What Is Bursitis?

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs lined by a synovial membrane located between your tissues, bones, muscles and tendons near your joints. They help reduce friction, maintaining your ease of movement.

Several factors may irritate your bursae, leading to a condition known as bursitis. This may cause discomfort and restricted mobility. Read on as your leading provider of pain relief for arthritis, Terrapin Care Center, sheds light on this condition.

Causes and Risk Factors

Certain repetitive movements or actions may put undue pressure on your bursae. Overusing your joints may also result in this condition, which is why bursitis is common among athletes. Older individuals are also more prone to it because their tendons are less elastic.

Having bad posture can cause bursitis. Certain medical conditions, like knee arthritis, gout, obesity and diabetes, may also increase your risk.

Common Symptoms

Inflamed bursae cause redness, pain and swelling around your joints. Commonly affected areas include your knees, elbows, shoulders and hips. Applying pressure to these points usually aggravates your discomfort. You may have a hard time standing, walking or moving around too.

Our Treatment

Managing bursitis requires identifying the underlying cause. Treating arthritis pain, for example, maybe our priority if your rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis is compounding the situation. Avoiding activities that involve repetitive motions may also be a good idea. Resting and applying ice on the affected area may reduce swelling as well, relieving your discomfort.

We may also recommend physical therapy. This involves using manual techniques to promote joint or soft tissue mobilization. We may also analyze your posture and walking habits, which will help us create a personalized exercise program for you.

Call us today at (301) 220-1930 to learn more about bursitis. You may also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Greenbelt, College Park and the surrounding communities in Maryland.