Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa. Bursa is a fluid filled sac, similar to a water balloon that provides a cushion between the bones, tendons and muscles in a joint (the point where two bones meet).

Multiple bursae are located all over your body near joints, commonly around your shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. Their function is to reduce friction between internal structures like muscles, tendons and bones on movement.

Bursitis is usually caused by the overuse of muscular joints, injury and very rarely, infections. Activities consisting of repetitive motions and positions can irritate the bursa. Some familiar examples of extended kneeling or prolonged leaning on your elbows are gardening, shovelling, scrubbing, carpet laying, raking, carpentry, playing a musical instrument and painting. Sportive pursuits like golf, tennis, throwing and pitching in baseball can also produce an impact.

Anyone can develop bursitis, but respective occupations and recreational activities, certain diseases (namely gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis) and older age, can increase your risk.

When to seek expert advise

Beware that your presenting symptoms can resemble those of other similar diseases. It is thus recommended that you consult a doctor from the Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital if:

You experience pain that interferes with your normal day-to-day activities

There is a sharp pain on exertion or during exercise

The pain lasts for more than a week or two

There is excess redness, swelling, bruising or rash in affected area

You get a fever

You experience soreness that doesn't improve

You have a recurrent episode of bursitis

In addition to these complaints, when you know you have certain medical conditions that generally increase your risk of infection, or if you take medications with the same effect (steroids), make it a point to seek medical advice early. ​

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