What Is Bursitis? How Is It Treated?

Bursitis is an inflammation that occurs in the bursa, a buffer zone between tendons, bones, and muscles.

When it appears, this disorder makes it difficult to move these structures and can cause considerable pain. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a primary care physician.

Although this condition usually affects people with certain types of jobs (especially those that require repetitive movements), it can also occur in people who do not meet these characteristics.

Do you want to know more about this disease? This time we are going to review its main causes and treatments. Do not miss it!

Causes and symptoms of bursitis

As already mentioned, bursae are bags filled with synovial fluid. They are located in the areas of friction of the joints and their function is to avoid friction between muscles, bones and joints  during movement.

Although there are about 150 bursae in the body, inflammation is more common in:

• Hips
• Shoulders
• Elbows
• dolls
• Heels
• Knees
• Toes

The origins of this disease are still unknown, but  as suggested by the US National Library of Medicine, it could be due to multiple causes.

In addition to overuse, bursitis could also appear due to obesity, after suffering trauma (from a fall, blow or accident), as a result of an infection, or as a result of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Types of bursitis

Bursitis can be classified into two types, depending on the degree of prevalence over time. These are the following:

1. Acute

Acute bursitis affects a joint and the area becomes red to the touch. It can be the consequence, as we have already mentioned, of overload, trauma or gout.

2. Chronicle

If the person has not been treated for acute bursitis, it can lead to a chronic problem. Therefore, it is essential to quickly consult a specialist as soon as the first symptoms are noticed.

3. Trochanteric bursitis, the most serious

Trochanteric bursitis is one of the most disabling that exists. It usually occurs in older people by a fall or blow, or by the weakening of the stock market over time.

According exposes Dr. Duque, of the Hospital de La Princesa (Madrid), the non – surgical treatment would be the first option to improve symptoms and prevent more serious problems. The doctor may recommend:

• Infiltration of glucocorticoids and local analgesics.
• Avoid activities that make the situation worse.

• Consume anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
• Use a cane or crutches for a while.
• Do physical therapy to increase flexibility and strength in the hip.

In the event that the doctor recommends an operation (something very rare) the most used technique is the removal of the bag through arthroscopy. After that, rehabilitation should be done for several weeks and rest.

Are there ways to prevent bursitis?

There is no completely effective way to prevent this disease. However, since this inflammation is sometimes caused by joint movement, you should be  careful with some habits.

Some keys that can help reduce risk, as suggested by the Mayo Clinic, are the following:

• Apply heat in case of pain.
• Stretch your muscles at the end of physical activity.
• Take breaks when doing repetitive tasks.
• Protect the area with a knee or elbow brace (special pads).

• Use both hands to hold heavy tools.
• Do not spend many hours sitting.
• Lose weight so you don’t overload your knees.
• Maintain a correct posture.
• Start small with new activities or exercises.
• Pay attention if you have suffered from tendonitis before.
• Put ice on the affected area

But, it must be remembered that, in some cases, the disease can appear for causes that do not depend directly on the person affected and their lifestyle. In such cases, preventive measures are insufficient.

How is bursitis treated

If you suffer from bursitis in the upper limbs (shoulders, hips, wrists, etc.) there are some exercises that could help reduce pain and increase mobility and strength of the affected joint.

These should be done under the supervision of a physiotherapist, and never on your own, since it could worsen the condition.

It is important to follow medical recommendations

It is essential to follow all the guidelines set forth by the doctor and the physiotherapist. In the case of chronic bursitis, it may be beneficial to consult a psychologist as well, given the disabling situation.

It is possible to maintain a good quality of life in these cases, as long as the patient receives psychological help to improve their mood.