Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae sacs. These tiny fluid- filled sacs are located between your bones and the tendons and muscles near your joints. They are found in areas subject to friction, such as locations where tendons pass over bony landmarks. Bursae lubricate and cushion pressure points to help you move without pain. Movement or pressure is painful to a particular joint when the bursae sacs in that area become inflamed.

Bursitis may be caused by injury, some diseases, and most commonly, from overuse or repeated pressure. The main symptom of bursitis is pain over the joint, especially with moving. There may be some swelling. The pain is usually worse after rest, but gets better after moving. Exercise may make the pain worse. Common places to have bursitis are the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee.

Treatment of bursitis can start at home by resting the painful joint. There should be no weight bearing activity (such as standing and walking) until evaluated by a healthcare provider. Cloth-covered ice packs may be put on the painful area for no more than 20 minutes at a time 4 to 8 times a day. This can be done for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen may help. If the pain and swelling continue after trying these measures, a healthcare provider should be seen. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. NSAIDs should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

When the bursitis pain has decreased, exercising may begin. It is best to start with normal slow movements. When the symptoms of bursitis are completely gone, the provider may suggest seeing a physical therapist, who will suggest exercises to strengthen the muscle around the joint. Sometimes the provider will need to inject the joint with medication. In a very few cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected bursae sacs.

Bursitis is a common cause of joint pain and limitation of movement. There are ways to prevent bursitis. Avoid repeated motions of the joints at work, when playing sports, or while exercising. Avoid overhead or awkward positions when using the arms. When doing something that works the muscles, take breaks to stretch the muscles. Wear the correct protective gear including knee or elbow pads. Warm up and stretch before exercise.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Last Reviewed 2005

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