Bursitis (inflammation of the joints bag)

Shoulder | Orthopaedics | Bursitis (inflammation of the joints bag) (Disease)


Description

Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursa (small sacs) of synovial fluid in the body. The condition may be acute or chronic.

Symptoms include: joint pain and tenderness when you press around the joint; stiffness and achiness when you move the affected joint; swelling, warmth or redness over the joint. Complications that can occur are: disabling joint pain, excessive swelling, redness, bruising or a rash in the affected area and fever. Chronic bursitis may occur.

Causes and Risk factors

The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip, but also by knee, heel and the base of the big toe. Sometimes the cause cannot be determined. Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection. Although infrequent, scoliosis might cause bursitis of the shoulders. Certain systemic diseases and conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout and Diabetes increase your risk of developing bursitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If further testing is needed, they are: x-ray, ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and lab test. Bursa that is not infected can be treated with rest, ice, elevation, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication. Bursae that are infected require further investigation and antibiotic therapy.

Sometimes an inflamed bursa must be surgically drained. Not all types of bursitis can be prevented, but risk can be reducing by: warm up and stretch before strenuous activities, using kneeling pads and maintaining a healthy weight. ...