What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid filled sac that sits between muscles, tendons, and bones to reduce friction.

Common causes:

-       Overuse of the joint.

-       Increased loading.

-       Trauma to the bursa site e.g. falling on your elbow.

-       Pressure e.g. leaning on the elbow at a desk is a common cause of bursitis among students.

-       Infection.

Common sites include:

-       Subacromial bursitis (shoulder)

-       Olecranon bursitis (elbow)

-       Trochanteric bursitis (hip)

Management of non-infectious bursitis:

-       Seek help from a medical professional for the following.

-       Relative rest/load management

-       Anti-inflammatories

-       Corticosteroid injections

-       Exercise

*infectious/septic bursitis will require different treatment consisting of antibiotics and aspiration of the bursa.