Hi Anon - I've had bursitis, and it can be very painful. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa which is a thin, slippery piece of tissue that protects tendons. Tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. The bursa reduces friction between the tendon and bone, allowing the tendon to glide easily over the bone. There are many bursae in the body protecting underlying tendons. Bursitis most often occurs in the following joints:
* Shoulder
* Elbow
* Knee
* Hip
* Ankle
Acute bursitis may be caused by:
* A blow to an area containing a bursa
* Overexertion of a joint (eg, swimming a long distance or throwing a ball many times)
Chronic bursitis is usually caused by long-term overuse of one muscle-tendon unit, for example a joint. The repeated motion of that muscle-tendon unit causes friction in the bursa. As the activity continues, the bursa becomes inflamed and may fill with fluid. The bursa thickens and does not function well. Both bursa and tendon may become irritated.
Acute bursitis treatment may include some of the following:
* Resting the affected area
* Icing the painful area
* Taking anti-inflammatory medications
* Having a cortisone injection
* Protecting the area from trauma
Treatment for chronic bursitis may include:
* Stopping the activity causing pain
* Taking anti-inflammatory medications
* Protecting the bursa from trauma
* Having physical therapy, including exercising and applying heat
* Having a cortisone injection
* Undergoing surgery
To protect against bursitis in the future, the following is recommended:
* Do not overdo sports and other activities.
* When doing a new activity, gradually increase the length of time you do it.
* Make sure you perform activities correctly.
* Wear protective pads if you play contact sports.
You can find additional information from:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.aossm.org/tabs/Index.aspx
Please let us know if this helps you, and we hope you feel better soon.
Take care, Pat
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Hi Anon - I've had bursitis, and it can be very painful. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa which is a thin, slippery piece of tissue that protects tendons. Tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. The bursa reduces friction between the tendon and bone, allowing the tendon to glide easily over the bone. There are many bursae in the body protecting underlying tendons. Bursitis most often occurs in the following joints:
* Shoulder
* Elbow
* Knee
* Hip
* Ankle
Acute bursitis may be caused by:
* A blow to an area containing a bursa
* Overexertion of a joint (eg, swimming a long distance or throwing a ball many times)
Chronic bursitis is usually caused by long-term overuse of one muscle-tendon unit, for example a joint. The repeated motion of that muscle-tendon unit causes friction in the bursa. As the activity continues, the bursa becomes inflamed and may fill with fluid. The bursa thickens and does not function well. Both bursa and tendon may become irritated.
Acute bursitis treatment may include some of the following:
* Resting the affected area
* Icing the painful area
* Taking anti-inflammatory medications
* Having a cortisone injection
* Protecting the area from trauma
Treatment for chronic bursitis may include:
* Stopping the activity causing pain
* Taking anti-inflammatory medications
* Protecting the bursa from trauma
* Having physical therapy, including exercising and applying heat
* Having a cortisone injection
* Undergoing surgery
To protect against bursitis in the future, the following is recommended:
* Do not overdo sports and other activities.
* When doing a new activity, gradually increase the length of time you do it.
* Make sure you perform activities correctly.
* Wear protective pads if you play contact sports.
You can find additional information from:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.aossm.org/tabs/Index.aspx
Please let us know if this helps you, and we hope you feel better soon.
April 1, 2010 - 5:39pmTake care, Pat
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