Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the tiny, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae, which cushion the tendons, bones, and muscles around the joints. Inflamed bursae cause bursitis mainly in the hip, elbow, and shoulder. However, it can also happen in the big toe’s base, heel, and knee. The condition usually occurs near the joints responsible for repetitive motion and its treatment involves resting the affected joint and guarding it against further trauma.
Causes
Repeat motions, such as lifting heavy boxes at work or a pitcher throwing a baseball, may lead to bursitis. Further, staying in positions that put pressure on specific body parts for a long time may cause bursitis. Though less prevalent, infections and injuries can lead to this condition too. Some of the following activities can also cause bursitis:
- Playing an instrument or sport like baseball, golf, and tennis
- Painting
- Carpentry
- Shoveling
- Scrubbing
- Raking and gardening
- Poorly positioned bone or joint or a poor posture
Risk factors
Bursitis can affect anyone, but some people are more susceptible to developing it. These include:
- Musicians
- People who do manual labor or physical work
- Athletes
Moreover, people with certain health conditions have a greater risk of developing bursitis. Some such conditions that aggravate the risk of developing the condition are:
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Arthritis, typically inflammatory arthritis, such as psoriatic or gout arthritis
Symptoms
Pain is a typical symptom of bursitis. It might develop slowly or be severe and sudden, especially if one has calcium deposits in the area. One will mostly feel it when extending or stretching the joint. Further, one may have a limited motion range even without the pain. Red, swollen, or stiff joint also indicates bursitis.
One must speak to a doctor if they experience the below-listed symptoms:
- Pain that lasts over two weeks
- Trouble moving the joint
- Redness, warmth, and swelling in the region
- Fever (over 102F)
- General illness or more than one area that hurts
Although these may be signs of an infection or any other problem, they demand immediate medical care.
Treatment
Applying ice on the affected joint, taking prescribed treatment options for pain relief, and ensuring adequate rest are the common management options for bursitis. At times, other treatments may also be vital, such as:
- Treatment options for inflammation, pain, and swelling
- Treatment options to heal infection that exists in or around the bursa.
- At-home exercises to relieve symptoms and pain
- Physical therapy
In severe or chronic cases where the treatment options do not help, surgery can help remove the affected bursa.
Preventive steps
Safeguarding the vulnerable body parts
Those who kneel a lot can consider using knee pads. Golf and tennis players can use elbow braces. Moreover, avid walkers or athletes can invest in good-quality running or walking shoes.
Taking breaks during daily tasks
Beyond the regular breaks, trying varying movements to stretch and relax the different body parts can help prevent bursitis.
Exercise to strengthen muscles
Regularly exercising to strengthen the muscles where bursitis has occurred (typically around the joint) offers extra protection from injury.
Warm up before exercises
Warm up for at least five to ten minutes before vigorous exercises. Some activities that are among the best preventions for bursitis include slow jogging, brisk walking, or using an exercise bike.
