Bursitis is a painful medical condition that affects the tiny, fluid-filled sacs – known as bursae –that serve as cushions to our bones, muscles, and tendons near the joints. In simple terms, bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of the bursa sac. The most common sites for bursitis to occur are the shoulders, elbows, and hips. However, the condition can also prop up in the knee, heels, and base of the big toe. Bursitis is a common ailment that affects joints that are subjected to a lot of repeated action. Since we now know the fundamental aspects of bursitis, let us dovetail into its various details.
When does bursitis occur?
The primary cause of bursitis is excessive and recurring pressure on an area or using a specific joint in the body too much. Thus, indulging in the same type of movements like running, walking, cycling, etc., every day puts a lot of stress on the joints and increases the risk of bursitis. People can also be inflicted with bursitis by standing and sitting the wrong way for extended time periods. Likewise, not stretching prior to exercising can also trigger bursitis.
Our tendons become less elastic and more prone to wear and tear as we age. Thus, the susceptibility to bursitis also increases with age. Furthermore, reactions to medications, stress, and inflammation from other pre-existing conditions like arthritis, gout, thyroid disorders, etc., may also increase the risk of getting bursitis.
How is bursitis detected and their treatment:
Bursitis can be detected when there is –
- Pain
- A gradual build-up of pain near a join that may suddenly become excruciating
- Limited mobility
- Swollen, red, and stiff joints
Therefore, if you or your loved one experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit a doctor at the earliest. Then, moving ahead, when it comes to treatment, various feasible remedies help in mitigating the condition.
- Conservative Measures – Although bursitis is highly distressing and painful at varying levels, conservative measures such as rest, ice bags, and taking pain relievers can help alleviate the condition.
- Injections – A corticosteroid drug injected into the bursa can mitigate pain and inflammation associated with bursitis.
- Therapy – Bursitis can be alleviated by physical therapy or activities that strengthen the muscles in the affected area.
- Assistive Technologies – The temporary usage of walking sticks and other devices can ease the pressure from the area affected by bursitis and fasten the healing process.
- Surgical procedure – At times, the inflamed bursa has to be drained surgically. However, surgery is the ultimate option and is necessary only in rare conditions.
- The treatment of bursitis also involves a lot of rest and protecting the affected area from further trauma. Nevertheless, in most mild to moderate cases, the pain goes away naturally with proper treatment, but recurrent flare-ups are common.
To summarize
Finally, bursitis is a disorder that has an effect on the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs in the joints of the lower limbs. The condition is curable, and several viable treatments are available. Likewise, conservative measures can also ease the pain.
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