Bursitis involves soreness and puffiness of a bursa. A bursa is simply the sac filled with fluid which manifests beneath the skin, generally above the joints and functions as a padding amidst the tendons and bones.
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The chief indications of bursitis include pain, tenderness and swelling in the affected area. Any bursa in the body can end up inflamed, but it usually affects the elbow, shoulder, hip and knee. Other areas that are also affected include the foot, ankle and the Achilles tendon.
Possible causes of bursitis
The bursa can become inflamed due to injuries or repetitive movement. The risk is increased if the individual regularly engages in physical activities that involve a lot of repetitive motions such as running.
Individuals who spend long hours kneeling are also at risk for developing bursitis. In uncommon cases, the condition can also develop due to an infection or as a complication of certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Management
In most cases of bursitis, they can be managed at home. Allowing the affected area to rest is vital as well as applying an ice pack to reduce the inflammation. In addition, pain medications can be given for pain relief as well as hasten the recovery.
The pain typically settles in a span of a few weeks but the inflammation can take a longer time to completely vanish. A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.
Prevention
Observing the necessary precautions such as using knee pads while kneeling and proper warm up before exercise can minimize the risk for developing bursitis.