Bursitis

Bursitis Overview

Bursa are small, fluid-filled sacs that can be found throughout the body. They act as a cushion between bones and other parts of the body, like the muscles or skin. Sometimes, though, they can become inflamed — a condition known as bursitis.

While most common in the knee and elbow, bursitis can also affect the shoulders, hips and other joints, causing pain and swelling.

Bursitis is typically caused by the overuse of a joint, but it can also be the result of an injury. In some cases, bursitis may be caused by an infection, a condition called septic bursitis.

If you sre experiencing joint-related discomfort and are uncertain of its cause, a Hattiesburg Clinic sports medicine physician can help you determine whether bursitis could be to blame.

Symptoms of Bursitis

Because bursitis can impact different joints, some symptoms of the condition will vary depending on the affected joint. In general, bursitis causes pain and swelling. Joint-specific symptoms include:

Elbow
- Pain that worsens when the elbow is bent
- Redness or warmth in the elbow if the bursa becomes infected
- Swelling in the elbow
Hip
- Discomfort in the front and middle areas of the body from the thigh to the knee
- Pain with motion, while walking or laying on the side
- Pain to touch at the outside of the hip
- Tenderness in the groin
Kneecap
- Pain when the knee is bent
- Pain with activity
- Redness or warmth in the knee if the bursa becomes infected
- Swelling on the front of the kneecap
Shoulder
- Decreased range of motion
- Discomfort that worsens at night
- Pain when the arms are raised above the head

In addition to these types of bursitis, there are also two common types of bursitis that affect the Achilles tendon — retromalleolar tendon bursitis and posterior Achilles tendon bursitis. Both put strain on part of the Achilles tendon and are often related to pressure put on the soft heel tissue from the hard backs of certain shoes.

Bursitis Treatment

Because bursitis is related to overuse and inflammation, it often resolves with rest and basic at-home care, including icing the affected joint and taking over-the-counter pain medications or anti-inflammatories.

When inflammation and related symptoms like pain do not resolve with basic measures, a sports medicine specialist can provide a conclusive diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Septic bursitis, which involves an infection, may be treated using an antibiotic.

Your treatment plan will include steps to alleviate the condition, as well as guidance and advice on preventing bursitis in the future.

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic?

Hattiesburg Clinic offers a full spectrum of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles and tendons, including bursitis. Our team of sports medicine experts can provide an accurate diagnosis, guided by advanced imaging tools and a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort and get you back to moving normally.

Bursitis Overview

Symptoms of Bursitis

Bursitis Treatment

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic?

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