Bursitis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Medications, Home Remedies and Prevention

Bursitis is a musculoskeletal disease caused by inflammation of bursae, small sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. It is often triggered by repetitive movements, trauma, or infections, affecting major bursae locations like the shoulder, hip, and heel. Symptoms include tenderness, restricted movement, and localised pain. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and potentially imaging studies like MRI. Effective management involves anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, home remedies, protective gear, maintaining a healthy weight, taking breaks from repetitive tasks, and proper lifting techniques.

Preventative strategies include using protective gear, maintaining a healthy weight, taking breaks from repetitive tasks, and using proper lifting techniques. Understanding different types of bursitis and distinguishing between infectious and aseptic bursitis is important for proper treatment. In severe cases, surgical removal of an infected bursa may be necessary. Regular consultation with a primary care doctor can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammatory condition affecting bursae, small sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Inflammation, often caused by repetitive motion, causes pain, swelling, and localised tenderness. Joint bursitis can significantly impact joint function, and recognising and managing symptoms is important for effective treatment. Understanding these basics helps identify and address bursitis symptoms promptly, preventing further complications.

What causes Bursitis?

Bursitis, a medical condition characterised by the inflammation of bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that serve as a cushion between bone, muscle, and tendons—can cause significant joint pain and swelling.

Here are the primary causes, integrated with relevant keywords:

1. Repetitive Motions or Overuse: Activities that require repetitive joint movements can inflame the bursae, particularly in locations like the shoulder (subacromial bursitis), knee (anserine bursitis), and elbow (olecranon bursitis).
2. Trauma or Injury: Direct impact or prolonged pressure on joints, such as kneeling or leaning on elbows, can lead to conditions like prepatellar bursitis or retrocalcaneal bursitis in the heel.
3. Infection: Infectious bursitis, often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, occurs when microbes invade the bursae, leading to severe tenderness and swelling.
4. Medical Conditions: Diseases like Psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or other systemic conditions affecting the synovial fluid or synovial lining can trigger bursitis.
5. Prolonged Pressure: Constant pressure on certain areas, especially in individuals with certain physical jobs or hobbies, can irritate deep bursae and superficial bursa.
6. Age: Aging can reduce the elasticity of soft tissues, increasing the risk of inflammation in the major bursae like the iliopsoas bursae and subscapular bursae.

Effective management of bursitis includes medical care focusing on activity modification, use of knee pads or elbow pads for cushioning, regular breaks during repetitive tasks, and medical imaging like Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the inflamed bursae. Preventive measures, alongside targeted therapies such as corticosteroid injections or arthroscopic removal of affected bursae, can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the burden of this disease on musculoskeletal health.

What symptoms does Bursitis present?

Bursitis typically presents with a range of symptoms that can affect various parts of the body depending on the location of the inflamed bursae.

The common symptoms include:

1. Joint Pain and Tenderness: The affected area often feels achy or stiff, and direct pressure or movement of the joint can increase the pain.
2. Swelling: Fluid build-up in the bursae can lead to noticeable swelling around the joint.
3. Redness and Warmth: The skin over the inflamed bursa may appear red and feel warm to the touch, especially in cases of infectious bursitis.
4. Reduced Movement: Pain and stiffness may limit the range of motion in the affected joint.
5. Localised Tenderness: The area over the bursa is typically tender, and touching or pressing on it can exacerbate pain.

Where does Bursitis occur?

Bursitis is a painful condition characterised by inflammation of bursae, small sacs that reduce friction between joints. Common locations include the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, leading to reduced movement and warmth. Factors contributing to bursitis include repetitive movements, traumatic injuries, poor blood supply, and calcium deposits. Certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can also predispose patients to bursitis due to inflammation and degenerative changes in joints.

Management strategies focus on reducing symptoms and preventing recurrence, which may involve physical activities that maintain active motion without overexerting the inflamed bursa. Interventions like hot water bottle applications or medical treatments may be necessary for clinical manifestations. Targeted antibiotic therapy is necessary for cases where bursitis worsens due to bacterial infection. Understanding the different types of bursitis and their specific causes helps tailor treatment approaches, reducing the burden of this musculoskeletal disease and improving patient care.

When should one consult a doctor for Bursitis?

