Bursitis is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness around your joints. It usually affects the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. While most people will experience bursitis at some point in their lives, it’s often possible to treat the condition and prevent it from recurring.
What is Bursitis?
The large joints of the body are protected by a thin piece of tissue that acts as a shock absorber. This tissue is known as the Bursa. Joints naturally produce friction and the bursa helps to protect them from damage. Think of the bursa as a deflated balloon that sits next to the joint and provides some extra cushioning.
Bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed or irritated and the “balloon” fills up with fluid. This usually happens from a sudden injury or repetitive movements. Inflammatory conditions and infection can also cause bursitis.
Where does bursitis occur?
Bursitis can occur in many different locations. The most common areas are:
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Knee
- Hip
What Are the Types of Bursitis and their causes?
Bursitis can manifest in various forms, depending on the location and cause. The most common types include:
- Prepatellar Bursitis: Often seen in individuals who kneel frequently, leading to inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap.
- Olecranon Bursitis: This affects the elbow and is commonly associated with prolonged pressure or trauma.
- Trochanteric Bursitis: Affects the hip, typically due to overuse or injury, common in runners and cyclists.
- Subacromial Bursitis: Involves the shoulder, often resulting from repetitive overhead activities.
Each type is linked to specific activities or injuries, highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanics of our movements and the stress they place on our joints.
What Are the Symptoms of Bursitis?
The symptoms of bursitis can vary depending on the location but typically include:
- Pain: The most common symptom, which may build up gradually or appear suddenly, is often sharp and intense.
- Swelling: The affected area may swell due to inflammation.
- Tenderness: The area around the bursa becomes sensitive to touch.
- Stiffness: The joint may feel stiff, limiting the range of motion.
- Redness and Warmth: The skin over the affected bursa may become red and warm to the touch.
These symptoms can affect daily activities, making early recognition and treatment important. It’s also crucial to note that symptoms may resemble those of other conditions, necessitating professional medical evaluation.
How Do You Prevent Bursitis?
Preventing bursitis involves understanding the risk factors and implementing strategies to mitigate them:
Ergonomic Adjustments: Adjusting your workspace, posture, and equipment to reduce joint strain is crucial, especially in repetitive tasks.
Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise, particularly strength training, can help strengthen muscles and stabilize joints, reducing the risk of bursitis.
Proper Technique in Activities: Whether in sports or daily activities, using the correct technique is vital to avoid putting unnecessary stress on joints.
Taking Breaks: During repetitive tasks, take regular breaks to prevent joint overuse.
Protective Gear: Use pads or other protective gear when engaging in activities that put pressure on your joints.
Maintaining Healthy Weight: Extra weight can increase stress on your joints, particularly the hips, knees, and ankles, increasing the risk of bursitis.
Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing bursitis, especially for those in high-risk groups or professions.
How Is Bursitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing bursitis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests:
Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, activities, and any recent injuries to identify potential causes of bursitis.
Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the affected area for redness, warmth, tenderness, and swelling.
Imaging Tests: In some cases, an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may be necessary to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as arthritis or tendonitis.
Laboratory Tests: If infection is suspected, the doctor may aspirate fluid from the bursa for laboratory analysis.
These diagnostic steps are crucial in ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How Is Bursitis Treated?
Treatment options are specific to where the bursitis is located. It also depends on the severity. Targeting bursitis with medications may be helpful as temporary pain relievers. However, at Avid Sports Medicine we recommend a comprehensive approach to target the underlying issue with:
- Therapeutic exercises
- Manual therapy
- Lifestyle changes (ie. modifications in activities)
- Medications and injections (as needed)
What is the Fastest Way to Recover from Bursitis?
Rapid recovery from bursitis involves a combination of medical treatment and self-care strategies:
Rest and Ice: Minimizing activities that aggravate the condition and using ice packs can significantly reduce inflammation and pain.
Elevation: Elevating the affected area can help reduce swelling.
Medications: Taking prescribed medications as directed can help manage symptoms effectively.
Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy exercises can strengthen the muscles around the joint, providing better support and facilitating faster recovery.
Compliance with Treatment Plan: Following your doctor’s advice and sticking to the treatment plan is crucial for quick recovery.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Making necessary lifestyle changes, such as reducing repetitive stress on the affected joint, can aid in recovery.
A proactive approach to treatment and self-care is key to the fastest possible recovery from bursitis.
What Happens if Bursitis is Left Untreated?
If bursitis is left untreated, it can lead to several complications:
- Chronic Pain: Persistent inflammation can cause ongoing discomfort and pain.
- Reduced Mobility: The affected joint may become increasingly stiff and difficult to move.
- Infection: In some cases, the bursa can become infected, requiring more intensive treatment.
- Calcification: The bursa may become calcified, leading to permanent joint stiffness and pain.
- Muscle Atrophy: Prolonged inactivity due to pain can lead to muscle weakness and atrophy.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention for bursitis to prevent these long-term complications.
When to See a Doctor
It’s advisable to consult a doctor for bursitis if:
- Persistent Pain: If joint pain doesn’t improve with rest and home treatments.
- Severe Symptoms: Intense pain, excessive swelling, redness, or warmth around a joint.
- Difficulty Moving: Significant difficulty in moving the joint or performing daily activities.
- Symptoms Lasting More Than Two Weeks: If the symptoms persist despite home care.
- Signs of Infection: Fever, chills, or other signs of infection along with joint pain.
Early medical intervention can prevent the progression of bursitis and reduce the risk of complications.
What’s Next?
Schedule your free consultation to evaluate your individual circumstances. During this call you’ll speak directly with Dr. Jow, our sports medicine physician. While we can’t give out specific advice until you become a patient, we can discuss your issue and determine if Avid is the best fit for you. If an in-person visit is recommended, we will schedule it right away.