What is Bursitis?
What is bursitis?
Bursitis is caused by inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. There are approximately 160 bursae in the body. The major bursae are located bordering the tendons near large joints such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles.
What causes bursitis?
Bursitis is most often caused by repetitive minor impact on the area, or a serious injury. In addition, incorrect posture at work or home and poor stretching or conditioning before exercise can also lead to bursitis. The following risk factors have been associated with the development of bursitis:
- Repetitive stress or overuse injury
- Spine disease
- Joint-related injury
- Bone spurs or calcium deposits
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Leg-length inequality
Who usually gets bursitis?
Bursitis is more common in adults, especially women over 40 years of age.
What parts of the body does bursitis affect?
Any part of the body that has a bursa can be irritated and inflamed. However, the following joints have the highest risk factors for the development of bursitis:
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Hip
- Knee
- Achilles tendon
What are the symptoms of bursitis?
The symptoms of bursitis are directly related to the level of inflammation of the bursa. The inflamed bursa can cause localized pain and tenderness. If the bursa is so severely inflamed that swelling occurs, it can cause local redness and warmth. The pain may increase gradually or sudden. If calcium deposits are present, the pain can be severe.
How can I prevent bursitis?
Avoiding behaviors and activities that make the inflammation of the bursa worse is the best way to prevent bursitis. For example:
- Avoid repetitive activities that put stress on the bursa.
- Maintain strength and flexibility of the muscle surrounding the joint/bursa.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
How is bursitis treated?
The doctor will feel the joint for swelling or tenderness. An x-ray may be taken or fluid from the bursa may be removed with a small needle to check for infection.
Drug therapies include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and swelling. Over the counter NSAIDs include: ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). Be forewarned that using NSAIDs over a long period of time can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and heart attack.
- Corticosteroid injections into the bursa can reduce inflammation. Usually only one shot is needed. Sometimes oral corticosteroids are used to treat chronic inflammation.
Natural therapies include:
- A healthy diet including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish and avoiding sugary, fatty and processed foods.
- Nutraceuticals such as glucosamine sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C with flavonoids and bromelain
- Herbs such as Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), Turmeric (Curcuma Longa), White Willow (Salic Alba)
The use of nutraceuticals and herbs can decrease the level of inflammation. However, they can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, nutraceuticals, or medications. They should be taken with care, and under the supervision of a health care provider.
While massage may be tempting to relieve pain, it is not recommended until an infection has been ruled out. Then it may help to reduce the discomfort from a sore joint.
Chiropractic and Movement Therapy
- Mobilizing the muscles around the joints will help reduce the pressure on the joint and bursa.
- Graston Therapy may help break down adhesion, increasing flexibility and reducing muscle tension.
- Other therapies, including chiropractic adjustments and muscle release techniques, may also be helpful to improve muscles and ligaments and reduce the tension caused by repetitive motions.