Do you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your shoulder when you wake up in the morning? Or is your knee so swollen and painful that you can't even bend it? Sometimes you can't even put your elbow on a table. One reason for this could be a condition called 'bursitis', which we're talking about today. While many people think of this as a joint inflammation, it's actually something a little different. Let's take a look at what it is, why it occurs, and what you can do about it.
Simply put, what is bursitis?
At the joints of our body, where bones, muscles, and tendons meet, there are small fluid-filled sacs. We call these bursae. When there are many of them, they are called bursae. Their function is like a shock absorber in a car. Or like bubble wrap around a fragile object. The function of this bursa is to provide cushioning and protection by preventing damage from the parts rubbing against each other when a joint moves.
So, when for some reason this fluid-filled sac called the 'bursa' becomes swollen and inflamed, we call it 'bursitis'.
There are over 150 bursae in our bodies, so bursitis can occur in almost any joint. However, it is most common in joints that we use frequently and perform repetitive movements.
| Most commonly affected areas | Medical scientific name |
|---|---|
| Shoulders | Subacromial bursitis |
| Elbows | Olecranon bursitis - Some people also call this "miner's elbow". |
| Knees | Prepatellar bursitis - This was also called "housemaid's knee" because people who did housework used to kneel. |
| Feet | It can occur on the heel, big toe, or sole of the foot. |
| Hips | Trochanteric bursitis |
| Buttocks | Ischial bursitis - also called "weaver's bottom" because it is common in people who sit and weave. |
What are the symptoms of bursitis?
The main and most common symptoms of bursitis are:
- Pain: The pain increases, especially when moving the affected joint. Sometimes the pain can also be worse at night.
- Limited mobility: The inability to bend or straighten the limbs properly. For example, someone with shoulder bursitis may have difficulty combing their hair or changing clothes.
- Swelling: The area around the affected joint appears swollen.
However, sometimes this bursa can become infected with a germ. If this happens, in addition to the symptoms mentioned above, you may experience the following:
- Skin redness or discoloration.
- Feeling warmer than other places when touched.
- Fever and chills.
If you have symptoms of this type of infection, you should see a doctor immediately.
Why do we get bursitis? What are the main causes?
The main cause of bursitis is repetitive motions or applying pressure to the same joint for a long time.
Think about situations like these:
- Sports: A person who bowls continuously in cricket, a person who plays tennis.
- Occupation: Carpenter, painter, computer typist, heavy lifter.
- Hobbies: Gardening, playing a musical instrument (e.g. violin).
- Daily habits: Doing housework on your knees for long periods of time, keeping your elbows pressed against the table.
- Poor posture: Not standing or sitting properly.
- Other: Sometimes bursitis can be caused by an accident or a sharp blow.
Who is at higher risk?
Although anyone can develop bursitis, some people are at higher risk.
- Players
- People who do physically demanding jobs
- Musicians
Additionally, people with certain medical conditions are more likely to develop bursitis. For example:
- Types of arthritis, especially gout and psoriatic arthritis
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
Doctor, how do you diagnose this as bursitis?
When you see a doctor, he will first do a physical exam . He will ask you about your symptoms. He will ask you about what the pain is like, how long it has been there, whether it gets worse when you do anything, and what your occupation is to get an idea of your condition.
Most of the time, this test can diagnose the disease on its own. However, sometimes, to rule out other conditions or to check for an infection, the following tests may be done:
- X-rays: Make sure there are no other problems with the bones (e.g., fractures).
- Ultrasound or MRI scan: Clearly see the swollen bursa sac.
- Blood test: Check for infection in the body.
- Aspiration: If a germ is suspected to have entered the bursa sac, a small needle is used to remove some fluid from there and send it to the laboratory for testing.
What is the best treatment for this?
The good news is that most cases of bursitis can be cured with rest and simple home treatments.
Things you can do at home
Your doctor will often advise you to do these things:
| Treatment method | How to do |
|---|---|
| Rest | This is the most important thing. Completely avoid the action or position that caused the pain. Give the affected joint a rest. |
| Elevate | Elevate the painful area, such as a leg or arm, on pillows and keep it above your heart. This will reduce swelling. |
| Ice (Ice) | Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the area several times a day, for about 15 minutes at a time. This will help control pain and swelling. |
| Heat | After a few days, the doctor may recommend applying a hot water bottle. Sometimes, you may be told to alternate between ice and heat. |
| Pain relievers | You can take painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen as directed by your doctor. However, do not take these continuously for more than 10 days without consulting a doctor. |
Medical treatment
If home treatments do not help or the condition is severe, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
- Antibiotics: These are only given if there is an infection.
- Physical therapy: Exercises are taught to restore joint movement and strengthen surrounding muscles.
- Corticosteroid injections: To quickly reduce swelling and pain, an injection can be given directly into the bursa sac.
- Surgery: This is done very rarely. Only if no other treatment has helped after about 6 months and the pain continues, surgery is performed to remove the damaged bursa.
How long does it take for bursitis to heal?
Bursitis is often a short-term condition and, with proper rest and treatment, will heal completely within a few weeks.
The most important thing is not to rush. Don't start your old activities right away just because the pain has subsided. Rest until your doctor tells you to. Otherwise, the injury won't heal properly and there's a high chance it will come back. This can be a chronic condition (Chronic bursitis). That means bursitis occurs repeatedly in the same place.
How can I prevent it from recurring?
The best way to prevent bursitis is to avoid overexerting our bodies.
- Use correct posture: When playing a sport or doing a task at work, be aware of the correct technique and posture.
- Start slowly: When starting a new exercise or activity, don't push yourself too hard all at once, but gradually acclimate your body to it.
- Take breaks: If you keep doing the same type of work, take short breaks in between.
- Use pads: If you work on your knees or elbows, use a cushion or foam pad.
When to see a doctor
If you have any of these symptoms, definitely see a doctor:
- The pain is so severe that you can't even do your daily tasks.
- If the pain does not subside after a few days despite treatment at home.
- If bursitis recurs .
- If you have fever , redness , swelling , or feel warm to the touch (these may be signs of infection).
Take-Home Message
- Bursitis is a painful condition caused by swelling of a fluid-filled sac called a 'bursa' around a joint.
- The main cause is continuing to perform the same movement or applying pressure to a joint for a long time.
- The best treatment is rest. Completely avoid activities that cause pain.
- Simple things like applying ice and taking painkillers can often help.
- If you have symptoms like fever, excessive swelling, or redness, it could be an infection. So see your doctor immediately.
- Even if the pain subsides, rest until your doctor tells you to. If you rush, the condition may become chronic.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න