What is bursitis? What causes it and what treatment is available?
The term bursitis is often applied freely to common aches and pains but it has a more specific definition. There are multiple bursas throughout the human body. They are located around joints to buffer and decrease friction of muscular and tendon movement over boney prominences. They are most commonly thought of in the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees although others do exist. The term bursitis refers to the bursa becoming inflamed for any reason.
What leads to bursitis? It is usually associated with repetitive activity. Kneeling or resting elbows on hard surfaces can also be an irritating factor. Carpet layers and gardeners may be prone to knee bursitis because of the amount of kneeling required. Throwing a ball or painting may lead to bursitis of the shoulder. Excessive sitting or laying on your side on a firm surface may be the cause of hip bursitis. Bursitis may also be precipitated by trauma.
Wearing protective gear such as knee or elbow pads can be helpful in avoiding bursitis. Avoiding repetitive activity is also beneficial. Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the probability of bursitis as well.
Treatment for bursitis can be as simple as avoiding the offending activity. Over-the-counter anti- inflammatory medication will help for some people. Physical therapy and steroid injections are sometimes used as well. In certain situations, surgery may be required to give resolution to the problem.
If a bursa were to become infected, oral antibiotics would be the first choice of treatment followed by surgical debridement if not resolved with conservative treatment.
Your local orthopedic surgeon can be helpful in deciding if your condition is truly bursitis or if it is something else that would benefit from another type of treatment.
Orthopedic Care
Utica Park Clinic – Owasso
10512 N. 110th East Ave., Suite 220
Owasso, OK 74055
918.376.8959
