Understanding Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Bursitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion your joints. These sacs are located all over your body and help reduce friction between your bones, muscles, tendons, and skin. When a bursa becomes inflamed or irritated, it can lead to painful swelling and stiffness in the affected joint.

Causes and Risk Factors of Bursitis

Bursitis is most commonly caused by repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on a joint. Some high-risk activities include gardening, carpentry, painting, and playing sports like tennis or golf. Sitting or standing in the wrong position for extended periods can also lead to bursitis. As you age, your tendons become less elastic and more prone to injury, increasing your risk of developing bursitis.

Other risk factors include:

Joint problems like arthritis or gout
Injuries or sudden impacts to a joint
Infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
Reactions to medications
Stress or inflammation from other health conditions

Types of Bursitis

Bursitis can occur in any joint, but it is most common in the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, and foot. The type of bursitis is usually named after the affected joint, such as shoulder bursitis or knee bursitis. Bursitis can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly, or chronic, developing slowly over time. In rare cases, bursitis can be caused by an infection, known as septic bursitis.

Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis causes painful swelling in the shoulder that worsens with movement. It can be caused by an injury, bump, or natural variations in shoulder bone structure. Severe cases may lead to frozen shoulder, a condition that limits shoulder mobility.

Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis, also known as "student's elbow," causes swelling, redness, and pain at the pointy part of the elbow. It is often caused by leaning on the elbows for extended periods, as seen in certain professions like plumbing or jobs that require crawling into tight spaces. Injuries or bumps to the elbow can also cause bursitis.

Knee Bursitis

Knee bursitis can occur in various parts of the knee, such as near the kneecap or on the inside of the knee. It is often caused by prolonged pressure on the knee joints, as seen in runners or people who kneel on the ground for work. Knee bursitis can also be caused by sudden injuries or falls.

Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis can occur in the bony part of the hip near the waist or on the inside of the hip. It is often characterized by pain in the hip, outer thigh, crotch, or groin. Risk factors include back or hip problems, hip replacement surgery, and leg length discrepancies. Certain exercises and occupations that involve heavy lifting or prolonged standing can also contribute to hip bursitis.

Foot Bursitis

Foot bursitis can occur in any of the 33 joints in the foot, often causing swelling, stiffness, and pain that worsens with walking, running, or standing on tiptoes. Ill-fitting or high-heeled shoes can contribute to foot bursitis, as can athletic activities like dancing or running.

Symptoms of Bursitis

The most common symptom of bursitis is pain in the affected joint, which may be sudden and severe or develop gradually over time. Other symptoms may include:

Stiffness
Swelling
Redness
Limited range of motion

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Fever over 102°F (38.89°C)
Swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area
General illness or pain in multiple areas
Difficulty moving the joint
Pain lasting longer than two weeks

Preventing Bursitis

While bursitis cannot always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Use cushions or pads when resting a joint on a hard surface
Vary your activities and warm up before exercising
Start new exercises slowly and gradually increase intensity
Take frequent breaks when performing repetitive motions
Maintain good posture throughout the day
Use orthotic shoe inserts to correct leg length discrepancies
Maintain a healthy body weight
Stop activities that cause pain and consult your doctor

Diagnosing Bursitis

To diagnose bursitis, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to check for joint swelling. They may also order imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to rule out other conditions and visualize the affected joint. In some cases, your doctor may use a needle to take a small sample of fluid from the bursa to test for infection.

Treating Bursitis

Bursitis often improves on its own with rest and home remedies. Your doctor may recommend:

Resting the affected joint and avoiding activities that worsen pain
Applying ice or heat to reduce swelling and pain
Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium
Using assistive devices like canes, crutches, or braces to support the joint
Performing physical therapy exercises to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion
Receiving steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
Taking antibiotics if the bursitis is caused by an infection
Undergoing surgery in rare cases when other treatments are ineffective

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Bursitis Home Remedies

In addition to medical treatment, there are several home remedies that can help alleviate bursitis symptoms:

Rest the affected joint and avoid activities that worsen pain
Apply ice or cold compresses to reduce swelling
Use heat therapy after the first 48 hours to promote healing
Support the joint with a brace, elastic bandage, or splint
Elevate the affected joint on pillows to reduce swelling
Use cushioning to pad the affected area and avoid hard surfaces
Perform gentle stretches and exercises to improve flexibility and strength
Maintain good posture and body mechanics
Massage the affected area, if not caused by an infection
Avoid repetitive movements, pressure, and heavy lifting when possible

Takeaways

Bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. It is often caused by repetitive motions, prolonged pressure on a joint, injury, or infection. While bursitis usually improves with rest and home remedies, it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or suspect an infection. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for bursitis, you can take steps to prevent and manage this common condition effectively.