Bursitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Bursitis is a common condition featuring painful swelling, usually around the knees, feet, and shoulder joints. The condition is associated with the bursa, a tiny, fluid-filled sac that cushions spaces around the bones, muscles, tendons, and skin.

The bursa swells when it undergoes irritation. The condition often results from overusing and pressurizing on a bursa. The onset could be sudden or gradual.

However, what are the symptoms of bursitis, how do doctors diagnose and treat it, and how to prevent it? Let’s answer these questions about bursitis in this blog.

Bursitis Symptoms

Bursitis results in the following.

• Swelling
• Pain while moving a particular part of the body
• Limited range of motion

In infection-induced bursitis, people may also suffer from fever, feeling of warmth or heat, redness or discoloration, and chills.

Bursitis Diagnosis

Doctors conduct a physical examination to diagnose bursitis. They usually ask you about the symptoms and examine the affected region. While discussing your case, you must inform your doctor about the activity you were performing before the symptoms started showing up. Besides, you must discuss activities you perform, requiring repetitive motion. The doctors suggest some tests including;

• Blood test to examine the infection
• X-rays to rule out the onset or existence of other conditions
• Ultrasound
• Sample of the fluid if the doctors suspect infection

Bursitis Treatment

Bursitis usually heals on its own. However, if it doesn’t and symptoms are unbearable, you must undergo medical treatment. Treating bursitis usually focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms, and addressing the underlying cause of the condition. Let’s look at some treatment options.

• Injections: Doctors inject a corticosteroid injection into the bursa to relieve pain and inflammation in the shoulder or hip. The treatment shows instant results. A single injection can help serve the purpose.
• Medication: If infection is the cause, doctors may prescribe an antibiotic.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists prescribe and help perform various exercises and stretches to improve strength, flexibility, and also range of motion. Techniques like massage reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Surgery: The need for surgery is rare. However, in some cases, surgically draining the inflamed bursa may be necessary.
• Immobilization: For some people, doctors may recommend a brace, splint, or supportive device to immobilize the affected joints, reduce stress on the bursa, and promote healing.

Note: You must consult a doctor before undergoing the above treatments.

Bursitis Prevention

You can prevent bursitis with a range of simple measures.

• Taking Regular Breaks: While performing activities involving repetitive movements, you must take regular breaks to rest and stretch. Besides, changing positions or alternating tasks can reduce muscle and joint stress.
• Maintaining Proper Body Posture: Practicing the correct posture during physical activities while performing repetitive movements can help keep bursitis at bay. Additionally, you must avoid overexertion and use the appropriate lifting techniques to minimize joint stress.
• Staying Active: Sedentary lifestyles can make you more susceptible to bursitis. Instead, performing low-impact exercises regularly can help strengthen muscles, keep joints healthy, and enhance flexibility.
• Using Protecting Gear: Protective equipment like knee pads, helmets, or elbow pads provide cushioning to support the joints and avoid inflammation.
• Reducing Repetitive Movements: Minimizing repetitive movements or actions that stress the joints, particularly when they cause pain, can prevent bursitis.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: If you carry some extra pounds, doctors may recommend losing weight. This is because additional weight stresses the joints, increasing the likelihood of bursitis and other joint-related problems. Thus, it would help to get a healthy diet charted by an expert.

Do you still have questions about bursitis or need specific consultation? Visit Ranka Hospital. Our doctors will thoroughly diagnose your condition and prescribe the right treatment. Call us at +91 – 20 – 24261530 to schedule an appointment with us.