Waking up with a sharp pain in your shoulder or feeling an ache in your elbow with every movement can turn everyday tasks into significant challenges. These are common experiences for those suffering from bursitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae, which cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. We spoke to Dr Basavaraj CM, HOD and Senior Consultant Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, who explained bursitis and its symptoms, types, treatments, and prevention methods.
What is Bursitis?
“Bursitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs located near joints. These sacs serve as cushions between bones and soft tissues, reducing friction and allowing for smooth movement. When a bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in the affected area,” explained Dr Basavaraj.
According to StatPearls, bursitis generally affects men and women equally. However, women are more likely to develop pes anserine and trochanteric bursitis, especially if they are overweight. On the other hand, men are more prone to olecranon bursitis, often due to occupations involving manual labour, such as plumbing, gardening, mechanics, or construction.
Symptoms of Bursitis
The primary symptoms of bursitis include:
- Pain: The pain associated with bursitis typically increases with movement or pressure on the affected area. It can be sharp and intense or a dull ache
- Swelling: Inflammation can cause noticeable swelling around the joint
- Tenderness: The area over the inflamed bursa often feels tender to the touch
- Restricted Movement: Due to pain and swelling, the range of motion in the affected joint may be reduced
- Redness and Warmth: In some cases, the skin over the inflamed bursa may become red and warm to the touch, indicating an infection
Types of Bursitis
Dr Basavaraj listed the most common types of bursitis as follows:
1. Shoulder Bursitis
It often affects the subacromial bursa, leading to pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm.
2. Elbow Bursitis
Inflammation of the olecranon bursa, located at the tip of the elbow. It can cause swelling and pain, particularly when leaning on the elbow.
3. Hip Bursitis
Also known as trochanteric bursitis, it affects the bursae around the hip joint, causing pain on the outer side of the hip that can radiate down the thigh.
4. Knee Bursitis
Involves the prepatellar bursa (in front of the kneecap) or the infrapatellar bursa (below the kneecap). It is often caused by prolonged kneeling.
5. Ankle Bursitis
Affects the bursae around the ankle joint, leading to pain and swelling, especially after prolonged walking or standing.
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Causes of Bursitis
Bursitis can result from various factors, including:
- Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve repetitive motion or pressure on a joint, such as running, jumping, or kneeling, can lead to bursitis
- Injury: A direct blow or trauma to a joint can cause inflammation of the bursa
- Infection: Bursae near the skin’s surface can become infected, leading to septic bursitis
- Underlying Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes can increase the risk of developing bursitis
- Age: The risk of bursitis increases with age, as bursae become less resilient over time
Treatment of Bursitis
The treatment of bursitis focuses on relieving symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments as listed by the expert:
1. Rest and Immobilisation
Resting the affected joint and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can help reduce inflammation.
2. Ice and Heat Therapy
To alleviate swelling and pain, applying ice packs to the affected area is recommended. For chronic bursitis, heat therapy can help increase blood flow and muscle relaxation.
3. Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate pain and inflammation. Some patients may need corticosteroid injections to treat severe inflammation.
4. Physical Therapy
Exercises and stretches designed to improve the range of motion, strengthen muscles, and reduce stress on the affected joint can be beneficial.
5. Drainage and Antibiotics
If the bursitis is caused by an infection, the bursa may need to be drained, and antibiotics prescribed to clear the infection.
6. Surgery
In rare cases, when bursitis does not respond to conservative treatments, surgical removal of the inflamed bursa may be necessary.
Prevention of Bursitis
Preventing bursitis involves adopting habits that reduce stress on the joints. Here are some expert-recommended preventive measures to follow:
- Proper Technique: Using correct techniques in sports and work activities can minimise joint stress
- Ergonomic Workstations: Ensuring that workspaces are ergonomically designed can help prevent repetitive strain injuries
- Regular Exercise: Strengthening muscles around joints can provide better support and reduce the risk of bursitis
- Proper Footwear: Wearing supportive shoes can help reduce stress on the lower extremity joints
Bottomline
Dr Basavaraj concluded, “Bursitis, while often painful and debilitating, can be effectively managed with a combination of rest, medication, physical therapy, and preventive measures. Understanding the symptoms, types, and treatments of bursitis is essential for those affected, enabling them to seek appropriate care and make necessary lifestyle adjustments to prevent future occurrences.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]