Bursitis occurs when one of the many sacs (called bursa) that help reduce friction between the bones, tendons and muscles of your joints becomes inflamed. Although most cases of bursitis are temporary, the condition can limit your range of motion and cause pain if not properly treated. Speak with a Bayhealth orthopedic expert about bursitis.
Signs and Symptoms
There are numerous bursae all over the body, but the major bursae are located around large joints that perform frequent repetitive motion, such as your elbows, heels, hips, knees and shoulders. Common symptoms of bursitis include the following.
- Pain and localized tenderness
- Stiffness and limited movement
- Swelling and redness
Bursitis can also cause muscle deterioration if not properly treated.
Risk Factors
While the exact cause of bursitis varies depending on the patient, the condition typically develops due to excessive use of or injury to particular joints.
- Overuse: Active individuals, or those who hold physically demanding jobs, are at greater risk of developing bursitis due to repetitive stress on specific joints. For example: an athlete who throws a baseball every day could develop bursitis in their shoulder.
- Injury: A trauma—such as a fracture—to the joint or surrounding area increases the risk that you will develop bursitis at some point in your life.
- Advanced Age: The risk for developing bursitis increases as you age.
- Obesity: A high body weight can place significant pressure on weight-bearing areas of your body, such as your hips and knees, which can lead to bursitis.
- Other Conditions: Among the conditions that can heighten your risk for developing bursitis are rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, gout, tendonitis and thyroid disease. Learn about other orthopedic conditions treated at Bayhealth.
How We Diagnose Bursitis
Our experts use the following procedures to diagnose bursitis.
- Blood Work: A blood test may reveal signs of bursitis as well as rule out other conditions that may cause joint pain.
- Joint Fluid Analysis: Our experts draw fluid from the affected joint and test it for inflammation. This can also rule out other conditions, such as gout or infection.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A combination of a magnetic field and radio waves creates three-dimensional images of specific areas of your body.
- Ultrasound: High-energy sound waves are bounced off your internal tissues and organs, creating a detailed image (sonogram) of the affected area.
- X-Ray: A common medical imaging procedure, X-rays use radiation to capture colorless images of your bones, joints and soft tissue.
Treatment Options
Although many cases of bursitis can resolve on their own with rest and time, our orthopedic experts may order medication, corticosteroid injections or physical therapy to help with your recovery. Depending on the area of your body affected by bursitis, our experts may also prescribe the use of an assistive walking device such as a cane or walker.