Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa 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. It allows 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:
Acute bursitis may be caused by:
Chronic bursitis is usually caused by long-term overuse. The repeated motion of a muscle-tendon unit causes friction in the bursa. As the activity continues, the bursa becomes inflamed. It may fill with fluid. The bursa thickens and does not function well. Both bursa and tendon may become irritated.
Factors that increase your chance for bursitis include:
Symptoms of bursitis include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and your physical activities. The painful area will be examined. You may have an x-ray.
Acute bursitis treatment may include some of the following:
Treatment for chronic bursitis may include:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.aossm.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/ .
Human Tendons: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology . Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 1997.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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