Bursitis

Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs — called bursae (bur-SEE) — that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed.

The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip. But you can also have bursitis by your knee, heel and the base of your big toe. Bursitis often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion.

Causes

The most common causes of bursitis are injury or overuse. Infection may also cause it.

Bursitis is also associated with other problems. These include arthritis, gout, tendonitis, diabetes, and thyroid disease.

Symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of bursitis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently.

• Pain
• Localized tenderness
• Limited motion
• Swelling and redness if the inflamed bursa is close to the surface of the skin
• Chronic bursitis may involve repeated attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness. These may lead to the deterioration of muscles and a limited range of motion in the affected joint.

The symptoms of bursitis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How to diagnose Bursitis?

Your health care provider will ask you questions about the pain and do a physical exam. The results may be enough for a diagnosis. If you have another bursitis flare-up or signs of infection, your provider may recommend:

• X-rays to rule out other conditions.
• Ultrasound or MRI (magnetic imaging resonance) imaging tests to detect swollen bursae.
• A blood test to look for infection.
• A sample of fluid from the bursa, if infected.

This condition will be rated on limitation of motion of affected body part.