What Is Bursitis?
Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed. The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip. Bursitis typically develops in individuals over the age of 40 who exercise vigorously multiple days a week
Bursitis is usually caused by repeated pressure on an area or by using a joint too much. High-risk activities include gardening, raking, carpentry, shoveling, painting, scrubbing, tennis, golf, skiing, and throwing. You can also get bursitis by sitting or standing the wrong way for a long time at work or home, or by not stretching enough before you exercise. Sudden injury can sometimes cause bursitis.
Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of bursitis is pain. It can develop slowly or be severe and sudden. Other symptoms can include stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and redness around the affected area. Pain symptoms will often intensify when calcium deposits are present. As patients prolong treatment, they increase their risk of developing a condition called adhesive capsulitis, which is also known as “frozen shoulder.” This causes immobility and severe pain in patients who are affected by bursitis of the shoulders.
Treatment
Bursitis pain can be treated in several different ways. Conservative measures may be considered first. Those treatments include rest, cold hot compresses, elevation, and over-the-counter pain medications. Desert Pain also may recommend a series of injections over the span of several weeks which may be necessary for optimal pain relief. Therapies such as supplements, physical therapy also may be included to complement the patient’s pain management regimen.