BURSITIS

Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when the small bursae, or fluid-filled sacs cushioning the bones and other moving parts that help the joint move smoothly, become irritated or inflamed. Usually, this is the result of injury or overuse. Although it is often confused for tendonitis, bursitis is not the same. While tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons that attach the muscles to the bone, bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae that cushion bones. Bursitis conditions vary and may be short-term (acute) after an injury or infection, or it may be long-term (chronic) and require ongoing care.

Do I Have Bursitis?

Symptoms of bursitis include:

• Painful, swollen joints
• Rash or bruising in the affected area
• Sudden inability to move the joint
• Stiffness
• Achiness
• Pain from pressure or exertion of the affected joint

Bursitis Treatment

Often, bursitis pain improves on its own through rest and protection from further damage. With proper treatment, most patients feel better within just a few weeks. Common treatments include applying warm compresses (or ice in the immediate aftermath of an injury, to reduce swelling), taking over-the-counter painkillers, or cushioning the affected joints. If these measures do not provide substantial relief, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, prescribed medication, assistive devices such as a cane to alleviate joint stress, or corticosteroid injections to relieve joint pain. Surgery is rarely recommended but may be necessary to drain or remove affected bursae.

Relief at Minivasive Pain

At Minivasive Pain, our mission is to treat the causes of your pain with the highest standards of care and quality. Our experienced team of orthopedic physicians will help determine the underlying cause of your pain, and devise a treatment plan that’s right for you so that you can get back to the joys of life in no time. Plus, we have several locations throughout the Greater Houston Area for your convenience. To schedule an appointment, please call (346) 800-6001 now.