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Bursitis
Definition
Bursitis is the inflammation or irritation of the bursa. The bursa is a sac filled with lubricating fluid, located between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendons, and skin, that decreases rubbing, friction, and irritation (WebMd, 2016).
What Causes Bursitis?
Bursitis is most oftenlyftenly caused by repetitive, minor impact on the area, or from a sudden, more serious injury. Age can also play a role. As tendons age they are able to tolerate stress less, are less elastic. And are easier to tear. Overuse and sometimes an infection from gout or rheumatoid arthritis may cause bursitis (WebMd, 2016).
What Part of the Skeletal System is Affected
The main part of the skeletal system that is affected by bursitis are the joints. The most often joints affected include the elbows (common with tennis players and golfers), knees (repeated kneeling), ankles (walking too much with the wrong shoes), shoulders (repeated overhead lifting or reaching up), and hips (common in runners or anyone who trains excessively). The bursar in the buttocks area can also become inflamed after sitting on a hard surface for a long time, such as on a bicycle. You can also get bursitis in your thigh which is caused by stretching.
How is Bursitis Currently Treated
Bursitis is currently treated by avoiding activities that aggregate the problem, resting the injured area, icing the area the day of the injury, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines. Another approach you can take is P.R.I.C.E.M. It stands for protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation, and medicine.
How Can You Prevent Bursitis?
You can prevent bursitis by stretching well or doing a warm up before you exercise, gradually build up force and repitions if you are exercising, and taking breaks when doing repetitive tasks.
Things to Know About Bursitis
Symptoms include:
- Pain increasing with movement or pressure
- Tenderness is felt even without movement
- Swelling is present
- Loss of movement occurs
If your case of bursitis is caused by an infection it is called Septic Bursitis. If you have this. Your symptoms may include:
- Fever
- The affected area is red
- The affected area feels hot when touched