About Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation or swelling of the bursa, which are small sacs filled with fluid that act as cushions between bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles near joints. When a bursa becomes enlarged or inflamed, any movement that applies direct pressure to it can cause pain. Bursitis can occur in various areas of the body, including the shoulder, elbow, hips, buttocks, knees, and calf.
Common symptoms of bursitis include inflammation, swelling, tenderness, pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. It can be caused by repetitive motions or extended pressure on a joint. Bursitis can often be treated at home and typically resolves within a few weeks.
If you suspect you have bursitis or are experiencing persistent symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Bursitis is primarily caused by inflammation of the bursa, which are small sacs filled with fluid that act as cushions between bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles near joints. The causes of bursitis include:
- Injury: Physical trauma or overuse of the joints, tendons, or muscles near the bursa can irritate the tissue inside the bursa and lead to inflammation.
- Infection: Infections can spread from surrounding tissues and invade a bursa, causing inflammation.
- Preexisting conditions: Certain conditions like gout, tendonitis, arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disease can increase the risk of developing bursitis.
The non-modifiable risk factors for bursitis are factors that cannot be altered and include:
- Age: The risk of developing bursitis increases as a person grows older.
- Genetic predispositions: Certain genetic factors and family history of bursitis or related conditions may increase the risk.
The modifiable risk factors for bursitis are largely related to individual habits and lifestyle. These include:
- Repetitive movements: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive movements can increase the risk of bursitis.
- Lack of warm-up: Not properly warming up before exercising or performing repetitive activities can contribute to bursitis.
- Infections: Having an infection in or near the joint can increase the risk.
- Excess weight: Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, increasing the likelihood of developing bursitis.
It's important to note that while these modifiable risk factors can be addressed to reduce the risk of developing bursitis, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
The most common symptoms of bursitis include:
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling or a lump in the area
- Stiffness or difficulty moving the joint
- Warmth or redness around the affected area
- Aching or throbbing, especially when pressure is applied
- Increased inflammation and swelling
- Persistent pain, even at rest
- Muscle weakness around the affected area
- Difficulty performing daily activities that involve the joint
It's important to note that symptoms can vary depending on the cause and extent of inflammation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
To diagnose bursitis, doctors commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Physical examination: Doctors will assess the affected area, checking for tenderness, swelling, and warmth.
- Medical history: They will ask about symptoms, risk factors, hobbies, and profession to understand potential causes.
- Imaging tests: X-rays can rule out bone damage or arthritis as causes of shoulder pain. MRI scans can show inflammation in the bursa or damage to surrounding tissue.
- Fluid testing (aspiration): Fluid from the bursa may be tested to rule out infection.
Additional examinations, tests, and procedures to determine the stage or severity of bursitis may include:
- Ultrasonography: This imaging technique can confirm bursitis or tendinitis.
- Laboratory tests: These may be ordered to rule out infections or evaluate conditions like cellulitis.
- Consultation with a rheumatologist: For long-lasting conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, a specialist may be recommended for further evaluation and treatment.
It's important to consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
The goals of treatment for bursitis are to reduce pain and improve functionality. Here are the recommended treatments and how they work to achieve these goals.
Medications:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help manage pain and reduce swelling.
- Oral glucocorticoids may be used in some patients with contraindication or sensitivities to NSAIDS.
Therapies:
- Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the affected joint and improve flexibility.
- Occupational therapy can help with activities of daily living that may aggravate the condition.
Therapeutic procedures:
- Injections of corticosteroids or other medications into the bursae can reduce inflammation.
- Draining the bursa with a hollow needle may be done in cases where home measures do not work.
Health behavior changes:
- Modifying activities that worsen symptoms, such as avoiding repetitive movements in the affected joint.
- Resting the affected area and applying ice to reduce swelling and pain.
- Using supportive shoes or orthotics to reduce pressure on the joint.
Other treatments:
- Surgery is rarely recommended but may be necessary in severe cases or if other treatments are not effective.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication or treatment. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your healthcare professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur.
Check with your healthcare professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.