Bursitis

Bursitis Description

Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae, or small sacs of oil, in the body. Bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, like muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth and almost frictionless gliding surface. With hundreds of them throughout the body they provide this surface for all motion, making movement normally painless. When bursitis takes hold, however, movement that relies on the inflamed bursa become rough and painful. Movement of tendons and muscles over the inflamed bursa causes it to become more inflamed, perpetuating the problem.

Bursitis is commonly caused by repetition of movement or excessive pressure. Elbows and knees are the most commonly affected because they are rested upon more than many parts of the body with bursae and they also get the most repetitive use. Inflammation of bursae can also be caused by other inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Scoliosis can also be a cause.

The other main cause of bursitis is traumatic injury, which can cause swelling of the bursae. The swelling itself causes irritation because the sac will no longer fit in the small area between the two objects and so the bone begins to pressure it and bursitis ensues.

Symptoms can vary from an ache and stiffness in the local area of the joint, to a burning that surrounds the whole joint around the inflamed bursa. With this condition, the pain is usually worse during and after activity, and the bursa and surrounding joint area can become stiffer the following day.

Bursitis Signs & Symptoms

Ache or stiffness in the area of your knee, elbow, ankle, shoulder, toe or any other joint.

Pain worsens with movement of a body joint.

Any area that is weollen or warm to the touch.

Redness of the skin in affedted area.

Causes

Overuse, stress or trauma or sustained pressure to the affected area. Other forms of bursitis are caused by repetitive use of a particular area of the body.

Treatment

Treatment of bursitis is simple and includes resting and immobilizing the affected area, applying ice to reduce swelling and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. With simple self-care and home treatment, bursitis usually disappears within a week or two.

Sometimes, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the muscles in the area. Additionally, your doctor may inject a corticosteroid drug into the bursa to relieve inflammation. This treatment generally brings immediate relief and, in many cases, one injection is all you'll need.

If your bursitis is caused by an infection, you'll need to take antibiotics. Sometimes the bursa must be surgically drained, but only rarely is surgical removal of the affected bursa necessary.

Prevention of Bursitis

Stretch your muscles. Warm up or stretch before physical activity.

Strengthen your muscles. Strengthening can help protect your joints. Wait until the pain and inflammation are gone before starting to exercise a joint that has bursitis.

Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks. Alternate repetitive tasks with rest or other activities.

Cushion your joint. Use cushioned chairs, foam for kneeling or elbow pads. Avoid resting your elbows on hard surfaces. Avoid shoes that don't fit properly or that have worn-down heels.

Don't sit still for long periods. Get up and move about frequently.