Bursitis Health Article

Definition

Bursitis is the painful inflammation of the bursa, a padlike sac of fluid found in areas of the musculoskeletal system that are subject to friction, such as joints. Bursae cushion the movement between the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. Bursitis is most often caused by repetitive movement performed by individuals in the course of their occupations, activities of daily living, or recreational activities.

Description

There are more than 150 bursae in the human body. Usually bursae are present from birth, but they may form in response to repeated excessive pressure. Each sac contains a small amount of synovial fluid, a clear liquid that acts as a lubricant. Inflammation causes pain on movement. The most common site for bursitis is the subdeltoid (shoulder), but it also is seen in the olecranon (elbows), trochanteric (hips), knees, heels (Achilles), and toes. The affected area may be referred to as "frozen," because movement is so limited. In the knee there are four bursae, and all can become inflamed with overuse.

Causes and symptoms

The most common cause of bursitis is repeated physical activity using excessive force, but it may also flare up for no known reason. Bursitis may be caused by trauma, proximity to inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, and it is also associated with acute or chronic infection.

Pain and tenderness are common symptoms. If the affected joint is close to the skin, as with the shoulder, knee, elbow, or Achilles tendon, swelling and redness are seen and the area over the joint may feel warm to the touch. The bursae around the hip joint are deeper, and swelling is not obvious. Movement may be limited and is painful. In the shoulder, it may be difficult for the patient

to raise the arm away from the side of the body. When the shoulder is affected, patients report difficulty with activities such as putting on clothes or combing their hair.

In acute bursitis, symptoms appear suddenly. With chronic bursitis, pain, tenderness, and limited movement flare up after exercise or strain.