Bursae refer to fluid-filled sacs spread around your articulations. The specific location of these structures is around the areas where tendons, skin, and muscle tissues meet bones. The main job of bursae is to lubricate the joint and reduce mechanical friction during movement. When these fluid-filled sacs get inflamed, we call this condition bursitis. As a result, the affected joint develops pain and swelling.
The Signs and Symptoms of Bursitis
General symptoms of bursitis are:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Thickening of your bursae
With different types of bursitis, you can expect some specific symptoms.
For instance, olecranon bursitis makes it difficult to bend your arm, whereas trochanteric bursitis renders walking very challenging.
The Causes of Bursitis
The most prevalent causes of bursitis are injuries to the bursae, which trigger pain, swelling, and redness of the joint.
Depending on the type of bursitis you develop, causes may vary:
Prepatellar bursitis – this is due to tearing of the kneecap bursae
Causes include:
- Physical injury
- Repeated bending of the knee
- Infections
- Bleeding inside the bursae
Trochanteric bursitis – this type of bursitis affects the hips.
Triggers of trochanteric bursitis include:
- Lying on your hips for a long time
- Injury
- Improper posture while sitting or standing
Olecranon bursitis – affecting the elbow joint, olecranon bursitis occurs when you rest your elbows on hard surfaces for a long period of time.
The Treatment Options for Bursitis
The general approach to treat bursitis includes rest, painkillers, and applying ice on the affected joints.
Specific treatments include:
- Antibiotics if the bursae get infected
- Corticosteroids for severe pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy to restore the function of the joint
Your Provider may also prescribe one of the following medications:
- clindamycin
- Dicloxacillin
Bursitis refers to the inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that lubricate the joints during movement. If you believe you have Bursitis, telemedicine makes it possible for you to get the care you deserve. Schedule a virtual consultation with a Telakai Health online Provider and get on the road to recovery. Schedule your visit today.
