Bursitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of bursitis?

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. The symptoms of bursitis can vary depending on the affected joint, but common symptoms include:

1. Pain: The most common symptom of bursitis is pain, which is often described as a dull ache or stiffness. The pain may worsen with movement or pressure on the affected area.
2. Swelling: Bursitis can cause swelling around the affected joint, which may be tender to the touch.
3. Redness: The skin over the affected area may appear red or feel warm to the touch.
4. Limited range of motion: Bursitis can restrict movement in the affected joint, making it difficult to fully extend or flex the joint.
5. Stiffness: Bursitis can cause stiffness in the affected joint, especially after periods of rest or inactivity.
6. Pain with specific movements: Certain movements or activities may worsen the pain associated with bursitis. For example, lifting objects overhead may exacerbate shoulder bursitis.
7. Pain at rest: In some cases, bursitis can cause pain even at rest, especially if the affected joint is in a position that puts pressure on the bursa.
8. Grinding sensation: In cases of chronic bursitis, a grinding sensation or sound (crepitus) may be felt or heard when the joint is moved.

Bursitis most commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee, but it can occur in any joint that has a bursa. The symptoms of bursitis can vary in severity and may come and go over time. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or limited range of motion in a joint, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of bursitis?

Bursitis is often caused by repetitive movements or positions that put pressure on the bursae around joints. Some common causes and risk factors for developing bursitis include:

1. Repetitive movements: Activities or occupations that involve repetitive movements or positions can irritate the bursae and lead to bursitis. Examples include gardening, painting, or playing a musical instrument.
2. Joint overuse: Overuse of a joint, such as from prolonged kneeling or leaning on elbows, can increase the risk of bursitis.
3. Injury: Trauma or injury to a joint can cause bursitis. This can include falls, bumps, or direct blows to the joint.
4. Incorrect posture: Poor posture or biomechanics can put extra stress on joints and bursae, leading to bursitis over time.
5. Age: As people age, the bursae can become less elastic and more prone to inflammation, increasing the risk of bursitis.
6. Inflammatory conditions: Certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, can increase the risk of developing bursitis.
7. Infection: In rare cases, bursitis can be caused by an infection of the bursa, which can occur after a cut or puncture wound near a joint.
8. Other medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or kidney failure can increase the risk of developing bursitis.

It’s important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of bursitis, they do not guarantee that a person will develop the condition. Managing these risk factors, such as by using proper body mechanics and avoiding overuse of joints, can help reduce the risk of developing bursitis.

What is the treatment for bursitis?

The treatment for bursitis typically focuses on relieving pain and inflammation, reducing swelling, and preventing further irritation to the affected area. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Rest: Resting the affected joint and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms can help reduce irritation to the bursa and promote healing.
2. Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger pain medications or corticosteroids to help manage symptoms.
4. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improve range of motion, and reduce stiffness.
5. Immobilization: In some cases, using a brace or splint to immobilize the affected joint can help reduce irritation and promote healing.
6. Steroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the affected bursa can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, these injections are typically used sparingly due to the risk of side effects.
7. Aspiration: In cases where bursitis is accompanied by significant swelling, your healthcare provider may use a needle to drain excess fluid from the bursa to relieve pressure and reduce pain.
8. Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected bursa (bursectomy) if conservative treatments are not effective.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and to avoid activities that worsen your symptoms. In most cases, bursitis can be effectively treated with conservative measures, but it may take several weeks or months for symptoms to fully resolve.

Will bursitis go away on its own?

In some cases, bursitis may resolve on its own with rest and conservative treatment. However, the time it takes for bursitis to go away can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause.

Minor cases of bursitis caused by overuse or minor injury may improve within a few weeks with rest, ice therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications. However, more severe cases of bursitis or cases caused by underlying inflammatory conditions may require more aggressive treatment and take longer to resolve.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and to avoid activities that worsen your symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen despite conservative treatment, it’s important to seek further evaluation and treatment from a healthcare provider.