Bursitis

Bursitis often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion.

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

The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip. But you can also have bursitis by your knee, heel and the base of your big toe. Bursitis often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop bursitis, factors can increase your risk include:

• Age. Bursitis becomes more common with aging.
• Occupations or hobbies. If your work or hobby requires repetitive motion or pressure on particular bursae, your risk of developing bursitis increases. Examples include carpet laying, tile setting, gardening, painting and playing a musical instrument.
• Other medical conditions. Certain systemic diseases and conditions — such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and diabetes — increase your risk of developing bursitis. Being overweight can increase your risk of developing hip and knee bursitis.

Prevention of Bursitis

Not all types of bursitis can be prevented, but you can reduce risk and the severity of flare-ups by changing the way you do daily tasks.

• Using kneeling pads. Use some type of padding to reduce the pressure on your knees if your job or hobby requires a lot of kneeling.
• Lifting properly. Bend your knees when you lift. Failing to do so puts extra stress on the bursae in your hips.
• Wheeling heavy loads. Carrying heavy loads puts stress on the bursae in your shoulders. Use a dolly or a wheeled cart instead.
• Taking frequent breaks. Alternate repetitive tasks with rest or other activities.
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight places more stress on your joints.
• Exercising. Strengthening your muscles can help protect your affected joint.
• Warming up and stretching before strenuous activities to protect your joints from injury.

Diagnosis

Shreya Hospital at Ghaziabad is the best treatment center for Bursitis. Orthopedic Specialists practicing here have expertise and vast experience in treating Bursitis.

They diagnose bursitis based on a medical history and physical exam. If required, might ask for bellow tests:

• Imaging tests. X-ray images can’t positively establish the diagnosis of bursitis, but they can help to exclude other causes of your discomfort. Ultrasound or MRI might be used if your bursitis can’t easily be diagnosed by a physical exam alone.
• Lab tests. Your doctor might order blood tests or an analysis of fluid from the inflamed bursa to pinpoint the cause of your joint inflammation and pain.

Treatments

Bursitis generally gets better on its own. Conservative measures, such as rest, ice and taking a pain reliever, can relieve discomfort. If it don’t work, Doctor might suggest:

• Medication. If the inflammation in your bursa is caused by an infection, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic.
• Therapy. Physical therapy or exercises can strengthen the muscles in the affected area to ease pain and prevent recurrence.
• Injections. A corticosteroid drug injected into the bursa can relieve pain and inflammation in your shoulder or hip. This treatment generally works quickly and, in many cases, one injection is all you need.
• Assistive device. Temporary use of a walking cane or other device will help relieve pressure on the affected area.
• Surgery. Sometimes an inflamed bursa must be surgically drained, but only rarely is surgical removal of the affected bursa necessary.