Bursitis

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Bursitis is an inflammation of a bursa. The bursea are small sacs found in connective tissue, usually in the vicinity of joints. These sacs, or cushions, are lined with membranes containing synovia, a fluid that acts to reduce friction between tendons and bones, between tendons and ligaments, and between other structures where frictions likely to be occur. Bursitis occurs as a result of prolonged stress, pressure, friction, or injury to the membrane surrounding a joint, causing the fluid-filled bursa to become inflamed and swollen. When the enlarged sac presses against its neighboring joint, the pressure creates pain, which can be mild or excruciating, or anywhere in between.

Bursitis most often affects the shoulder, the hip, the elbow and the knee. There are many popular terms for different kinds of bursitis. Computer operators, for example, who sit in one position for long hours at a time, can develop weaver's bottom, a swelling of the bursae in the hips, which can cause pain when crossing the legs. They may also develop bursitis in the shoulders. If left untreated this form of bursitis may result in frozen shoulder. Student's elbow results from prolonged pressure of the elbow against a desk or table. Landscapers and gardeners, who kneel to weed flowerbeds and care for plants, are particularly subject to bursitis in their knees. This form of bursitis used to be called housemaid knee because it afflicted those Mrs. Cleans who frequently got down on their hands and knees to scrub floors. People with this form of bursitis have a great deal of pain when climbing stairs. You may be surprised to learn that bunions also are the result of long-suffering bursae.

Anyone of any age can have bursitis. However, aging is a factor; bursitis is most often caused by overuse, and a bursa that is continually insulted over a long period of time is more likely to develop problems. Injury, arthritis, calcium deposits, and tight muscles can be contributing.

General recommendations for bursitis

Rest. Allow sufficient time for the swelling to subside. Use alternating applications of hot and cold packs to help relieve the pain.

Preventive measures for bursitis

Avoid subjecting a suffering bursa to continual stress. When you are engaging in any kind of physical activity, whether work-related or recreational, do not continue past the point of comfort. If it hurts, stop!

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