoming worse. Stretching exercises should be performed slowly with deep breaths, focusing on lengthening muscles around the affected area without causing discomfort. 

Conclusion 

Suprapatellar Bursitis is a knee condition that causes inflammation in the joint, leading to intense pain and swelling. This condition affects individuals of all ages and is common among athletes who participate in high intensity activities such as running or jumping. For residents of Hillsboro, Oregon, suffering from severe knee pain due to suprapatellar bursitis can be addressed through conservative treatment methods or surgery under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic surgeon. 

Conservative treatments such as rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy can be used to reduce knee pain caused by suprapatellar bursitis with varying success. In more severe cases where conservative treatments are unsuccessful, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended by an orthopedic surgeon for removal of the damaged tissue surrounding the joint.