Bursitis

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of a bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions between bones, tendons, joints, and muscles. Bursae help reduce friction and allow smooth movement. When these sacs become inflamed, it leads to bursitis, causing pain and discomfort in the affected area.

Impact of Bursitis on Anatomy and Health

Bursitis can significantly impact your anatomy and overall health, especially if left untreated. The main effects include:

Localised Pain: The primary symptom of bursitis is localised pain in the affected area, which may be sharp or achy.
Tenderness: The area around the inflamed bursa often becomes tender to the touch.
Swelling: The inflamed bursa can cause visible swelling in the affected area.
Redness: The skin over the inflamed bursa may become red and warm to the touch, indicating inflammation.
Stiffness: The affected joint or area may become stiff, making moving difficult.
Limited Movement: Pain and swelling can restrict the range of motion, affecting daily activities.
Reduced Mobility: Bursitis can hinder your ability to perform everyday tasks, especially those that involve repetitive movements or pressure on the affected area.
Disrupted Sleep: Pain from bursitis can make finding a comfortable position difficult, leading to disrupted sleep.

Causes and Risk Factors for Bursitis

While bursitis can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk of developing this condition. These include:

Older Adults: Bursitis is more common in older adults, as the body's tissues become less resilient with age.
Repetitive Movements: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on certain joints increase the risk. Examples include:
Manual Labourers: Construction workers, gardeners, and factory workers who perform repetitive tasks.
Athletes: Sports that involve repetitive motions, such as running, tennis, or baseball.
Musicians: Playing certain musical instruments can lead to repetitive strain injuries.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This inflammatory condition increases the risk of bursitis.
Gout: The buildup of uric acid crystals in joints can lead to bursitis.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections and inflammation, including bursitis.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can weaken muscles and joints, increasing the risk of bursitis.
Poor Posture: Maintaining poor posture can put extra stress on certain joints, leading to inflammation.
Inadequate Stretching: Failing to stretch before physical activity can increase the risk of injury and bursitis.
Direct Trauma: A sudden injury or trauma to a joint can cause the bursa to become inflamed.
Pressure: Prolonged pressure on a joint, such as kneeling for long periods, can lead to bursitis.

Symptoms of Bursitis

Pain: Sharp or aching pain localised to the affected area, often worsening with movement or pressure.
Swelling: Visible swelling in the affected area.
Redness and Warmth: The skin over the inflamed bursa may become red and warm to the touch.
Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the affected joint.
Tenderness: The area around the inflamed bursa is often tender to the touch.

Preventing Bursitis

Preventing bursitis involves a combination of lifestyle changes and practices to reduce stress on the joints:

Regular Exercise: Strengthening muscles around the joints can provide better support and reduce the risk of bursitis.
Proper Techniques: Learning and using proper techniques for repetitive tasks and sports can prevent undue joint stress.
Warm-Up and Stretch: Warming up and stretching before physical activities can help prevent injuries.
Take Breaks: Avoid prolonged joint pressure by taking regular breaks during activities.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess body weight can decrease joint strain.
Use Cushions and Pads: Use protective padding when kneeling or leaning on elbows for extended periods.

Types of Bursitis

Bursitis can occur in various parts of the body, leading to different types based on the location:

Shoulder Bursitis: Inflammation of the subacromial bursa in the shoulder.
Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis): Inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow.
Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis): Inflammation of the bursa on the outer part of the hip.
Knee Bursitis (Prepatellar Bursitis): Inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap.
Ankle Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa around the ankle.
Buttocks Bursitis (Ischial Bursitis): Inflammation of the bursa in the buttocks.
Heel Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa at the back of the heel.

Stages of Bursitis

Bursitis can progress through several stages:

Acute Bursitis: Sudden onset of symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness, typically following an injury or repetitive stress.
Subacute Bursitis: Symptoms may improve slightly but persist over a few weeks.
Chronic Bursitis: Long-term inflammation that can result from repeated episodes of acute bursitis or ongoing stress on the bursa.
Septic Bursitis: Infected bursa leading to more severe symptoms, including fever and increased redness and warmth.

Diagnosis of Bursitis

Diagnosis of bursitis typically involves:

Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will review the patient’s medical history and physically examine the affected area.
Imaging Tests: X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans may be used to visualise the affected bursa and rule out other conditions.
Aspiration and Lab Tests: In cases of suspected septic bursitis, the doctor may aspirate (withdraw fluid from) the bursa and analyse it for infection.

Treatment of Bursitis

Treatment for bursitis aims to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms:

Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that aggravate the condition.
Ice Packs: Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling and pain.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can manage symptoms. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered.
Physical Therapy: Exercises and physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Assistive Devices: Using splints, braces, or cushions to protect the affected area.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgical removal of the inflamed bursa may be necessary.

What if Bursitis is Untreated?

If left untreated, bursitis can lead to:

Chronic Pain: Persistent pain and discomfort that can interfere with daily activities.
Reduced Mobility: Stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected joint.
Muscle Atrophy: Lack of use due to pain can lead to muscle weakness and atrophy.
Septic Bursitis: Untreated septic bursitis can lead to severe infections, requiring more aggressive treatments and possibly hospitalisation.
Calcific Bursitis: Chronic inflammation can lead to the formation of calcium deposits within the bursa, causing further pain and restricting movement.