What is Bursitis and Why Should You Care?
Published: Jun 21, 2024
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction in our joints. Understanding bursitis is important because it can affect your mobility and comfort in everyday activities.
Contents
What Causes Bursitis?
Bursitis can be caused by various factors, including mechanical trauma, infection, or systemic diseases like gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Mechanical causes involve repetitive movements or pressure, such as kneeling or leaning on elbows, which can irritate the bursa. Infections, particularly in superficial bursae, are often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. Systemic conditions like gout can cause crystalline deposits in the bursa, leading to inflammation.
Signs and Symptoms
Bursitis commonly presents with pain, swelling, and tenderness near a joint. Acute bursitis typically develops rapidly and may include warmth and redness over the affected area. Chronic bursitis develops over weeks or months and might present with less pain but more functional limitations due to muscle atrophy or joint contractures. The symptoms can sometimes be confused with other conditions like arthritis or tendonitis.
How is Bursitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing bursitis involves a thorough history and physical examination. In some cases, aspiration of the bursa fluid is necessary to rule out infection or crystal-induced bursitis. Imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI may be used for deeper bursae or if other conditions are suspected. These methods help confirm the presence of inflammation and guide appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction in the joints.
Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness near a joint.
Yes, treatment includes rest, cold compresses, and anti-inflammatory medications.
It can be caused by trauma, infection, or systemic diseases like gout.
Key Takeaways
Understanding bursitis is essential to managing joint pain and maintaining mobility.
Think you might have bursitis? Talk to Doctronic, your AI doctor, for more information and guidance!Related Articles
References
Dyrna F, Herbst E, Hoberman A, et al. Stem cell procedures in arthroscopic surgery. Eur J Med Res 2016; 21:29.
Aaron DL, Patel A, Kayiaros S, Calfee R. Four common types of bursitis: diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2011; 19:359.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.