General Illness Information Common Name: BURSITIS Medical Term: None Specified Description: Inflammation of a bursa is known as bursitis and causes pain in the affected area. A bursa is a soft fluid-filled sac that serves as a cushion between tendons and bones. They are located at sites of friction, especially where tendons or muscles pass over a bone, mostly near joints. A bursa normally contains very little fluid. However, when injured, it gets inflammed and fills up with fluid. Bursas most commonly affected are: elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, or the heel (near Achilles tendon). Causes: The causes of bursitis are frequently unknown. Possible causes include: Strenuous, unaccustomed exercise; Injury to a joint; Overuse of a joint; Acute or chronic infection; Arthritis; Gout; Calcium deposits in shoulder tendons with degeneration of the tendon. Prevention: Avoid injuries or overuse of muscles whenever possible. Wear protective gear for contact sports. Appropriate warm-up and cool-down- during exercise. Maintain a high fitness level. Signs & Symptoms Pain, tenderness and limited movement in the affected area with radiation of pain into adjacent areas. Risk Factors Associated with: Vigorous and repetitive athletic training. Exercise or sports participants who suddenly increase their activity levels ("weekend warriors"). Improper preparation before exercise. Diagnosis & Treatment General Measures: Diagnosis of bursitis is considered when the area around the bursa is sore when touched and specific joint movements are painful. If the bursa is really swollen, then a sample of fluid may be extracted with a syringe and the fluid is sent to the laboratory to find out the cause of inflammation such as infection or gout. X-rays are not helpful except in cases where there is calcium deposit. RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation of affected joint). Apply ice packs to the affected area during a flare-up or after receiving injections in the joint. After the acute stage, continued ice treatment (until inflammation subsides) or heat application may be recommended. If you use heat, take hot showers, use a heat lamp, apply hot compresses or a heating pad, or rub in deep-heating ointment. Invasive therapy may include aspiration of the bursa, or surgical excision. Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs- such as naproxen, ibuprofen Cortisone injections (mixed with local anesthetic) into the bursa to reduce inflammation may be administered. Pain relievers if necessary. Activity: Rest the inflamed area as much as possible. If you must resume normal activity immediately, wear a sling until the pain becomes more bearable. To prevent a frozen joint (especially in the shoulder), begin normal, slow joint movement as soon as possible. Diet: No special diet. Possible Complications : Frozen joint or permanent limitation of joints' mobility. Prognosis This is a common, but not a serious problem. Symptoms usually subside in 7 to 14 days with treatment. Bursitis tends to recur if the underlying cause such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or overuse is not corrected.