Get the Facts on Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the bursa. The bursa are small, fluid-filled sacs that help to cushion the bones, tendons and muscles located near your joints.  Everyone has hundreds of bursa found all throughout the body.  They are found where there is movement of a joint causing two tissues to rub against each other, and these movements should be smooth.

If you are experiencing achy or painful joints, read on to see if it may be bursitis.

What is Bursitis?

If one of the bursa becomes irritated or swollen, it’s called bursitis.  If the bursa loses its gliding capabilities, it can become irritated when moved.   The once slippery bursa become swollen causing more friction in an area with already limited space.  This movement can be very irritating and painful.

What Causes Bursitis? 

Common causes of bursitis may include:

• Overuse or injury of a joint
• Older age—the occurrence of bursitis becomes more common with aging
• Strenuous activity generally found among the following types of people: manual workers, athletes and sedentary people.
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. They can make you susceptible to developing swelling and inflammation within the bursa.
• Infection

The Symptoms

If you think you have bursitis, the joint that is affected may:

• Feel achy or stiff
• Hurt even more when you press on it or move it
• Appear red and swollen

When is it time to see a doctor?

It may be time to consult a doctor if you have the following:

• Pain that lasts for more than one week
• Joint pain that is disabling
• A sharp or shooting pain
• Fever
• Swelling, bruising, redness or a rash in the affected area

Treatment

Treatment of bursitis generally involves rest, ice and taking anti-inflammatory medication.  If conservative measures don’t work, treatment may include:

• Physical therapy or exercises to ease pain, prevent recurrence and to strengthen the muscles
• Injections to relieve the inflammation of the affected area

Got bursitis pain?  Let Fusion Rehabilitation help you live pain-free.  Schedule your appointment now.