Final answer:
Clergyman's knee is also known as prepatellar bursitis, which is the inflammation of the bursa located in front of the kneecap due to repetitive kneeling. Treatment options for bursitis include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics for infections, and fluid drainage for chronic conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition known as clergyman's knee refers to the inflammation of the bursa located in front of the kneecap (patella), which is medically known as prepatellar bursitis. This particular bursitis is often the result of repetitive kneeling, leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling of the bursa between the skin and patella bone. It's more commonly observed in individuals whose professions involve consistent kneeling without appropriate protective padding, like roofers or carpet installers.
Bursitis can develop due to various reasons such as muscle overuse, trauma, excessive or prolonged pressure on the skin, or underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout. When it comes to treating bursitis, different approaches include the use of anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or antibiotics if an infection is present. In chronic cases of bursitis, draining the excess fluid might be necessary, but surgery is rarely required.