What is bursitis?
Bursitis is a condition that occurs when a bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions joints and tendons, becomes inflamed. Bursae are located around joints throughout the body, including the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and heels. When a bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area.
Causes of bursitis
Bursitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Injury: Bursitis can sometimes be caused by a direct injury to the bursa, such as a fall or a blow to the joint.
- Overuse: Bursitis can also be caused by repetitive overuse of a joint, such as from playing sports or doing certain activities at work.
- Infection: In rare cases, bursitis can be caused by an infection.
Symptoms of bursitis
The most common symptom of bursitis is pain in the affected area. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it may worsen with movement or pressure. Other symptoms of bursitis may include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Tenderness
- Decreased range of motion in the affected joint
Treatment for bursitis
The treatment for bursitis depends on the severity of the condition. In most cases, bursitis can be treated with activity modification or reduction, muscle mobilization and stretches. If it is severe, over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication may be needed. Some common treatments for bursitis include:
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation, and it can also help to improve range of motion and strength.
- Injections: In some cases, your doctor may inject the bursa with a corticosteroid medication to reduce the inflammation.
- Surgery: Surgery is rarely necessary to treat bursitis, but it may be an option if other treatments have not been effective.
Preventing bursitis
There are a few things you can do to help prevent bursitis, such as:
- Warming up before exercising and cooling down afterwards.
- Addressing the problem early and seeking treatment before it becomes chronic.
- Using proper technique when exercising or doing activities that could put stress on joints.
- Wearing supportive footwear.
- Listening to your body and resting or reducing the aggravating activity when you are feeling pain.
If you think you may have bursitis, it is important to see your doctor or physiotherapist for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to speed up the healing process and prevent further complications.
