Causes
Bursitis may be caused by:
- Injury to an area that contains a bursa
- Repetitive stress on the bursa
- Infection in a bursa
- Long periods of pressure on a joint, such as leaning on elbows, sitting, or kneeling on hard surfaces
- Health problems that cause inflammation in joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Repetitive motions, such as swimming, running, or tennis
- A job that requires:
- Repetitive motions, such as hammering or painting
- Long hours in one position, such as a kneeling to put down carpeting
- Contact sports
- Sporting gear that is too tight
- A puncture or deep cut that involves the bursa
Symptoms
Bursitis can cause:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Reddened skin
- Warmth around the area of the bursa
- Problems moving the nearby joint
- Problems moving or weakness of the nearby limb
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A
physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to ease pain and promote healing. Choices are:
- Supportive care, such as resting the area and applying cold compresses
- Medicines to ease pain and swelling, such as pain relievers or steroids
- Physical therapy to promote strength, flexibility, and range of motion
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery.
Prevention
To lower the risk of this problem:
- Exercise regularly to keep muscles strong
- Slowly increase the intensity and duration of activities
- Use the right safety gear and methods when playing sports
- Use proper safety equipment at work
- Take breaks from repetitive tasks
Causes
Bursitis may be caused by:
- Injury to an area that contains a bursa
- Repetitive stress on the bursa
- Infection in a bursa
- Long periods of pressure on a joint, such as leaning on elbows, sitting, or kneeling on hard surfaces
- Health problems that cause inflammation in joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Repetitive motions, such as swimming, running, or tennis
- A job that requires:
- Repetitive motions, such as hammering or painting
- Long hours in one position, such as a kneeling to put down carpeting
- Contact sports
- Sporting gear that is too tight
- A puncture or deep cut that involves the bursa
Symptoms
Bursitis can cause:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Reddened skin
- Warmth around the area of the bursa
- Problems moving the nearby joint
- Problems moving or weakness of the nearby limb
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A
physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to ease pain and promote healing. Choices are:
- Supportive care, such as resting the area and applying cold compresses
- Medicines to ease pain and swelling, such as pain relievers or steroids
- Physical therapy to promote strength, flexibility, and range of motion
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery.
Prevention
To lower the risk of this problem:
- Exercise regularly to keep muscles strong
- Slowly increase the intensity and duration of activities
- Use the right safety gear and methods when playing sports
- Use proper safety equipment at work
- Take breaks from repetitive tasks
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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