Many times pain from Arthritis or Sports Injuries don’t just affect the joints, it can be in the soft tissue around muscles and bones. Bursitis is a common condition that involves inflammation of the elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle or most often the shoulder.
Let’s take a look at why Bursitis occurs. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving parts: muscles, tendons, or skin. Bursae (the plural of bursa) are found throughout the body. Bursitis happens when a bursa becomes inflamed (redness and increased fluid in the bursa).
Bursitis is frequently caused by overuse or direct trauma to a joint. Bursitis may occur at the knee or elbow; for example, from kneeling or leaning on the elbows longer than usual on a hard surface. This condition occurs more often with age. The body becomes less flexible with age, and therefore, more prone to injury. People such as carpenters, gardeners, musicians, and athletes who perform activities that require repetitive motions or place stress on joints are at higher risk for bursitis.
An infection, arthritis, gout, thyroid disease, and diabetes can also bring about inflammation of a bursa, so speak to your physician about the symptoms and make sure to get a proper diagnosis.
The most important thing to do for treatment is to focus on healing the injured bursa. The first step in treating bursitis is to reduce pain and inflammation with:
- Rest
- Compression
- Elevation
- Anti-inflammatory medicines or natural supplements that reduce inflammation
Ice may also be used in acute injuries, but most cases of bursitis are considered chronic, and ice is not helpful. When ice is needed, an ice pack can be applied to the affected area for 15–20 minutes every 4–6 hours for 3–5 days. Longer use of ice and a stretching program may be recommended by a health care provider. Activity involving the affected joint is also restricted to encourage healing and prevent further injury.
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