What Is Bursitis?
Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs) of synovial fluid in the body.
When bursitis occurs, movement relying on the inflamed bursa becomes difficult and painful. Moreover, movement of tendons and muscles over the inflamed bursa aggravates its inflammation, perpetuating the problem.
The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip. It often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion.
Treatment typically involves resting the affected joint and protecting it from further trauma. In most cases, bursitis pain goes away within a few weeks with proper treatment, but recurrent flare-ups of bursitis are common.
The most common examples of this condition include:
- Prepatellar bursitis, “housemaid’s knee”
- Infrapatellar bursitis, “clergyman’s knee”
- Trochanteric bursitis, giving pain over lateral aspect of hip
- Olecranon bursitis, “student’s elbow”, characterised by pain and swelling in the elbow
- Subacromial bursitis, giving shoulder pain, is the most common form of bursitis.[8]
- Achilles bursitis
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis
- Ischial bursitis, “weaver’s bottom”
- Iliopsoas bursitis
- Anserine bursitis
Causes Of Bursitis:
The most common causes of bursitis are repetitive motions or positions that irritate the bursae around a joint.
Other causes include injury or trauma to the affected area, inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and infection.
Age also plays a role. As tendons age they are able to tolerate stress less, are less elastic, and are easier to tear.
Overuse or injury to the joint at work or play can also increase a person’s risk of bursitis. Examples of high-risk activities include gardening, raking, carpentry, shoveling, painting, scrubbing, tennis, golf, skiing, throwing, and pitching. Incorrect posture at work or home and poor stretching or conditioning before exercise can also lead to bursitis.
Symptoms Of Bursitis:
The most common symptom of bursitis is pain.
The pain may build up gradually or be sudden and severe, especially if calcium deposits are present. Severe loss of motion in the shoulder — called “adhesive capsulitis” or frozen shoulder — can also result from the immobility and pain associated with shoulder bursitis.
The affected joint may:
- Feel achy or stiff
- Hurt more when it is moved or pressed
- Look swollen and red
Diagnosis Of Bursitis:
Bursitis is diagnosed via:
- Imaging tests, to exclude other possible causes
- Lab tests, to pinpoint the cause of the joint inflammation and pain.
Treatment Of Bursitis:
Treatment options may include:
- Medication
Antibiotics - Therapy.
Physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the muscles in the affected area to ease pain and prevent recurrence. - Injections.
Corticosteroid drug into the bursa to relieve inflammation in the shoulder or hip. - Assistive device.
Temporary use of a walking cane or other device to help relieve pressure on the affected area. - Surgery.
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By : Natural Health News