You should consult a doctor for bursitis under these conditions:

1. Persistent Pain and Swelling: If pain and swelling last more than a week or two without improvement or worsen, seek medical help.
2. Excessive Redness, Warmth, or Rash: These symptoms can signal an infection or an underlying condition like rheumatoid arthritis; they require professional evaluation.
3. Fever: A fever accompanying bursitis symptoms may indicate infectious bursitis, needing urgent medical care to prevent complications.
4. Debilitating Symptoms: If bursitis severely impacts daily functions, consulting a doctor can help manage and alleviate symptoms.
5. Recurring Symptoms: For those with previous episodes of bursitis, recurring symptoms should be checked by a doctor to prevent chronic issues.
6. Limited Movement: Significant restriction in joint mobility due to swelling and pain necessitates a doctor’s intervention to restore joint function.

How do doctors diagnose Bursitis?

Bursitis is diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination, assessing symptoms like pain and infection to differentiate between acute and septic bursitis. Imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs help visualise inflammation, while lab tests like blood tests and fluid analysis guide treatment. Physical therapy may be recommended to alleviate symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are important for effective management. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt consultation with a healthcare professional is advised for appropriate care.

How is Bursitis treated?

Bursitis is treated with a combination of self-care measures, medications, and, in some cases, more invasive procedures. The primary goal is to reduce inflammation and pain, promote healing, and prevent recurrence.

Here’s how bursitis is typically managed:

1. Rest and Immobilisation: Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition is important. Resting the affected joint and temporarily immobilising it can help reduce symptoms.
2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
3. Medications:
   • Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
   • Corticosteroid Injections: For severe cases, a doctor may inject a corticosteroid drug into the affected bursa to quickly reduce inflammation.
4. Physical Therapy: Physical therapists can teach exercises that increase strength and flexibility in the joint, which can help reduce the pressure on the bursa and alleviate symptoms.
5. Assistive Devices: Using devices such as pads, cushions, or orthotics can help reduce pressure on the affected bursa, especially during activities.
6. Lifestyle and Home Remedies:
   • Activity Modification: Changing or avoiding activities that cause symptoms.
   • Protective Gear: Using pads or cushions to protect joints during activities.
7. Surgical and Other Procedures:
   • Aspiration: Removing fluid from the bursa with a needle can reduce pressure and pain in some cases.
   • Surgery: Rarely, if the bursitis does not respond to other treatments, surgery to remove the affected bursa may be considered.
8. Treatment for Infections: If bursitis is caused by an infection (septic bursitis), antibiotics will be necessary. Sometimes, surgical drainage of the infected bursa is also required.

Which medications help with Bursitis?

Bursitis is treated with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and antibiotics if an infection is present. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce swelling and pain. Corticosteroid injections are used for chronic bursitis. Pain medication may also be used for symptom relief. Conservative treatment is often sufficient for repetitive bursitis. Antibiotics are important in cases of infection. Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the appropriate medication regimen and avoid complications.

Can bursitis be treated with osteopathy or remedial massage?

Yes, bursitis can be treated with both osteopathy and remedial massage, though these approaches are typically part of a broader management plan to reduce pain and inflammation.

1. Osteopathy: Osteopathic treatment aims to improve joint mobility and reduce tension in surrounding muscles, which can alleviate pressure on the inflamed bursa. Techniques like joint manipulation, stretching, and soft tissue mobilization help restore movement and reduce stress on the affected area.
2. Remedial Massage: Massage therapy can also help relieve the muscle tension around the joint affected by bursitis. By improving blood flow to the region and reducing muscle tightness, massage can support healing and reduce discomfort. It is important to avoid direct pressure on the inflamed bursa.

These treatments are generally supportive, and may be used alongside other methods like rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan.

What home remedies help Bursitis?

Bursitis symptoms can be alleviated through home remedies like cold compresses, heating pads, gentle range of motion exercises, and addressing ergonomic risk factors. These methods can reduce inflammation, numb the affected area, and improve blood flow around the bursa. However, they should not replace medical treatments like steroid injections for severe cases.

How can one prevent Bursitis?

Bursitis prevention involves lifestyle adjustments and proactive measures to minimise joint stress and inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight, taking frequent breaks, engaging in regular motion exercises, and limiting strenuous activity are essential preventive steps. Occupational therapy can provide personalised strategies to minimise joint strain. Cold therapy and elastic bandages can reduce inflammation and provide additional joint support.