What Causes of Bursitis Pain?
Shoulder, knee, and elbow bursitis pain is common. The condition affects the small sacs throughout your body filled with fluid which are designed to cushion your bones, muscles, and tendons near joints. Occasionally, the bursae become inflamed, causing consistent pain and restriction of motion.
Bursitis can occur because of repetitive movements in joints near the hip, shoulder, and elbow and less frequently in the knee, heel, or the base of the big toe. The likelihood of bursitis tends to increase with age, and conditions such as gout, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis may add to your risk.
Additionally, your workplace may contribute to your risk. Those who work on their knees, such as carpenters or gardeners, are more likely to suffer from bursitis in the lower body, while those who often set their arms on a desk are more likely to suffer from olecranon bursitis in the elbow.
Symptoms And Diagnosis
While bursitis can be a painful ailment, its symptoms are generally easy to pinpoint. Achy or stiff joints or joints that are painful when moved or pressed are a reliable indication. If the area is swollen or red, that is usually a sign of inflammation. Sometimes this pain is temporary, but you should seek medical attention if it becomes debilitating, if you are unable to move the affected area, or if you begin to see excessive redness, bruising, or swelling.
In general, bursitis can be diagnosed with a simple physical examination and some information regarding medical history. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs may be administered, although these tests are mainly used to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. It is possible blood or fluid from the bursa may be tested as well.
Ways To Treat and Prevent Bursitis
Treatment of bursitis comes in many different forms. The most basic and simple treatment is rest. Because inflammation may go away on its own, the physician may first suggest rest and ice on the affected area. If infection appears to be the root cause, antibiotics may be prescribed.
If something more substantial is required, a corticosteroid injection may be administered. This is a minimally invasive procedure that works quickly and generally only required a single shot. Physical or aquatic therapy is also a therapeutic option designed to help you stretch or strengthen the joint. Lastly, surgery is a possibility if the pain persists for more than six months. However, the joint is usually drained rather than removed altogether.
To avoid the pain and stress associated with bursitis, there are a few simple steps you can take to help prevent it, including:
- Wearing knee pads when kneeling
- Practicing proper form when lifting
- Taking breaks when needed
- Exercising in moderation
- Warming up and stretching before physical activity