Dr BurkeWhat Is Bursitis?
Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. When these sacs become inflamed, it leads to pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Bursitis most commonly occurs in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, though it can affect other joints as well. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating bursitis, helping patients recover quickly and get back to their daily activities.
Bursitis occurs when the bursae, which are located near the joints, become irritated or inflamed. Normally, these sacs act as a cushion to reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles, allowing the joints to move smoothly. However, when they become inflamed, movement becomes painful, and the affected joint can feel stiff and swollen.
Bursitis can be either acute, caused by a sudden injury or infection, or chronic, developing over time due to repetitive motions or joint stress. While bursitis can affect any joint, it is most commonly seen in areas that undergo frequent, repetitive motion or pressure, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and heels.
Causes of Bursitis
Bursitis typically develops due to repetitive motion or prolonged pressure on a joint, though it can also result from acute injury or infection. Common causes include:
- Repetitive Motions: Activities that involve repeated motions, such as lifting, throwing, or kneeling, can lead to inflammation of the bursae. This is common in athletes, as well as people with jobs that require repetitive tasks.
- Prolonged Pressure: Continuous pressure on certain joints, such as leaning on your elbows for long periods or kneeling on hard surfaces, can irritate the bursae and lead to bursitis.
- Trauma or Injury: A sudden injury, such as a hard fall or bump to the joint, can cause acute bursitis by irritating or damaging the bursae.
- Infection: In rare cases, a bursa may become infected, leading to a condition called septic bursitis. This requires immediate medical attention and is often treated with antibiotics.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes, can increase the risk of developing bursitis due to increased inflammation or joint stress.
Symptoms of Bursitis
The symptoms of bursitis vary depending on the affected joint, but common signs include:
- Pain: A dull ache or sharp pain in the affected joint, which may worsen with movement or pressure. The pain may be localized to a specific area or radiate outward.
- Swelling: Swelling and tenderness around the joint due to the inflamed bursa. The area may also feel warm to the touch.
- Stiffness: Limited range of motion in the affected joint, making it difficult to move comfortably. Stiffness is particularly common in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Redness and Warmth: In cases of septic bursitis, the skin around the affected joint may become red and feel warm, accompanied by signs of infection such as fever or chills.
Bursitis can develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the cause. Symptoms are often aggravated by continued movement or pressure on the affected joint.
Diagnosis of Bursitis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing bursitis involves a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests or lab work may be required to rule out other conditions or confirm the presence of bursitis.
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the affected joint for signs of tenderness, swelling, and limited range of motion. They may ask about your daily activities or any recent injuries that could have contributed to the condition.
2. X-rays: Although X-rays cannot detect bursitis directly, they are often used to rule out other causes of joint pain, such as fractures, bone spurs, or arthritis.
3. Ultrasound or MRI: These imaging tests can provide detailed images of soft tissues, including the bursae, and help confirm the diagnosis of bursitis.
4. Aspiration: In cases of suspected septic bursitis, the doctor may use a needle to withdraw fluid from the affected bursa for testing. This helps determine whether infection or gout is present.
Treatment for Bursitis
Treatment for bursitis at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and preventing further irritation to the affected joint. Most cases of bursitis can be treated with non-surgical methods, but severe or recurrent cases may require more advanced interventions.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the affected joint and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition are essential to allowing the bursae to heal. In some cases, temporary immobilization with a brace or splint may be recommended.
- Ice and Compression: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling, particularly in the early stages of bursitis. Compression with an elastic bandage may also help control inflammation.
- Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of severe or persistent bursitis, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
- Physical Therapy: Once the acute inflammation subsides, physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and improve flexibility. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent future episodes of bursitis.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery is rarely needed for bursitis, but it may be considered in severe or chronic cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief. Surgical options include:
- Bursectomy: In this procedure, the inflamed bursa is surgically removed. The body will naturally form a new bursa in its place as part of the healing process.
- Debridement: For patients with chronic bursitis, the surgeon may remove damaged tissue around the affected joint to reduce irritation and improve joint function.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from bursitis typically depends on the severity of the inflammation and whether surgery was required. Most patients experience relief within a few weeks with proper treatment and rest.
For non-surgical cases, patients can gradually resume normal activities once the pain and swelling subside. A personalized physical therapy program may be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improve flexibility, and prevent future flare-ups.
For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary based on the procedure and the patient’s overall health. Rehabilitation through physical therapy is critical to restoring joint function and preventing further injury.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Bursitis?
Dr. Burke Orthopedics offers comprehensive care for patients with bursitis, from accurate diagnosis to personalized treatment plans. Our team of orthopedic specialists is dedicated to providing effective, non-surgical treatments whenever possible, while offering advanced surgical options for patients with more severe cases. With a focus on patient education, we empower our patients to take an active role in their recovery and prevent future episodes of bursitis.