Bursitis

Description

A bursa is a soft, fluid-filled sac, similar to a water balloon, that serves as a cushion between bone and soft-tissue structures, such as tendon and skin. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, usually those near the shoulders, elbows, knees, pelvis, hips, or heel and Achilles tendon.

Common signs and symptoms

• Pain, tenderness, and limited movement in the affected area, occasionally with radiation of pain into adjacent areas

• Severe pain with movement of the affected extremity (occasionally)

• Painless swelling of the bursa (occasionally)

• Fever (when infected)

Causes

• Direct injury to a joint or bursa

• Overuse or strenuous, unaccustomed exercise of a joint

• Prolonged pressure on a bursa, such as after resting on an elbow or prolonged kneeling

• Calcium deposits in shoulder tendons with degeneration of the tendon

• Acute or chronic infection

• Arthritis

• Gout

Factors that increase risk

• Vigorous or repetitive athletic training, particularly running down hills or inclines (knee)

• A sudden increase or change in activity level (“weekend warriors”)

• Improper warm-up or overstretching

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