Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the joints. It occurs when fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which act as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles, become inflamed. There are more than bursae in the human body. They cushion and lubricate points between the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints.
When a person has bursitis, these bursae become inflamed, making movement or pressure on the area painful. Overuse, injury, or inflammation from gout or rheumatoid arthritis may cause bursitis. Tennis elbow is one type of bursitis.
In this article, we detail the parts of the body in which a person may experience bursitis, the symptoms of the condition, and how to treat it.
People may refer to specific forms of bursitis by other names. A person may be able to treat their bursitis at home with the help of over-the-counter OTC treatments and some self-care techniques. Although most cases of bursitis are treatable at home, a person with severe bursitis may require prescription medications.
The doctor may inject steroids into the affected area to relieve the symptoms. Steroids block a chemical in the body called prostaglandin, which causes inflammation.
However, doctors should prescribe steroids with care. These drugs may raise blood pressure and increase the risk of getting an infection if a person uses them for too long. For example, if you bang your funny bone on something hard, you may inflame the olecranon bursa , the flat disc that cushions the bony point of the elbow. Acute injury. A sudden fall or impact injury can inflame the bursa. This is a common cause of hip bursitis. Tears and ruptures of tendons and ligaments, which usually cause swelling, can also contribute.
Slight anatomical deviations or changes in posture can lead to bursitis; for example, if one leg is shorter than the other, the change in your gait may create a misalignment that leads to rubbing and irritation. Some bursae that are close to the surface of your skin for example, the elbow bursa can become infected through cuts or scrapes. Most people can fight off these infections; those with weakened immune systems are more at risk.
Stress from other health conditions. Bursitis can develop in response to other problems in the body that may be affecting the function of the joints. Bone spurs can also contribute to irritation. Sometimes, the placement of artificial implants and prosthetics — for example, in the hip, knee, or shoulder — can irritate or inflame the bursa.
Age over As with many orthopedic issues, getting older is a contributor. Also called prepatellar bursitis, this type of bursitis is common in people who are on their knees a lot, such as carpet layers and plumbers. Bursitis is also associated with other problems. These include arthritis, gout, tendonitis, diabetes, and thyroid disease. The following are the most common symptoms of bursitis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Chronic bursitis may involve repeated attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness.
These may lead to the deterioration of muscles and a limited range of motion in the affected joint. The symptoms of bursitis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, diagnostic tests for bursitis may include:. A diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make pictures of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film.
Magnetic resonance imaging MRI. An imaging test that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed pictures of organs and structures within the body. An imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to look at the internal organs and tissues. A procedure that involves using a thin needle to remove fluid from the swollen bursa to check for infection or gout as causes of bursitis.
Blood tests. Lab tests may be done to confirm or rule out other conditions. Aseptic bursitis. This inflammation results from local soft-tissue trauma or strain injury. The bursa is not infected. Any treatment offered by your physical therapist should be augmented by specific exercises to help your condition. You should be empowered to learn to self-manage your condition with an appropriate home exercise program, and your therapist should show you techniques to prevent future problems once your bursitis has been effectively eliminated.
Most problems with a bursa can be successfully treated with conservative measures. Bursitis and other related conditions typically last for four to six weeks.
If your condition lasts longer, you may need to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss more invasive treatments. For the most severe cases of bursitis and conditions affecting your bursa, surgery may be performed. During the surgery, called a bursectomy, the injured or inflamed bursa may be surgically excised from the area around your joint. This removal of the damaged and inflamed bursa helps to decrease pain and relieve compression of the bursa.
Keep in mind that a new bursa will grow back within a few weeks. This new bursa will not be inflamed or calcified. Working with a physical therapist and performing exercises to minimize stress on your bursa after surgery may be effective in preventing future problems with your bursa. Many of us take pain-free movement for granted, but when pain strikes and limits your ability to move properly, you should see your healthcare provider to determine the cause of your problem and to get back to normal.
If irritation of a bursa is the cause, there are several treatments that can quickly and effectively help you return to full mobility. Understanding how these small fluid-filled sacs function can help you be an informed healthcare consumer if a problem with a bursa arises. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Imaging of the bursae. J Clin Imaging Sci. Ultrasound evaluation of bursae: anatomy and pathological appearances.
Skeletal Radiol. In: StatPearls. Updated September 11, Migration of calcium deposits into subacromial-subdeltoid bursa and into humeral head as a rare complication of calcifying tendinitis: sonography and imaging.
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