The common, chronic knee ailment called housemaid’s knee is also known as chondromalacia patella or prepatellar bursitis. The ailment itself is an inflammation of the bursa overlying the patella, which can be extremely painful. Housemaid's knee is so named because the condition was once believed to be caused by leaning too much on the knee, a major occupational hazard of housemaids. The knee condition doesn't just afflict housemaids however, as anyone whose work may necessitate kneeling for long periods of time, such as carpet layers and gardeners can be affected.

Although Housemaid's knee is attributed to a particular activity, namely frequent kneeling; it can come on quite suddenly with very little trauma to the knee.

What are the symptoms of Housemaid’s knee?

Symptoms of prepatellar bursitis, or Housemaid's knee can include a limited range of motion in the knee joint caused by the swelling within the bursa (just over the kneecap), which can cause a limited range of motion of the joint. There can also be a vague feeling of tightness of fullness, which is quite possibly a byproduct of the swelling. In some cases, an abscess may develop. Symptoms of prepatellar bursitis are usually relieved when sitting still and aggravated by kneeling. If left untreated, the associated loss of quadriceps (thigh) muscle strength may cause the leg to "give out." Some treatments involve rest, cold and heat therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But if the condition persists, surgery may be recommended.

What are the Causes of Housemaid’s knee?

A direct blow or a fall on the knee can cause Housemaid's knee, as this ruptures blood vessels causing swelling in the bursa. Inflammation in the knee soon follows. Prepatellar bursitis can also be triggered by an infection from a surface injury, such as a skin wound over the kneecap. The infection can then be introduced, spreading into the fluid and contributing to painful swelling and inflammation. Others may develop housemaid knee due to a genetic predisposition for the condition.

Housemaid's knee may considered to be chronic if it recurs over a certain period of time. The knee can be further aggravated from consistent repeated damage, which can make the kneecap walls thickens irritating the bursa causing irritation. This can be mitigated via the use of kneepads.

Will Painwave X4000 Help with housemaid's knee?

Most definitely! A brand new, non-invasive and drug free tool in the fight to eliminate pain, the PainWave X4000 is ideal for the treatment of housemaid's knee. Unlike creams, ointments, pills or patches, the Painwave X4000 works in concert with the body’s own bioelectromagnetic ecosystem to speed healing and lessen discomfort from ailments like Prepatellar bursitis. Painwave X4000 has no side effects, and is easy to use Simply move the unit gently over the surface of the skin in a small circular motion and pain will be gone almost instantaneously. In a short period of time, the Painwave X4000 will stimulate circulation, cell activity and lymphatic movements. If you have housemaid's knee, this will be extremely beneficial for relief of pain and other discomforts.

Note: The information provided in this article should not be used to diagnose or cure any disease. Individuals suffering form the above symptoms should seek out professional advice. If your concerns are pressing they should be brought to the attention of your own medical and health practitioners immediately.