Bursitis
(inflammation)
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Definition
Bursitis involves the inflammation of
the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between tendon and skin and/or
between tendon and bone. The conditionn may be acute or chronic.
Cause
Bursae
are
fluid-filled
cavities
located
at
tissue
sites
where
tendons
or
muscles
pass
over
bony
prominences
near
joints.
Their
function
is
to
aid
in
movement
and
reduce
friction
between
moving
parts.
Bursitis
can
be
caused
by
chronic
overuse,
trauma,
rheumatoid
arthritis,
gout,
or
infection.
Sometimes
the
cause
cannot
be
determined.
Bursitis
commonly
occurs
in
the
shoulder,
knee
(washmaid's
knee),
elbow,
and
hip.
Other
areas
that
may
be
affected
include
the
Achilles
tendon
and
the
foot.
Chronic
inflammation
can
occur
with
repeated
injuries
or
attacks
of
bursitis.
Symptoms
-
Joint
pain
and
tenderness
-
Swelling
-
Warmth
over
the
affected
joint
Signs
and
Tests
Physical
examination
shows
tender
or
swollen
joints.
Treatment
Your
health
care
provider
may
recommend
temporary
rest
or
immobilization
of
the
affected
joint
or
proper
orthotics.
NSAIDs
such
as
ibruprofen
may
relieve
pain
and
inflammation.
Formal
physical
therapy
may
be
helpful
as
well.
If
the
inflammation
does
not
respond
to
conservative
treatment,
aspiration
of
fluid
from
the
bursa
and
the
injection
of
corticosteroids
into
the
bursa
may
be
necessary.
Surgery
is
rarely
required.
Exercises
for
the
affected
area
should
be
started
as
the
pain
resolves.
If
muscle
atrophy
(weakness
and/or
decrease
in
size)
has
occurred,
Your
health
care
provider
may
suggest
exercises
to
build
strength
and
increase
mobility.
Bursitis
caused
by
infection
is
treated
with
antibiotics.
Sometimes
the
infected
bursa
must
be
drained
surgically.
Expectations
(prognosis)
The
condition
may
respond
well
to
treatment,
or
it
may
develop
into
a
chronic
condition
if
the
underlying
cause
cannot
be
corrected.
Complications
Chronic
bursitis
may
occur.
Too
many
steroid
injections
over
a
short
period
of
time
can
cause
injury
to
the
surrounding
tendons.
Prevention
Avoid
activities
that
include
repetitive
movements
of
any
body
parts
whenever
possible.
Recommendation
Flexifly™
1/4"
SofSponge
Cover,
1/4"
Heel
Pad
w/
Depr
Flexifly™
Anatomical
Sport
Generation
II
Flexifly™
Anatomical
1/4"
Heel
Pad
w/
Dress
Leather
Cover
Casual
Orthotics
w/
metatarsal,
1/8"
Pad
&
Suede
Cover
Dress
Orthotics
w/
metatarsal
leather
cover
Flexifly™
Anatomical
1/2"
SofSponge
Heel
w/
Depr.
The
content
is
not
intended
to
be
a
substitute
for
professional
medical
advice,
diagnosis,
or
treatment.
Always
seek
the
advice
of
your
physician
with
any
questions
you
may
have
regarding
a
medical
condition.
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site
does
not
provide
medical
advice.
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