Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Bursitis is a common condition caused by inflammation of the bursa, a small sac between tendons, muscles, and bones. Bursitis symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Treating bursitis can include rest, physical therapy, medications, and, in some cases, surgery. This blog post will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for bursitis.

What is bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation of the small bursae fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones and tendons in joints. It usually occurs as a result of repetitive motions or injury. Bursitis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip.

Bursitis causes pain and tenderness at the affected joint. It may also cause swelling, redness, warmth, or decreased range of motion. If the bursa becomes infected, it can lead to more severe symptoms such as fever and chills.

What Causes Bursitis?

Bursitis is painful when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones and soft tissue, become inflamed. It typically affects the joints of the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. The most common causes of bursitis are overuse or injury to the joint. Other causes include repetitive motion, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and infection.

Repetitive joint use can cause the bursa to become inflamed due to constant friction or compression. Injury or trauma to the joint can also cause bursitis, as can certain medical conditions. When an infection is present in a joint, the bursa can also become infected.

Bursitis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint. It can also restrict movement and make it difficult to perform daily tasks. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. 

How Can It Be Treated?

Bursitis is a painful condition that can affect any part of the body but is especially common in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. It occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion and lubricate the joints become inflamed. This inflammation can cause redness, swelling, and severe pain. 

Fortunately, there are many treatments available to help manage bursitis symptoms. The most important thing is to rest the affected joint, as any movement or pressure can worsen the pain. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy exercises to improve strength and flexibility, as well as gentle stretching and light activity such as walking to help with pain relief.

Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help reduce inflammation and pain. Injections of corticosteroids directly into the affected area can also provide relief. If these treatments are unsuccessful, your doctor may suggest surgically removing the inflamed bursa or repairing any damaged tissue.

If you experience pain in any joint that does not go away with rest or home treatment, it is important to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. With the proper care and management, bursitis can be effectively treated.

Get the Help You’re Looking For From BrioMD

Are you experiencing joint pain, swelling, or tenderness in your shoulders, elbows, hips, or knees? If so, you may be suffering from a condition known as bursitis. Bursitis is a common condition that can cause severe discomfort and disruption to everyday life. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with bursitis.

Don’t let bursitis take control of your life. Contact our team at BrioMD today to discuss your treatment options and find relief from your pain. 

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