A bursa is a small sac of fluid that helps the tissues around a joint slide over one another easily. Injury or overuse of a joint can cause pain, redness, and inflammation in the bursa (bursitis). Bursitis usually gets better if you avoid the activity that caused it. You can help prevent bursitis from coming back by doing stretching and strengthening exercises. You may also need to change the way you do some activities.
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a small sac of fluid that cushions and lubricates an area where tissues—including bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, or skin—rub against one another. Bursae are located throughout the body, in and on joints and other places that are at risk of rubbing or pressure.
Bursitis can be caused by prolonged or repeated pressure on a bursa or by activities that require repeated twisting or rapid joint movement. It can also be caused by trauma or by infection or systemic diseases such as arthritis. Symptoms of bursitis may include:
Bursitis can often be treated at home by resting, applying ice or cold packs to the affected area, and avoiding the activities that irritate the area or cause pain. If the area is warm and red, an infection may also be present. This requires medical evaluation.
Traumatic bursitis is bleeding in a bursa caused by a direct blow to the bursa.
Septic bursitis is an infection of a bursa, which sometimes results from traumatic bursitis. Septic bursitis requires medical treatment. This may include surgery and/or a hospital stay for intravenous (I.V.) antibiotic therapy.
Bursitis usually causes a dull pain, tenderness, and stiffness near the affected bursa. The bursa may swell and make the skin around it red and warm to the touch. Bursitis is most common in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. It may also occur near the Achilles tendon or in the foot.
Your doctor may suggest physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your joints. Extra fluid may also be removed from the bursa. If the fluid gets infected, you may need antibiotics. Your doctor may also give you a shot of medicine to reduce swelling. Some people need surgery to drain or remove the bursa.
You may be able to prevent bursitis from happening or coming back.
Your doctor will ask about your past health and recent activities and examine the area. If your symptoms are severe or get worse even after treatment, you may need other tests. Your doctor may drain fluid from the bursa and test it for infection. Or you may need X-rays, an MRI, or an ultrasound.
Bursitis is a painful swelling of a small sac of fluid called a bursa. Bursae (plural of bursa) cushion and lubricate areas where tendons, ligaments, skin, muscles, or bones rub against each other. Doing the same movement over and over or putting continued pressure on a joint can cause bursitis.
Bursitis is commonly caused by:
Bursitis can also be caused by other problems, such as arthritis or infection (septic bursitis).
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