Bursitis

Bursitis refers to the inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion to reduce friction between different tissues. Bursae are usually located near joints, and the major ones are located around the tendons of major joints such as the shoulders, hips, elbows and knees.

Common Types of Bursitis

Although bursitis can occur in any bursa in the body, there are several types that occur more frequently than others. Retromalleolar tendon bursitis, also called Albert disease, is in the bursa that attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel and puts extra strain on the back of the Achilles tendon. Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis occurs in the bursa between the Achilles tendon and the skin of the heel, and is aggravated when walking presses the soft tissue of the heel into the back of a shoe. Hip bursitis refers to the inflammation of the bursa near the hip, and is often the result of injury, arthritis, overuse, or surgery. Elbow bursitis develops when the bursa between the skin and bones of the elbow becomes inflamed, usually because of constant pressure on the elbow. Finally, knee bursitis refers to the inflammation of the Pes Anserine bursa between the shin bone and the three tendons of the hamstring.

Causes and Symptoms

Bursitis is usually caused by injury and overuse, or any repetitive motions or positions that cause pressure on the bursae around a joint. The symptoms of bursitis include pain and tenderness in the area, limited or restricted motion, or swelling and redness if the bursa is close to the surface of the skin. Chronic bursitis may also lead to muscle deterioration and limited range of motion in the afflicted joint.

Treatment and Physiotherapy at Flxme

Bursitis is usually a temporary condition, and the symptoms of bursitis also closely resemble other medical conditions. We recommend seeking a physiotherapist who can assess your mobility issues and recommend stretching and strengthening exercises. At Flxme, our physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan with your input designed to reduce pain and swelling, improve flexibility and range of motion, and address any associated weakness in your knee or leg. Until you seek the advice of a doctor or physiotherapist, symptoms can be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation, as well as anti-inflammatory over-the-counter pain medications.

Sources

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bursitis

https://physioworks.com.au/physiotherapy-treatment/bursitis-treatment/