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Bursitis Causes and Risks:
Bursa are fluid-filled cavities located at tissue sites where tendons or muscles pass over bony prominences. Their function is to facilitate movement and reduce friction between moving parts. The cause of bursitis may be chronic overuse, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis , gout , infection, or unknown. Most bursitis occurs in the shoulder, but it may also affect the knee, elbow, Achilles tendon, first metatarsal of the foot (bunion), or other areas. Chronic inflammation can occur with repeated attacks of bursitis or injury.
Prevention:
Avoid overuse, recurrent injury, or inflammation of a body part.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Physical examination shows tender or swollen joints.
Treatment:
Temporary rest or immobilization of the affected joint may be recommended.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be effective in relieving pain and decreasing the inflammation.
If the inflammation does not respond to conservative treatment, aspiration of fluid from the bursa and the injection of corticosteroids into the bursa is an alternative treatment. Surgery is rarely required.
Exercises for the affected area should be started as the pain resolves. If muscle atrophy has occurred from disuse or prolonged immobility, exercises to build strength and increase mobility are indicated.
Bursitis caused by infection is treated with antibiotics. Sometimes surgical drainage of the infected bursa is indicated.
Prognosis:
The condition may respond well to treatment, or it may develop into a chronic condition if the underlying cause is not corrected.
Complications:
Chronic bursitis may occur.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms recur or do not improve with treatment.
This photograph shows the arm bones at the point of articulation (the joint area) between the bone of the upper arm (humerus) and the two bones of the lower arm (radius and ulna).
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