If you experience joint pain accompanied by swelling and redness of the affected area, you could be suffering from bursitis. The pain may limit your joint’s mobility, making it hard to walk or lift heavy objects. What is bursitis, what causes it and what are the treatment options available? Here is what you need to know.
What is bursitis?
Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid sacs known as the bursae, which protect your joints against too much pressure. When the bursae are infected, they become swollen and painful. The swelling can be felt and is also sometimes visible. The inflammation tends to affect joints around the shoulders, hips and the elbows. Knees and feet can also be affected.
Causes of bursitis
The most common cause of bursitis is injury. If you fall or hit a hard surface, the fluid sacs around your joints may become inflamed. Also, if you exert too much pressure on your joints when lifting heavy objects, you are likely to affect the fluid sacs and this may cause bursitis. It is therefore important to practice measures that prevent orthopedic work injuries.
Inflammatory diseases may also cause bursitis. If you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or gout, the inflammation caused by these conditions may extend to the bursae, leading to inflamed joints.
Bursitis may also be caused by bacterial infection. If this is the case, you may experience fever and sometimes have a wound around the affected area.
Treatment options and recovery
Once you have been diagnosed with bursitis, treatment should begin immediately. This not only prevents further infection, but also speeds up the recovery process. Your doctor may recommend resting to avoid straining the affected area. If the inflammation persists, you may need to seek further medical attention.
If bursitis is caused by injury, your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment option. Steroids may be injected into the affected bursa to manage the inflammation. If the inflammation is due to a bacterial infection, your doctor may recommend antibiotics.
For chronic bursitis, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to restore your mobility.
Don’t let bursitis limit your daily activities — consult orthopedic professionals today
At Missouri Orthopedics & Advanced Sports Medicine, we are committed to offering high-quality orthopedic care that meets your unique needs. Contact us today to book an appointment and have your joint injuries handled by skilled professionals.