Bursitis is a painful inflammation of a bursa, which are small sacs located at joints that cushion tendons, muscles, and bones. Normally, bursae allow for smooth fluid movement, but when overused, they can become inflamed and fill with fluid. This irritation can make the bursa gritty and rough, creating painful friction in the joint. Bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive stress or sudden injury and presents with swelling, redness, and deep, aching pain. The most frequently affected joints include the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee.

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Risk Factors for Bursitis

Bursitis often occurs due to overuse of a joint, either from work or play. As individuals age, the risk of developing bursitis increases because the tendons become less elastic and more prone to tearing. People who engage in activities or occupations that put repetitive pressure on certain joints are more likely to develop bursitis. These activities include:

  • Planting or raking
  • Shoveling
  • Painting houses
  • Carpentry
  • Scrubbing floors
  • Laying tiles
  • Playing golf or tennis
  • Pitching baseballs

Other risk factors for bursitis include:

  • Medical conditions that cause inflammation, such as arthritis
  • Anatomical abnormalities that put unusual stress on a joint
  • Certain infections
  • Obesity
  • Incorrect posture
  • Inadequate stretching before exercise
  • Reactions to certain medications

Treatment of Bursitis

In most cases, bursitis responds well to simple treatments, though the inflammation may take anywhere from a week to several weeks to subside. The first step is to see a doctor to rule out more serious injuries. Common treatment recommendations include:

  • Resting the injured area
  • Avoiding activities that worsen the discomfort
  • Applying ice to reduce swelling
  • Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
  • In some cases, stronger medications or corticosteroid injections are prescribed to reduce inflammation
  • Physical therapy is often recommended to increase range of motion as the area heals

Surgery is rarely necessary to treat bursitis. However, the bursae around the elbow and knee are more superficial compared to other joints and are therefore more prone not only to inflammation, like “housemaid’s knee,” but also to puncture wounds that could lead to infection.

Septic Bursitis

Infection of a bursa, known as septic bursitis, requires prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent further complications.

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