Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa — a small, fluid-filled sac located under the skin and above the joints. The bursa acts as a cushion, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement between tendons, muscles and bones but when inflamed, bursitis causes pain, swelling and discomfort in the affected area.
In other words, bursitis is a condition in which the fluid sacs around our joints called bursae become inflamed. This bursa acts as a cushion between our joints and bones, making movement easier but when this bursa starts to swell, it is called bursitis and usually the problem of bursitis is most commonly seen in the shoulder, elbow and hip.
symptoms:
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Indrajit Agarwal, director of rheumatology at Marengo Asia Hospitals in Gurugram, explained, “Bursitis is primarily characterized by pain and stiffness around the inflamed bursa, which can cause discomfort and difficulty in walking. Additionally, the affected area may feel red, swollen, and sensitive to touch. Bursitis usually affects the shoulders, elbows, and hips, but it can also occur in the areas around the knees and big toes.”
Dr Akhilesh Yadav, Associate Director – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Max Hospital, Vaishali, explains his expertise and lists the symptoms as follows:
1. Swelling – A major symptom of bursitis is swelling. The affected area becomes swollen and red. Due to the swelling, heat may also be felt in that area. Touching the swollen area also causes pain.
2. Pain – The most common symptom of bursitis is pain. When the bursa becomes inflamed, it causes pain. This pain occurs in the area where the inflammation occurs. When you move or use that part for some work, the pain increases, like this pain occurs in the knee, then the pain may increase when walking or running.
3. Difficulty in walking – When the bursa becomes inflamed, the joints become stiff. This causes difficulty in movement. For example, if the shoulder is inflamed, it becomes difficult to lift or rotate the arm. Stiffness in the joints makes it difficult to perform daily tasks.
4. Weakness – Bursitis causes weakness in the affected area. This weakness makes it difficult to move that area. Fatigue and weakness can cause people to be unable to work properly. For example, if it occurs in the ankles, the legs may feel tired and weak while walking.
Reason:
Dr. Indrajit Agarwal explains, “Repetitive motions, such as mopping the floor or spending a lot of time on your knees, can cause bursitis. Other diseases such as bacterial infections, gout, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause it. Bursitis is more common in the elderly, diabetics, heavy drinkers and people with a weakened immune system.”
Dr. Akhilesh Yadav explained in detail –
1. Overuse: Overuse of a particular joint can cause the bursa to become inflamed.
2. Injury: Injury or trauma can cause the bursa to become inflamed.
3. Infection: Sometimes bursitis can be caused by bacteria or other infections.
4. Arthritis: Arthritis or other joint diseases can also cause bursitis.
Diagnosis:
According to Dr. Indrajit Agarwal, diagnosis of bursitis requires a detailed medical history and physical examination. Blood tests, bursa fluid analysis and imaging studies such as MRI and ultrasound are further diagnostic procedures that can determine the extent of inflammation and rule out other diseases.
Treatment:
Dr. Indrajit Agarwal explains, “Conservative therapy is effective in most patients with bursitis. NSAID gels or anti-inflammatory medications, cold packs and resting the affected area may help reduce symptoms. In rare cases, if infection is detected, corticosteroid injections or antibiotics may be needed. Physiotherapy can also help restore strength and mobility. Surgery is not always necessary, although it is an option if all other treatments fail.”
Prevention:
Dr. Indrajit Agarwal suggests, “Avoiding repetitive movements and treating underlying diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are important to prevent bursitis. Bursitis can also be prevented by wearing protective clothing and maintaining correct posture when engaging in activities.”
Dr. Akhilesh Yadav said, “Some important measures can be taken to avoid bursitis. First of all, the joints should be given maximum rest, so that the swelling can be reduced. Applying ice on the swollen part provides relief from pain and swelling. Light and proper exercise keeps the joints strong. It is important to take safety measures to protect the joints from injury. Wearing proper and comfortable shoes reduces the stress on the feet. By adopting these measures, you can avoid bursitis and keep your joints healthy.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
