What is bursitis, and how can I avoid a frequent recurrence of it?

In this article below, Dr Ziad Farah, an exceptionally experienced consultant rheumatologist, describes in detail what bursitis is, outlines the main associated symptoms, and tells us how we can effectively reduce our chances of suffering from a recurrence of the condition. 

What is bursa, and what can cause it to become inflamed?

All of our tendons and ligaments have a bit of fluid in between them. This fluid is called bursa, which is responsible for lubricating the area where the tendons and ligaments move. Without the bursa, tendons and ligaments moving in the opposite direction would rub against each other. 

In other words, bursa keeps the movement of the tendons and ligaments both flexible and smooth. If put under extreme strain, the bursa can become inflamed. This is referred to as bursitis. 

What are the symptoms of bursitis?

The main symptoms are pain and stiffness. It can also cause movement restriction. 

What is the difference between bursitis and arthritis?

In simple terms, bursa is a cushion of fluid between tendons and ligaments, while arthritis centres on the joint itself. Arthritis is more painful, and can affect more joints when compared to bursitis.

Bursitis is less painful than arthritis because bursa moves more actively within the joints. Bursitis and arthritis are located in different parts of the body, which is another main difference. 

How is bursitis treated?

To begin with, ice can be applied. Rest and simple anti-inflammatory medication can be very helpful. If it is there for more than six weeks, a steroid injection under ultrasound guidance will be recommended. The main way of treating bursitis, however, is physiotherapy. 

Can people suffer from recurrent bursitis?

Yes, it is likely to happen again if the cause of bursitis isn't treated appropriately. In some cases, it might be a simply injury during exercise that can cause mild recurrence.

What can I do at home to prevent bursitis from recurring?

It's really important to understand what is causing the bursitis. Warming up appropriately is hugely important. It is also important not to overload the joints very suddenly or quickly when doing rigorous or mild exercise. 

To book an appointment with Dr Ziad Farah, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.