What is Bursitis?

Read about  Bursitis Spondylitis  Disease presented in simple easy to understand language

The Bursa is a small sac filled with synovial fluid which acts as cushioning between moving surfaces such as a tendon and a bone. There are more than a hundred bursa in the human body. Bursitis develops when any of these bursa get inflamed and cause friction between the tendon and the bone.

Risk factors for developing bursitis include
• Age related wear and tear as the body's healing ability decreases with age.
• The presence of certain conditions or diseases such as tuberculosis, gout or arthritis.
• Bursitis commonly affects the ankle, feet, knees, buttocks, hips and shoulders as these joints are more prone to repeated usage and stress. 

Some of the causes of Bursitis are
• Activities such as using a vacuum cleaner for long periods, 
• Playing sports which involve repetitive movements of certain body parts,
• Occupations which involve kneeling, like carpet or floor laying.
• Trauma or injury caused by an accident.
• Presence of certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs and symptoms of bursitis may be
• Pain and stiffness.
• Feeling warm to touch.
• Occasional swelling and redness.

A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms do not subside with self-care and home remedies. Diagnosis of Bursitis is made after a physical examination which consists of the doctor asking you about your symptoms and identifying areas of tenderness. X-rays may be ordered to rule out other causes for your symptoms. Additional tests such as blood tests as well as analysis of the fluid from the inflamed bursa may also be conducted. Read More...