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Repetitive motions can cause bursitis
Category: Arthritis and Shoulder Pain
Mar 15, 2006
Q. How would you define bursitis?
A. Bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of the bursa of the joints. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a lubricant between the tendons, bones, skin and muscles of the joints. Bursitis is generally painful.
Q. Where does the name originate?
A. The name originates from joining bursa with the suffix "itis," which means inflammation.
Q. What joints does bursitis affect?
A. The most common joints affected are the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints. Bursitis can occur in the Achilles tendon or in the foot.
Q. What are some symptoms someone with bursitis might notice?
A. Bursitis typically causes a dull pain, tenderness and stiffness in the affected joint. There also may be swelling and redness around the bursa.
Q. What's the most common cause of bursitis?
A. The most common cause of bursitis is repetitive tasks that people do in their jobs, sports or daily activities. Daily activities such as tool use, gardening, cooking, cleaning or keyboarding are examples of repetitive tasks that can produce bursitis.
Q. Is cause relative to the joint affected? If so, in what ways?
A. Yes, bursitis can develop in the knee if continuous pressure or stress is applied, such as with carpet layers, roofers or gardeners. Also, people who sit for long periods of time can develop bursitis over the seat bones.
Q. Are there home remedies?
A. Home remedies include rest, ice and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, and anti-inflammatory medications, such as Motrin or Aleve.
Rest the affected area, avoid pressure or activity that aggravates it and make sure to get plenty of sleep.
Ice the affected area for 72 hours, 10 to 15 minutes at a time, up to twice an hour. Thereafter, ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day as long as it relieves pain.
Pain relievers should be used as directed and can be purchased over the counter. Do range-of-motion exercises of the joint to help prevent stiffness. This should be done gently through the full motion of the joint.
Smoking can interfere with collagen production needed in wound and tissue healing, so it is a good time to quit.
Q. How long does bursitis last?
A. Bursitis is likely to improve in a few days to weeks if immediate rest and local treatment is started.