Bursitis
A Bursa Reduces Friction in Joints
A bursa is a sac filled with fluid that reduces friction between tendons and bones in major joints like the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. The bursa acts as a lubricant so joints can continue to move smoothly. However, these sacs of fluid can become inflamed and infected from overuse and repetitive movements. When the bursa becomes inflamed it is called bursitis.
Olecranon Bursitis
This type of bursitis affects the bursa located at the tip of the elbow. It is commonly referred to as "tennis elbow" or "golfer's elbow." Olecranon bursitis is usually caused by repetitive motions of the elbow, such as those often used in tennis or golf. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and heat. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa.
Can Bursitis Affect the Shoulder?
Bursitis also can affect the shoulder. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between the bones and tissues of the body. Bursitis is the inflammation of this sac. When the bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Bursitis often occurs in the shoulder, but it can also affect other joints, such as the elbow, hip, and knee.
Causes of Bursitis
Other common causes of bursitis include:
- Arthritis: This degenerative joint disease can cause the bursa to become irritated and inflamed.
- Infection: Septic bursitis is caused by a bacterial infection. This type of bursitis is usually associated with trauma to the affected area, such as a fall or direct blow.
- Injury: A direct blow, such as a fall, can cause the bursa to become irritated and inflamed.
- Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as gout and psoriatic arthritis, can increase your risk of developing bursitis.
Risk factors for bursitis include:
- Age: The risk of developing bursitis increases with age. This is due to the wear and tear on the joints over time.
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop bursitis.
- Certain occupations: Jobs that require repetitive motions or put pressure on the joints, such as gardening or carpentry, can increase your risk of developing bursitis.
- Sports: Participating in sports that involve repetitive motions, such as baseball or tennis, can increase your risk of developing bursitis.
- Joint problems: Conditions that affect the joints, such as arthritis or gout, can increase your risk of developing bursitis.
Other Types of Bursitis
There are several different types of bursitis. The most common type is septic bursitis, which is caused by a bacterial infection. This type of bursitis is usually associated with trauma to the affected area, such as a fall or direct blow. Septic bursitis can also occur following surgery or injection around the joint.
Other types of bursitis include:
- Trochanteric bursitis: This type of bursitis affects the bursa located on the outside of the hip. It is a common cause of hip pain in older adults.
- Ischial bursitis: This type of bursitis affects the bursa located on the sit bone at the bottom of the pelvis. It can cause pain when sitting for long periods of time.
- Prepatellar bursitis: This type of bursitis affects the bursa located in front of the kneecap. It is commonly referred to as "housemaid's knee."
- Infrapatellar bursitis: This type of bursitis affects the bursa located below the kneecap. It is commonly referred to as "bishop's knee."