Bursitis is defined as inflammation of a bursa. Humans have approximately 160 bursae. These are saclike structures between skin and bone or between tendons, ligaments, and bone. The bursae are lined by synovial tissue, which produces fluid that lubricates and reduces friction between these structures. Bursitis occurs when the synovial lining becomes thickened and produces excessive fluid, leading to localized swelling and pain.
What are the Symptoms of Bursitis?
Bursitis causes pain, usually characterized as a dull ache or stiffness around the affected area. The pain may get worse as a result of movement or pressure. Sometimes bursitis indicates the presence of an infection that will require antibiotic treatment. If the area feels swollen and is warm to the touch and you notice redness in the skin over the joint you should seek medical advice.
What are the Causes of Bursitis?
The inflammation that causes bursitis usually stems from an injury due to repetitive use or pressure. For example, bursitis of the shoulder is common among baseball pitchers and “housemaid’s knee” is the quaint name for bursitis related to spending too much time kneeling. Repeated physical stress can cause bursitis in the following areas:
- Shoulder. This typically occurs after trauma to the rotator cuff, the muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm to the shoulder blade. In addition to repetitive activities (such as throwing a ball), causes may include injuries from falling or lifting.
- Elbow. This develops as a result of repetitive bending and extending of the elbow (from such activities as swinging a tennis racquet, but it also can occur from everyday activities such as pushing a vacuum cleaner back and forth). Habitually leaning on an elbow can also be to blame.
- Buttocks. Typically, bursitis in the bursa over the bones in the buttocks comes from sitting on a hard surface for long periods, such as you would encounter if you ride a bike frequently.
- Hip. This usually stems from osteoarthritis, a hip injury or the pressure from habitually standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
- Knee. With this type of bursitis, you may see a soft, egg-shaped bump on the front of your knee. Repetitive kneeling while scrubbing floors, gardening, laying tiles or engaging in other activities that place pressure on your knees can trigger it. In addition, a sharp blow to the knee can inflame the bursae around the kneecap. You’re more susceptible to bursitis of the knee if you have osteoarthritis and are overweight.
- Ankle. This usually follows from wearing improperly fitting shoes.
Treatment for Bursitis
A conservative, non-surgical approach to treatment is most effective, especially when the condition is diagnosed early. As experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA, Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic has great success in treating bursitis. We can help alleviate the problem by correcting the joint position, applying cold laser to reduce inflammation or incorporate soft tissue based therapies to break up muscle adhesion which prolongs the condition. These methods have been proven to be an effective way to treat these disorders.
If you would like to find out how a chiropractor in Augusta GA specializing in customized treatments may be beneficial for you, you can schedule a complimentary consultation. Our complimentary consultations are an integral part of our patient experience here, and you can also watch videos of our patients describing their own chiropractic experience.
The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.
Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized chiropractic care to the Augusta GA, Martinez GA, and Evans GA communities. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for customized chiropractic in Augusta GA.
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