Bursitis is the name given to the condition in which a bursa or small fluid-filled sac found between your joints, muscles and tendons, becomes inflamed. The distinct function of a bursa is to serve as a shock absorbing mechanism between joints, muscles and tendons; especially in areas where muscles pass over bony projections. In a typical case of bursitis , the bursa becomes swollen and rubs against muscles and tendons. This in turn further aggravates the bursa and causes more pain and swelling to the area. Rest is usually recommended as a temporary fix to this problem, as in so doing, the pain usually subsides in a few days.
Common Causes of Bursitis
Bursitis may be caused by a number of factors. some of these factors include the over use of a particular area of the body, trauma to a section of the body for instance, from lifting a moderate load, repeated shock. rheumatoid arthritis, gout or infection. Liver abnormalities have been found to play fundamental role in some cases of bursitis. As a result, liver tests are often included in the diagnostic process. Bursitis commonly affects the shoulder. knee, elbow and hip along with the Achilles tendon and foot.
Symptoms of Bursitis
Symptoms of bursitis go hand in hand with the seriousness of the inflammation. Also, the location of the inflammation may cause differential degrees of discomfort and debilitation. Common symptoms of bursitis include localized joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, swelling, redness, warmth over the joint, reduced mobility; muscle weakness in the shoulders, elbows and knees, and also a fever. Bursitis may also make it difficult for a patient to support his own weight, especially bursitis of the hip.
How is Bursitis Diagnosed?
The type of symptoms that you may have are what your healthcare provider may use to diagnose you with the condition bursitis. In cases where the condition has become chronic or is recurrent, X-ray testing may be utilized to aid in determining the necessary treatment options.
Bursitis Treatments
Treatment options for bursitis encompass recommended rest for patients, the immobilization of the affected joint, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Patients may be given physical therapy and exercises that target the affected area. Other types of treatment for bursitis may include acupuncture, acupressure and homeopathy. Hydrotherapy is also used via the application of cold compresses, hot towels along with baths and massages.
If the inflammation is not resolved after NSAID use, fluid from the bursa may be extracted, after which, corticosteroid injections may be applied. At its worst, bursitis which does not respond well to regular treatments may require surgery. Also, bursitis that is caused by an infection is normally treated with antibiotics and the infected bursa may or may not be surgically drained as well.
This concludes a cursory investigation of the medical condition bursitis.
Sources
- Bursitis (n.d.) Retreived from medicinenet on 22/09/2011.
- Bursitis Learning centre (n.d.) Retreived from AARP on 22/09/2011
- Monte, T. (1997) The complete guide to natural healing: Penguin.
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