Housemaids Knee

Housemaid's Knee. The bursa interposed between the patella or knee-cap and the skin is often affected by inflammation and chronic enlargement, particularly in those whose occupation compels them to frequently adopt the kneeling posture. Hence the term housemaid's knee is commonly applied to the condition of enlargement of this bursa, just as similar enlargement of the bursa over the elbow is known as miner's elbow. The treatment of housemaid's knee consists in the application of counter-irritants, such as iodine, with accompanying pressure; in some instances it may be necessary to puncture the swelling or even to dissect out the thickened wall of the bursa.