What is bursitis?
The bursa is a fluid-filled sac. Inflammation of this fluid-filled sac is called bursitis. Joints that are involved in repetitive movements are commonly affected by inflammation.
The most commonly affected joints are the shoulder, elbow and hip. But it can also affect the knee, heel and base of the big toe.
What is the Classification:
• Subacromial or Subdeltoid Bursitis:
Inflammation involves bursae in the arm due to its repetitive movement is called subacromial or subdeltoid bursitis.
• Olecranon or Elbow Bursitis:
Inflammation of bursae near the elbow is called olecranon or elbow bursitis.
• Trochanteric or Hip-Bursitis:
Inflammation of the bursa in the hip is called hip bursitis. It occurs as a result of excessive running. There is intermittent pain over the lateral hip.
• Ischial Bursitis:
The pain radiates down the back side of the thigh. Inflammation occurs due to trauma,
sitting for a long period.
• Housemaid’s knee or Prepatellar or Kneecap Bursitis:
Inflammation results from the constant movement of the knee that causes friction between knee cap and skin.
• Infrapatellar Bursitis:
Kneeling in an upright position frequently for a long time results in infrapatellar bursitis.
• Anserine or Knee Bursitis:
Obese patients with osteoarthritis are prone to develop this disease. Pain is felt in the middle part of the knee that radiates to the inner thigh and calf.
• Calcaneal Bursitis:
Poor-fitting shoes result in inflammation of the bursae.
Friction occurs as a result of repetitive movement of a joint and causes inflammation of bursae e.g. pressure develops on the hip joint because of sitting in one position for a long period, lifting heavy objects overhead repetitively causes inflammation of shoulder joint bursae, kneeling frequently and for a long time causes inflammation of knee joint bursae.
What are the symptoms of Bursitis?
• Joint pain.
• Tenderness around the joint on pressure.
• Stiffness.
• Swollen joint.
How do you get affected by Bursitis?
An injury can irritate the tissue inside the bursa and cause inflammation. Bursitis caused by an injury usually takes some time to develop or due to overuse of the joints, tendons, or muscles near the bursa may have been overused. Mostly, injury is caused by repetitive movements.
What happens if you leave bursitis untreated?
If bursitis is left untreated can result in calcium deposits (calcific bursitis) in the soft tissues, resulting in permanent loss of movement to that area.
Is the condition of bursitis serious?
Septic Bursitis is a Serious Side of Bursitis and it is a common cause of joint pain, which occurs when the thin protective sac that covers a joint—the bursa— becomes inflamed. However, 1 in 5 cases of bursitis become infected, which is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
How is Bursitis managed?
Conservative measurements such as Rest, and applying ice and pain relievers are helpful in mold cases.
If conservative treatment does not provide relief:
• Physical therapy or exercise strengthens the muscles in the affected area.
• Rarely surgery is done to drain bursitis.
Diet:
• Vitamin C, flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids-rich food help relieve inflammation.
• Keep yourself well hydrated.
What are the commonly indicated Bursitis medicines?
- Arsenicum album
- Sticta pulmonaria
- Sulphur
- Belladonna
- Bryonia
- Apis mellifica
