Bursitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Bursa are sacs filled with synovial fluid that are located where muscles and tendons glide over bones. Bursa enables smooth painless movement by cushioning and padding against damage caused by friction. The body contains 150 bursa with the major bursa being located in the hips, shoulders, knees and elbows. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed or injured causing pain.
Bursitis can occur in any area a bursa exists but is most common in the shoulders, knees, hips, and elbows. Bursitis is usually caused by repetitive motion and has several common names related to occupations such as clergyman’s knees and miners elbow. It can be caused by any stress, infection or injury to the bursa which result in inflammation. Inflammation is the bodies’ reaction to injury. In the case of bursitis, the bursa may become swollen and over filled with fluid. Bursitis is a common sports related injury and occupational hazard in those sports and occupations which require repetitive movements. It can affect any age group.
The symptoms of bursitis include pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness over the affected area. Pain may develop suddenly or over several days and is often described as burning or aching in nature. It may be worse at night and upon arising in the morning and hot baths and showers may worsen the pain. Bursitis pain can be similar to arthritis and tendonitis pain and making a definitive diagnosis difficult. Bursitis does not show up on x-ray and diagnosis is made based on symptoms, history and physical exam. If infection is suspected your doctor may remove a small amount of synovial fluid from the bursa to test for micro-organisms.
Bursitis treatment depends to some degree on the cause. If infection is suspected, antibiotics will be prescribed. Treatment for non-infectious bursitis may include anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil and Naproxen, pain medications, rest and gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. You may be referred to a physical therapist for a course of physical therapy. Your doctor may recommend ice to decrease the inflammation of the affected area. Generally ice is used for twenty to thirty minutes several times daily. Your doctor may drain the bursa to relieve pressure and inject steroids into the space to decrease inflammation. Topical anti-inflammatory creams may be prescribed. The goal of treatment is to maintain joint function and decrease pain. Bursitis treatment may take three to six weeks to completely relieve pain. Recovery from bursitis may be acute or chronic with reoccurrences not being uncommon.
Sources:
<http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bursitis/DS00032>
<http://www.bursitis101.com/>
<http://www.shoulder-pain-management.com/ShoulderBursitis.html>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bursitis
This article is meant to be informative and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any concerns about your health.
reileve
>
| |