summary
Bursitis (bur-sy-tis) is a painful condition that affects the small fluid-filled sacs, called bursae (bur-see), that protect bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed.
The most common locations for bursitis are the shoulder, elbow, and hip. but you can also have bursitis in the knee, heel, and base of the big toe. bursitis often occurs near joints that engage in frequent repetitive motion.
Treatment usually consists of resting the affected joint and protecting it from further trauma. In most cases, bursitis pain goes away within a few weeks with proper treatment, but recurrent bursitis flare-ups are common.
symptoms
If you have bursitis, the affected joint may:
- feeling sore or stiff
- hurts more when moved or pressed
- look puffy and red
- disabling joint pain
- sudden inability to move a joint
- excessive swelling, redness, bruising, or rash in the affected area
- sharp or stabbing pain, especially when you exercise or exert yourself
- fever
- throwing a baseball or lifting something over head repeatedly
- lean on elbows for prolonged periods
- lots of time on your knees for tasks like laying rugs or scrubbing floors
- age. bursitis becomes more common with age.
- occupations or hobbies. If your job or hobby requires repetitive motion or pressure on particular bursae, your risk of developing bursitis increases. examples include laying rugs, laying tiles, gardening, painting, and playing a musical instrument.
- Other medical conditions. Certain diseases and systemic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes, increase the risk of developing bursitis. Being overweight can increase your risk of developing hip and knee bursitis.
- use kneeling pads. use some type of pad to reduce pressure on your knees if your job or hobby requires a lot of kneeling.
- Proper lifting. Bend your knees when lifting. not doing so puts extra pressure on the hip pockets.
- carrying heavy loads. carrying heavy loads puts pressure on the bursae in the shoulders. use a dolly or cart with wheels instead.
- take frequent breaks. alternate repetitive tasks with rest or other activities.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts more pressure on your joints.
- exercise. strengthening muscles can help protect the affected joint.
- Warm up and stretch before strenuous activity to protect joints from injury.
when to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if you have:
causes
The most common causes of bursitis are repetitive movements or positions that put pressure on the bursae around a joint. examples include:
Other causes include injury or trauma to the affected area, inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and infection.
risk factors
Anyone can develop bursitis, but certain factors can increase your risk:
prevention
While not all types of bursitis can be prevented, you can reduce the risk and severity of flare-ups by changing the way you perform certain tasks. examples include:
