Bursitis causes, symptoms & Risks

Small cushion-like fluid-filled sacs are called bursae. They cushion the tendons, bones, and muscles near the joints. Inflammation of these sacs is known as bursitis. It is a painful condition. Bursitis most commonly affects these joints – the shoulder, elbow, and hip. Bursitis occurs near the joints that perform frequent and repetitive motions. It can also occur in the knee and foot.

What are the symptoms of bursitis?

Affected joint may look red, and swollen with inflammation. You get hurt more when you try to move or press the affected joint. The other symptoms may include pain during movement, swelling, limited range of motion, warmth, redness, fever, and chills if you have an infection.

What are the causes of bursitis?

Bursitis causes: The main reason for this condition is excessive use of joints owing to a job or a hobby that puts excess stress on the joints. Bursae get irritated due to excess pressure or overuse of joints. When you have this condition, you will experience either sudden or gradual pain that builds up over a period of time.

Are you at risk of bursitis?

You may be at risk of developing bursitis if you are involved in an activity, profession, or sport that involves repetitive tasks – such as frequent and repetitive movement of the shoulder joint, elbow, or knee movements. Sportspersons, musicians, manual laborers, and dancers are at risk. Advancing age, an autoimmune disorder, thyroid disorders, gout, diabetes, and arthritis can also increase the risk of bursitis.

The activities that can lead to bursitis include painting, raking and gardening, carpentry, shoveling, scrubbing, poor postures, and sports like baseball, golf, and tennis.

How is bursitis diagnosed?

Your orthopedic doctor may ask a few questions pertaining to your condition and pain and also performs a physical examination. Bursitis is often diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Your doctor may order other tests if required. They include X-ray (helps in ruling out other causes of inflammation and pain);

If bursitis can not be diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination, an MRI may be used to diagnose it. Your doctor may also recommend a blood test or the analysis of the fluid from the affected site to determine the cause of your joint pain and inflammation.

What is the treatment for Bursitis?

Mild to moderate bursitis can usually get better on its own with some conservative approaches such as taking rest, pain relievers, and applying ice and cold compresses. If these measures don’t provide any relief your doctor may prescribe medication to treat infection and inflammation in your bursa. Certain exercises and physiotherapy help relieve stiffness in the affected joint and strengthen the muscles to ease pain and prevent a recurrence. For unbearable and persistent pain and inflammation, your doctor may give a corticosteroid injection. With this treatment approach, you will get quick relief from pain. In rare cases, inflammation of the bursa is surgically drained.