Bursitis

Overview

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae. These sacs cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when these bursae become inflamed, often due to frequent repetitive motion. The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow, and hip, but it can also occur near the knee, heel, and the base of the big toe.

Types of Bursitis

Types of Bursitis are :

1. Subacromial Bursitis: This type affects the shoulder joint and is often due to activities that require overhead lifting.
2. Olecranon Bursitis: This type affects the elbow, often due to prolonged leaning on the elbow on a hard surface.
3. Trochanteric Bursitis: This type affects the hip and is common in runners or after a fall on the hip.
4. Prepatellar Bursitis: This type affects the knee, often due to kneeling for extended periods.
5. Retrocalcaneal Bursitis: This type affects the heel and is common in athletes, particularly runners.

Causes of Bursitis

Bursitis is typically caused by:

1. Repetitive Motion: Regularly making the same motion can overwork the bursae, leading to inflammation.
2. Prolonged Pressure: Leaning on your elbows for long periods or frequently kneeling can irritate the bursae, causing inflammation.
3. Injury or Trauma: A sudden impact or injury can cause immediate inflammation of the bursae.
4. Infection: In rare cases, the bursae can become infected, leading to inflammation.

Risk Factors of Bursitis

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing bursitis:

1. Age: Bursitis is more common as you age.
2. Occupation: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive motion or pressure on certain joints can increase your risk.
3. Medical Conditions: Certain systemic diseases and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes can increase your risk.

Symptoms of Bursitis

Preventions of Bursitis

Preventing bursitis mainly involves avoiding the causes:

1. Take Breaks: Regularly rest joints that are used repetitively.
2. Use Padding: Use knee pads or elbow pads when doing activities that put pressure on your joints.
3. Lift Properly: Use your legs when lifting heavy objects, not your back.

Diagnosis of Bursitis

Diagnosis of bursitis typically involves:

1. Physical Examination: Your doctor will examine the affected joint for signs of inflammation.
2. Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your activities and any history of joint problems.
3. Imaging Tests: An X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions.
4. Lab Tests: In some cases, a sample of the fluid in the bursa may be tested to rule out infection.

Treatment for Bursitis

Treatment for bursitis typically involves:

1. Rest and Immobilization: Resting the affected joint and avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms can help reduce inflammation.
2. Ice and Heat: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. Heat can help reduce stiffness.
3. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Physical Therapy: Specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint to reduce pain and prevent future episodes.
5. Surgery: In severe cases, the bursa may need to be surgically drained or removed.

When to seek medical attention ?

You should see a doctor if you experience severe joint pain, sudden inability to move a joint, excessive swelling, redness, bruising, or a rash in the affected area, or sharp or shooting pain, especially while exercising or exerting yourself.