A definitive diagnosis can usually be made once a clinical history and physical examination have been obtained, though determining whether or not the inflammation is septic is not as straightforward.

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, with mild cases possibly only requiring rest and localized icing.

608  Unlike arthritis, except in severe cases prepatellar bursitis generally does not affect the range of motion of the knee, though it may cause some discomfort in complete flexion of the joint.[6]: p.

360  Flexion and extension of the knee may be accompanied by crepitus, the audible grating of bones, ligaments, or particles within the excess synovial fluid.[7]: p.

22  Other possible causes include gout, sarcoidosis, CREST syndrome,[6]: p. 359  diabetes mellitus, alcohol use disorder, uremia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.[7]: p.

[12] There are several types of inflammation that can cause knee pain, including sprains, bursitis, and injuries to the meniscus.

610  Protective knee pads can also help prevent prepatellar bursitis for those whose professions require frequent kneeling and for athletes who play contact sports, such as American football, basketball, and wrestling.

[13] Non-septic prepatellar bursitis can be treated with rest, the application of ice to the affected area, and anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly ibuprofen.

360  McAfee and Smith recommend a course of oral antibiotics, usually oxacillin sodium or cephradine, and assert that surgery and drainage are unnecessary.[5]: p.

357 The various nicknames associated with prepatellar bursitis arise from the fact that it commonly occurs among those individuals whose professions require frequent kneeling, such as carpenters, carpet layers, gardeners, housemaids, mechanics, miners, plumbers, and roofers.[2][4][5]: p.