What is Bursitis ?
This condition is characterized by inflammation of the bursae, in which small fluid filled sacs located throughout the body.
Bursae act as cushions between bones, tendons, muscles and skin, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement of these structures.
Bursa inflamation –
When a bursa becomes inflamed it will leads to bursitis.
The most common locations for bursitis include the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, although it can occur in other areas as well.
it is typically caused by repetitive motion or overuse of a joint, trauma, prolonged pressure on a bursa, or an underlying inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Bursitis Symptoms –
The symptoms may include pain, tenderness, swelling and limited range of motion in the affected joint.
The area around the affected bursa may also feel warm to the touch.
In some cases, the pain may worsen with movement or pressure on the affected area.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have bursitis or if your symptoms worsen or persist despite selfcare measures.
They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation.
Bursitis Diagnosis – When you visit a healthcare professional for suspected bursitis ,
they will typically begin by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical examination.
During the examination they may apply pressure to the affected area to assess pain and swelling.
In some cases imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out other conditions or to get a more detailed view of the affected area.
Types of Bursitis: it occur in various parts of the body and the specific names may indicate the affected location.
Some common types include:
- Shoulder (subacromial bursitis): Inflammation of the bursa located between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion (part of the shoulder blade).
- Elbow (olecranon bursitis): Inflammation of the bursa at the back of the elbow, causing a swollen, fluid-filled sac.
- Hip (trochanteric bursitis): Inflammation of the bursa located on the outside of the hip joint resulting in pain and tenderness in the hip area.
- Knee (prepatellar bursitis): Inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap, commonly known as housemaid’s knee or carpet layer’s knee.
Bursitis Treatment –
Treatment: The treatment of bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain and promoting healing.
It depends on the severity and location of bursitis
Treatment options may include:
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms and allowing the affected area to rest and heal.
- Ice packs: Applying ice packs to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
- Pain relief: Doctors may give nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Like ibuprofen or naproxen medications may help in reducing pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: In some cases a your Physiotherapist may recommend specific exercises and stretches to improve joint mobility, strength and flexibility.
- Corticosteroid injections: If conservative measures are not effective
- your Doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the affected bursa to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Aspiration: In certain situations where there is a large amount of fluid in the bursa
- The excess fluid may be drained through a procedure called aspiration.
Surgery is typically considered a last resort and is rarely necessary for treating this condition.
Recovery time for bursitis can vary depending on the severity and location of the condition. In most cases with appropriate treatment and self-care
symptoms of this condition can improve within a few weeks to a few months.
Remember, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition.