Overview
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs found in your joints. They surround the areas where tendons, skin, and muscle tissues meet bones. The lubrication they add helps reduce friction during movement.
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae. Inflamed bursae cause pain and discomfort in the affected location. They also limit the ways you can move your joints.
Types of Bursitis
There are several types of bursitis. These conditions may be chronic (meaning they occur on a regular basis) or acute (meaning they appear suddenly).
Prepatellar bursitis is inflammation around your kneecaps. It can be acute or chronic.
Olecranon bursitis is inflammation around your elbows. It is usually chronic. These bursae are located at the tips of your elbows.
Trochanteric bursitis occurs in the bursae of the hips. It can develop slowly. It may appear alongside other medical conditions, such as arthritis.
Retrocalcaneal bursitis may cause pain and swelling in your heels. It can be acute or chronic.
What Causes Bursitis?
The most common causes of bursitis are injuries or damage to the bursae. Damage may trigger pain, swelling, and redness in the location.
However, causes tend to be different for each type of bursitis:
Prepatellar
Tears or damage to the kneecaps or bursae may cause swelling. Other causes are:
sports-related activities
bending the knees repeatedly
staying on the knees for long periods of time
infection
bleeding in the bursae
Olecranon
Repeatedly resting your elbows on hard surfaces can cause this type of bursitis. It can also be caused by infection.
Trochanteric
Many things may trigger bouts of inflammation and pain in the hips. These include:
lying on the hip(s) for long periods of time
infection
injury
improper posture (sitting or standing)
any disease that affects the bones, such as arthritis
Retrocalcaneal
Running, jumping, or other repetitive activities can inflame the bursae in the heels. Beginning a strenuous exercise without properly warming up may also be a cause.
Who Is at Risk For Bursitis?
Risk factors for bursitis include:
having a chronic medical problem
participating in repetitive sports or activities
improper posture
getting an infection that may spread to the bursae, bones, and joints
injuries in the joints or bones near the bursae
What Are the Symptoms of Bursitis?
General symptoms of bursitis include:
pain
swelling
redness
fever accompanied by chills
thickening of the bursae
an abscess (localized infection) in the bursae
The different types of bursitis also have their own, specific symptoms.
With prepatellar and olecranon bursitis, it can be hard to bend your arm or leg.
Trochanteric and retrocalcaneal bursitis can cause difficulty walking.
Trochanteric bursitis can make it painful to lie on your hip.
Diagnosing Bursitis
Bursitis can often be diagnosed by physical exam. However, tests can also be used to diagnose this condition. An MRI can take images of the affected area. Blood tests and samples from the affected bursae can also be used for diagnosis.
Treating Bursitis
Some people with bursitis will be helped with rest, pain medication, and icing the joint. However, other treatments may be necessary.
Antibiotics can help rid your body of infections in or around the bursae.
Corticosteroids can be used to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Surgery can remove damaged bursae or drain fluids from the bursae.
Physical therapy may help relieve pain and other symptoms.
Long-Term Outlook of Bursitis
Your condition may improve with treatment. However, bursitis can become chronic. This may be more likely if your bursitis is caused by an underlying health problem that cannot be treated.
Talk to your doctor if pain or other symptoms do not improve with treatment.
Source: http://www.healthline.com