Bursitis

Basic Information

What is Bursitis?

Inflammation of bursa, a soft fluid-filled sac that serves as a cushion between tendons and bones. Bursae usually affected are near the shoulders, elbows, knees, pelvis, hips or Achilles tendons.

Bursitis signs and symptoms

• Pain, tenderness and limited movement in the affected area with radiation of pain into the neck, arm and fingertips.
• Severe pain with movement of the arm.
• Fever (sometimes).

Causes

• Injury to a joint.
• Overuse of a joint.
• Strenuous, unaccustomed exercise.
• Calcium deposits in shoulder tendons with degeneration of the tendon.
• Acute or chronic infection.
• Arthritis.
• Gout.
• Unknown (frequently).

Risk increases with

• People who are involved in vigorous and repetitive athletic training.
• Exercise or sports participants who suddenly increase their activity levels ("weekend warriors").
• Improper stretching or overstretching.

Preventive measures

• Avoid injuries or overuse of muscles whenever possible. Wear protective gear for contact sports.
• Appropriate warm-up and cool-down.
• Maintain a high fitness level.

Expected outcomes

This is a common, but not a serious problem. Symptoms usually subside in 7 to 14 days with treatment.

Possible complications

Frozen joint or permanent limitation of a joint's mobility.

Bursitis treatment

General measures

• RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation of affected joint).
• Apply ice packs to the affected area during a flare-up or after receiving injections in the joint.
• After the acute stage, continued ice treatment (until inflammation subsides) or heat application may be recommended. If you use heat, take hot showers, use a heat lamp, apply hot compresses or a heating pad, or rub in deep-heating ointment.
• Invasive therapy may include aspiration of the joint or surgical excision.

Medications

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Cortisone injections into the bursa to reduce inflammation may be administered.
• Pain relievers if necessary.

Information	Brand	Generic	Label	Rating
	Motrin	Ibuprofen
	Naprosyn	Naproxen

Activity

Rest the inflamed area as much as possible. If you must resume normal activity immediately, wear a sling until the pain becomes more bearable. To prevent a frozen joint (especially in the shoulder), begin normal, slow joint movement as soon as possible.

Diet

No special diet.

Last updated 27 May 2015