Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between tissues in joints. It commonly affects areas such as the knees, elbows, and shoulders. The condition can result from inappropriate or excessive joint use, as well as pressure, friction, infections, or injuries. Common symptoms include warmth, pain, and swelling in the affected joints. Bursitis may be temporary or may become chronic, depending on the underlying causes and treatment.
Treatment typically focuses on rest and avoiding activities that exacerbate the condition. Ice packs can help alleviate pain and inflammation, and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed if symptoms persist. In cases of infection, antibiotic treatment is necessary. Physical therapy may also be recommended to enhance joint strength and mobility, and surgical options, such as bursectomy, might be considered for recurrent issues. Understanding bursitis can help individuals manage their symptoms and seek appropriate medical care when necessary.
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Subject Terms
Bursitis
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Hands, joints, knees, legs
DEFINITION: An inflammation of a bursa, one of the membranes that surround joints
CAUSES: Inappropriate or excessive joint use, pressure, friction, infections, injury
SYMPTOMS: Warm, painful, swollen joints
DURATION: Temporary to chronic
TREATMENTS: Rest, avoidance of pain-inducing activity, ice packs, anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, surgery, physical therapy
Causes and Symptoms
Bursas are flattened, fibrous sacs that minimize friction on adjacent structures during activity involving a joint. The most well known bursas are around the knees, elbows, and shoulders. These protective joint sacs are lined with a fluid-producing membrane called the synovial membrane. Bursas are common in sites where ligaments, muscles, skin, or tendons overlie and may rub against bone. Most bursas are present at birth, but false bursas may develop at any site where there is excessive motion.
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, causing it to become warm, painful, and often swollen. Bursitis is usually caused by the inappropriate or excessive use of a joint. For example, pressure, friction, infections, or injury to a joint and surrounding tissues can cause membranes of the bursa to become inflamed.
Bursitis of the kneecap (prepatellar bursitis, or “housemaid’s knee”) is commonly caused by prolonged kneeling on a hard surface such as the floor. Similarly, olecranon bursitis (“student’s elbow”) is caused by pressure of the elbow against a table or desk. Perhaps the most common type of bursitis is of the shoulder joint, called subdeltoid bursitis.
Treatment and Therapy
The treatment for bursitis caused by overuse is usually rest and avoidance of the activity that resulted in the condition. Several days of rest is typically all that is needed for the swelling to subside. Ice packs may help relieve some of the minor pain and inflammation. If the inflammation does not subside after a few days, a physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce the inflammation and pain. Occasionally, a doctor will inject the inflamed bursa with a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone. In rare cases, where the symptoms are recurrent, a physician may remove the bursa (bursectomy). If the bursitis is caused by an infection, the most appropriate treatment is antibiotic therapy. During and after medical or surgical treatment, physical therapy may be recommended to improve the strength and mobility of the joint.
Bibliography
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Grey, Tyler M., Euan Stubbs, and Naveen Parasu. "Intraobserver Reliability on Classifying Bursitis on Shoulder Ultrasound." Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal, vol. 74, no. 1, 2023, pp. 87-92. DOI: 10.1177/0846537122111459. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Leach, Robert E. "Bursitis." Health Library, Nov. 26, 2012.
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Marieb, Elaine N., and Katja Hoehn. Human Anatomy and Physiology. 10th ed. San Francisco: Pearson, 2016. Print.
Parker, James N., and Philip M. Parker, eds.The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Shoulder Bursitis. San Diego: Icon, 2002. Print.