Bursitis is a
painful condition that affects the joints. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that
act as a cushion between bones, tendons, joints, and muscles. When these sacs
become inflamed it is called bursitis.
It is a relatively common condition, but many people treat it at
home and do not see a doctor, so it is hard to know how common it is.
There are over 150 bursae
in the human body. They cushion and lubricate points between the bones,
tendons, and muscles near the joints.
The bursae are
lined with synovial cells. Synovial cells produce a lubricant that reduces
friction between tissues. This cushioning and lubrication allows our joints to
move easily.
When a person
has bursitis, or inflammation of
the bursa, movement or pressure is painful.
Overuse,
injury, and sometimes an infection from gout or rheumatoid arthritis may cause bursitis. Tennis elbow is
one type of bursitis.
Types
![[hip pain]](https://cdn1.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/152/152120/hip-pain.jpg){kind=small}
Hips, knees, ankles and other joints
can be affected by bursitis.
Any bursa can
become affected, but bursitis is more likely in certain places. People with
bursitis will feel pain at the site of inflammation.
The areas where
bursitis most commonly occurs are the:
·
shoulders
·
elbows
·
ankles
·
knees
·
buttocks
·
hips
·
thighs
When bursitis
affects the knee, it is sometimes called "clergyman's knee," or
"housemaid's knee," and when it affects the elbow, it is "tennis
elbow."
Treatment
Treatment will
depend on the severity of the symptoms.
Self-treatment
Most cases of
bursitis cases can be treated at home, with the help of a pharmacist and some
self-care techniques.
Self-care normally
involves:
·
Protecting the affected area: Padding can protect the affected bursae from contact.
·
Rest: Not using the joints in
the affected area unless necessary. Bursitis responds well to rest.
·
Ice packs: Placing ice
packs wrapped in a towel on the affected area can help reduce pain and
inflammation. Alternatively, a small pack of frozen vegetables will do. The ice
should not be placed directly on the skin. Ice packs for injuries are available
for purchase online.
·
Raising the affected area: Less
blood will gather if it is elevated, and this may help reduce inflammation.
·
Painkillers: Ibuprofen is
effective as a painkiller and to reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen is available to
buy over-the-counter or online.
Medical
treatment
Medical
treatment may be needed for more severe symptoms.
Steroids
The doctor may
inject steroids into the affected area. Steroids block a body chemical called
prostaglandin. Prostaglandin causes inflammation. Steroids should be used with
care, as they may raise the patient's blood pressure if
used for too long, and increase the risk of getting an infection.
Antibiotics
If a fluid
test confirms a bacterial infection, the doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics.
These will be administered orally, for example as tablets, or intravenously, in
more severe cases.
Very rarely,
the bursa may have to be surgically drained.
Symptoms
A person with
bursitis can have one or more of the following symptoms:
·
Pain that increases with
movement or pressure
·
Tenderness, even without
movement
·
Swelling
·
Loss of movement
If the
bursitis is caused by an infection, it is called septic bursitis. A patient
with septic bursitis may have the following additional symptoms:
·
Fever
·
Redness in the affected area
·
The affected area feels hot
when touched
When to see a
doctor
Many people
treat bursitis at home, but if symptoms are more severe, they should seek
medical help.
More severe
symptoms include:
·
Joint pain that prevents all
movement
·
Pain lasting longer than 2
weeks
·
Sharp, shooting pains
·
Excessive swelling, bruising,
rash, or redness in the affected region
·
Fever
These may be
signs of septic bursitis, a potentially serious medical condition.
Source: Medical News Today
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