Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment

Bursitis is a painful condition that can be caused by inflammation of bursae, which are microscopic, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the muscles, tendons, and bones adjacent to your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed.

The elbow, shoulder, and hip are where bursitis most commonly manifests itself. Bursitis, however, can also develop at the base of your big toe, by your knee, and by your heel. Around joints that are subjected to a lot of repetitive motion, bursitis usually develops.

The standard approach to treating an injured joint is to immobilize it and prevent further damage. Following appropriate treatment, bursitis often resolves in a few weeks, though flare-ups are frequent.

Causes Of Bursitis

Bursitis is most commonly caused by repetitive motions or postures that put pressure on the bursae around a joint. Take into consideration, for instance:

• Often kicking a ball around or reaching up above yourself
• Long-term kneeling required for tasks like installing carpet or cleaning floors can be supported by your elbows.
• Other reasons include inflammation arthritis (such rheumatoid arthritis), gout, infection, and trauma or injury to the affected area.

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Symptoms Of Bursitis

The affected joint in a bursitis patient may:

• Feel pain or stiffness
• Increases pain when you move or apply pressure on it.
• Look swollen and red.

Risk Factors Of Bursitis

A few factors can increase the likelihood of bursitis, even though it can affect anyone:

• Age: Bursitis becomes more common in older adults.
• Occupations: Repetitive motion or pressure on specific bursae in your employment or leisure activities raises your risk of bursitis. Installing carpet, installing tiles, landscaping, painting, and musical instrument playing are a few examples.
• Additional Medical Conditions: Bursitis is more common in patients with gout, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, among other systemic diseases and disorders. Being overweight may increase your risk of developing hip and knee bursitis.

Also Read: Rotator Cuff Injury: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Diagnosis Of Bursitis

A complete physical examination along with a patient's medical history help doctors identify bursitis. If testing is necessary, it might entail:

• Imaging tests: X-rays can help rule out bursitis as the cause of your symptoms, but they cannot completely rule it out. You could also require an MRI or ultrasound to diagnose your bursitis if a physical examination is insufficient.
• Lab Experiments: Your doctor may recommend blood tests or examine fluid from the inflammatory bursa to determine the cause of your joint inflammation and pain.

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Treatment Of Bursitis

Bursitis usually goes away on its own. Conservative measures such as rest, cold, and painkillers can help minimize discomfort. Should these precautionary measures not work, you could require:

• Medicines: If an infection is the cause of your bursa's inflammation, your doctor might recommend an antibiotic.
• Counseling: Physical therapy or exercises can strengthen the wounded area's muscles, reducing pain and preventing it from returning.
• Injections: A corticosteroid injection into the bursa can help relieve the pain and inflammation in your hips and shoulders. This medicine usually starts working right away, and in many cases, just one shot is necessary.
• Device as support: Using a walking cane or other makeshift support will help relieve some of the pressure on  the injured area.
• Surgery: At times, an inflammatory bursa needs to be surgically drained, but only rarely is surgical removal of the affected bursa necessary.

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Prevention Of Bursitis

While there is no known treatment for all types of bursitis, you can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups by changing the way you carry out particular tasks. Take into consideration, for instance:

• Supported with knee protectors: Use some form of padding if you kneel a lot either for work or play to reduce the strain on your knees.
• Lifting: Flex your knees as you lift. If you don't do this, you place further strain on your hip bursae.
• Moving large, heavy items: Carrying heavy objects puts stress on the bursae in your shoulders. 
• Making regular breaks: Repeated tasks should be interspersed with rest or other activities.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra strain on your joints.
• Working out: Stronger muscles may provide better protection for your injured joint.
• Intense exercise can be avoided by warming up and stretching beforehand to avoid joint damage.

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