What is bursitis?

Causes and Symptoms

Bursas
are flattened, fibrous sacs that minimize friction on adjacent structures during activity involving a joint. The most well known bursas are around the knees, elbows, and shoulders. These protective joint sacs are lined with a fluid-producing membrane called the synovial membrane. Bursas are common in sites where ligaments, muscles, skin, or tendons overlie and may rub against bone. Most bursas are present at birth, but false bursas may develop at any site where there is excessive motion.

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, causing it to become warm, painful, and often swollen. Bursitis is usually caused by the inappropriate or excessive use of a joint. For example, pressure, friction, infections, or injury to a joint and surrounding tissues can cause membranes of the bursa to become inflamed.

Bursitis of the kneecap (prepatellar bursitis, or “housemaid’s knee”) is commonly caused by prolonged kneeling on a hard surface such as the floor. Similarly, olecranon bursitis (“student’s elbow”) is caused by pressure of the elbow against a table or desk. Perhaps the most common type of bursitis is of the shoulder joint, called subdeltoid bursitis.

Treatment and Therapy

The treatment for bursitis caused by overuse is usually rest and avoidance of the activity that resulted in the condition. Several days of rest is typically all that is needed for the swelling to subside. Ice packs may help relieve some of the minor pain and inflammation. If the inflammation does not subside after a few days, a physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce the inflammation and pain. Occasionally, a doctor will inject the inflamed bursa with a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone. In rare cases, where the symptoms are recurrent, a physician may remove the bursa (bursectomy). If the bursitis is caused by an infection, the most appropriate treatment is antibiotic therapy. During and after medical or surgical treatment, physical therapy may be recommended to improve the strength and mobility of the joint.

Bibliography:

Leach, Robert E. "Bursitis." Health Library, Nov. 26, 2012.

Leikin, Jerrold B., and Martin S. Lipsky, eds. American Medical Association Complete Medical Encyclopedia. New York: Random, 2003.

Marieb, Elaine N., and Katja Hoehn. Human Anatomy and Physiology. 9th ed. San Francisco: Pearson, 2010.

MedlinePlus. "Bursitis." MedlinePlus, Apr. 24, 2013.

Parker, James N., and Philip M. Parker, eds. The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Shoulder Bursitis. San Diego, Calif.: Icon, 2002.