| |
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. Bursae are small sacs located between two adjoining structures, usually muscles, tendons and bones. Bursae decrease friction and assist movement of the tendon over the bony surface. Bursae are located outside the joint itself. Because both tendons and bursae are located near joints, inflammation in these soft tissues may be mistaken as arthritis. However, arthritis involves inflammation within joints, whereas bursitis involves inflammation outside the joint. Bursitis does not cause joint deformity but can cause significant pain and restrict movement.
Bursitis is most common in the shoulder, elbow and knee
The body contains many bursae, but the shoulder, elbow, knee and heel are the most common sites of bursitis. Common causes include injury, repeated pressure and overuse. Certain disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and diabetes) can also contribute to the development of bursitis. The inflammation and swelling strike suddenly over a few hours or days. If caused by injury, bursitis will resolve after a few days or weeks. However, if bursitis is caused by overuse, the inflammation will continue unless the particular activity or movement is stopped.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bursitis may include:
- Localised pain
- Swelling
- A warm feeling in or around the affected area
- Increased pain at night
- Pain worsened by movement
- Stiffness
- Reddening of the skin.
Overuse injury
A common cause of bursitis is overuse of the particular body part, especially if that activity is performed awkwardly or with considerable pressure. Examples of work-related activities that may trigger bursitis include production line packing and typing. Sports that can cause bursitis include jogging, tennis and squash. Other soft tissue injuries that can be classified as overuse injuries include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome - a painful disorder of the hand caused by pressure on the main nerve that runs through the wrist.
- Ganglion - a cyst on a tendon or joint capsule.
- Tennis elbow - inflammation of tendons surrounding the elbow joint.
- Tenosynovitis - inflammation of the tendons (the tough connective tissue that anchors muscle to bone).
Diagnosis methods
Bursitis is generally detected as a tender, warm swelling at the site of a bursa. A diagnosis may also include investigating and ruling out any other possible causes. Tests may include:
- Physical examination
- Medical history
- X-rays, to rule out the possibility of any other condition
- Drawing off fluid from the bursa to rule out the possibility of infection.
Treatment options
Treatment will depend on the cause of the bursitis. Treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms as much as possible while the healing process takes place. Options may include pain-killing drugs, hot and cold packs, rest and gentle mobilising exercises. Anti-inflammatory medications or injections of corticosteroids may be used in cases of severe pain. If infection is present there is usually warmth, redness, pain and swelling in the affected areas. Treatment with an appropriate antibiotic is necessary. If the bursitis was triggered by overuse, avoiding the particular activity is crucial.
Correct posture and joint protection is useful and braces or splints can decrease the stress on the areas and support good alignment. Following an acute attack it is important to consider how recurrences can be prevented.
Long term management
Your doctor or physiotherapist can offer suggestions and strategies to reduce your risk of developing bursitis again. General suggestions include:
- Work-related bursitis - use ergonomically designed furniture and equipment, take frequent breaks, do simple stretching exercises for 10 minutes every hour, and keep benches at waist height so that the shoulders can relax.
- Sport-related bursitis - warm up thoroughly by stretching and gently going through the motions of your chosen sport, practise good form, ensure footwear and equipment are appropriate for you, and cool down thoroughly with gentle, sustained stretches.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Physiotherapist
- Arthritis Victoria Tel. (03) 8531 8000
- Australian Physiotherapy Association Tel. (03) 9534 9400
Things to remember
- Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa.
- Bursae are small sacs that contain fluid to lubricate moving parts, such as joints, muscles and tendons.
- Common causes of bursitis include injury and overuse.
- Treatment includes rest, gentle mobilisation exercises and avoiding the particular activity that prompted the condition.
|  |
|
| |
You might also be interested in:
Arthritis.
Gout.
Knee injuries.
Neck and shoulder pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Arthritis Victoria incorporating Osteoporosis Victoria
|
|
Copyight © 1999/2008 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
|
•
|
This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
|
|
|
Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last updated: September 2007
© State of Victoria
Linking to the Better Health Channel
It's easy to link to this fact sheet |
Close
If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:
<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Bursitis?OpenDocument">Bursitis - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. Bursae are small sacs that contain fluid to lubricate moving parts, such as joints and muscles. Common causes of bursitis include injury and overuse. Treatment may include rest, painkillers and gentle exercises...
The link should appear like this:
Bursitis - Better Health ChannelBursitis is inflammation of a bursa. Bursae are small sacs that contain fluid to lubricate moving parts, such as joints and muscles. Common causes of bursitis include injury and overuse. Treatment may include rest, painkillers and gentle exercises...
Quality assurance
This fact sheet, like all fact sheets on the Better Health Channel, has passed through a rigorous and exhaustive approval process. It is also regularly updated. For more information see our quality assurance page.
|
|
