BURSITIS INJURY EXPLAINED

 What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when these bursae become inflamed.  

 

normal bursa and an inflamed bursa

Common Locations of Bursitis

The most common locations for bursitis are:

• Shoulder: This is the most common location for bursitis. It is often caused by repetitive overhead motions, such as painting or throwing a baseball.  
  

  shoulder bursitis
• Elbow: This type of bursitis is often called "tennis elbow" or "golfer's elbow." It is caused by repetitive motions of the elbow, such as swinging a tennis racket or golf club.  
  

  elbow bursitis
• Hip: Hip bursitis is often caused by repetitive motions, such as running or cycling.
  

  hip bursitis
• Knee: Knee bursitis is often caused by repetitive kneeling or squatting.  
   

  knee bursitis
• Heel: Heel bursitis is often caused by wearing shoes that do not fit properly or by running on hard surfaces.  
   

Causes of Bursitis

The most common causes of bursitis are:

• Repetitive motions: Repetitive motions can irritate the bursae and cause them to become inflamed.  
• Injury: A sudden injury, such as a fall or blow to the joint, can also cause bursitis.  
• Infection: In some cases, bursitis can be caused by an infection in the bursa.  

Symptoms of Bursitis

The symptoms of bursitis include:

• Pain: The pain is usually sharp and localized to the affected joint.
• Swelling: The joint may become swollen and tender to the touch.  
• Redness: The skin over the affected joint may become red.  
• Limited range of motion: The affected joint may become stiff and difficult to move.  

Treatment of Bursitis

The treatment of bursitis depends on the severity of the condition. In most cases, bursitis can be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or corticosteroid injections. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa.  

Prevention of Bursitis

The following tips can help prevent bursitis:

• Avoid repetitive motions: If you have a job or hobby that requires repetitive motions, take breaks often to rest your joints.  
• Stretch before and after activity: Stretching helps to warm up your muscles and prevent injury.  
• Wear supportive shoes: Wearing shoes that fit properly can help to prevent bursitis.  
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put extra stress on your joints and increase your risk of bursitis.  

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