Bursitis

Understanding Bursitis

Bursitis is a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and discomfort in the joints. It occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which cushion the joints, become inflamed. There are several types of bursitis, each with its own symptoms and treatment options. Common forms include shoulder bursitis, hip bursitis, and knee bursitis. Understanding the typical symptoms and available treatments can help you take the necessary steps to manage bursitis effectively and improve your joint health.

Common Causes of Bursitis

Several factors can contribute to bursitis, including:

1. Repetitive motion

2. Prolonged pressure 

3. Injury or trauma

4. Overuse

5. Infection

6. Underlying conditions

7. Age-related wear

Symptoms of Bursitis

Common symptoms of bursitis can vary in severity, but the most frequent signs include:

• Pain: The primary symptom, often sharp and intense, especially with movement or pressure

• Swelling: The affected area may become visibly swollen due to fluid buildup in the bursa

• Tenderness: The area around the inflamed bursa is sensitive to touch

• Limited Range of Motion: Pain may restrict movement in the affected joint, such as the shoulder, elbow, or knee

• Redness or Warmth: The skin around the area might be red and feel warm to the touch (in cases of infection or severe inflammation)

• Stiffness: The joint may feel stiff or difficult to move, especially after periods of rest

Diagnosing Bursitis

Bursitis is commonly diagnosed through the following methods:

• Medical history and physical examination: A doctor will ask about your symptoms, recent activities, and any history of joint problems. They will then examine the affected area for signs of swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion

• Imaging tests: X-rays, while not able to show bursae, can help rule out other conditions such as fractures or arthritis. Ultrasound is often used to detect inflammation in the bursa and surrounding tissues, and in some cases, an MRI may be utilized to provide more detailed images of soft tissues to confirm bursitis

• Aspiration: If infection is suspected, a doctor may insert a needle into the affected bursa to withdraw fluid for laboratory analysis (called aspiration) to check for infection or gout

• Blood tests: Blood tests might be done to rule out other conditions like infection or autoimmune diseases

Treatment for Bursitis

There are various approaches to treating bursitis, depending on its severity and underlying cause:

Home Remedies

• Rest the affected area

• Ice Therapy applied the affected area

• Over-the-counter pain relievers

• Compression bandaging

• Elevate the affected area

Professional Treatments

Osteopathy: Osteopathy can be an effective approach to treating bursitis by focusing on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving joint mobility using the following techniques:

• Soft tissue manipulation

• Joint mobilisation

• Posture and Alignment Correction

• Lymphatic Drainage Techniques

Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can provide:

• Tailored exercise programs and therapy

• Pain management

• Education

Massage Therapy: Remedial massage can be beneficial for treating bursitis by addressing the muscle tension and inflammation surrounding the affected joint. While massage therapy doesn’t directly treat the inflamed bursa, it can alleviate symptoms and prevent further irritation. Here's how remedial massage helps with bursitis:

• Relieving Muscle Tension

• Improve circulation

• Increased range of motion

Cold Laser Therapy: Cold laser therapy (also known as low-level laser therapy or phototherapy) can help treat bursitis by:

• Reducing inflammation in the affected bursa

• Accelerating soft tissue repair at the cellular level

• Providing pain relief through disruption of pain receptors

• Stimulating cellular repair through enhanced mitochondrial function

• Improving blood flow to the affected area

Dry Needling: This technique can be effective for bursitis by targeting myofascial trigger points around the affected joint:

• Releases muscle tension that may be contributing to joint stress

• Improves range of motion in the surrounding tissues

• Reduces pain through neuromuscular response

• Helps normalise muscle function around the affected bursa

• Can be particularly effective when combined with other manual therapy approaches

Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique may help alleviate bursitis pain.

Medications: Your doctor may prescribe:

• NSAIDs

• Corticosteroids

• Muscle Relaxants

• Topical Analgesics

• Antibiotics

Surgery: In rare cases, severe bursitis may require surgical intervention such as removal of the bursa or damaged tissue surrounding it.

Preventing Bursitis

By incorporating these preventive measures, you can help reduce your risk of developing bursitis and maintain healthier joints:

• Avoid pepetitive motions

• Use proper body mechanics 

• Wear proper footwear

• Use cushioned surfaces when kneeling or sitting for long periods

• Mantain a healthy weight

• Warm up and cool down when exercising

When to Seek Professional Help

If your bursitis symptoms—such as pain, swelling, or limited range of motion—are severe, persistent, or interfering with your daily activities, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. At Inner West Osteopathy, our experienced osteopaths are dedicated to treating bursitis with a holistic approach that addresses the root cause of your discomfort.

Don’t let the pain of bursitis dictate your life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a pain-free future.