Bursitis occurs when the bursa is inflamed. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that works as a cushion to help reduce friction between tissues in the body. This medical condition is only temporary, but it can cause a lot of pain. If you have an infection, overuse certain muscles, or sustain an injury, you may be at risk of developing bursitis. Other medical problems, like gout and thyroid disease, are also associated with bursitis.
If you suffer from this condition, our physicians at Naples Community Injury Center can assist you. After assessing the extent of your bursitis, we may recommend you undergo physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management techniques for optimal results. Call us at (239) 631-5445 to schedule an appointment.
A Deep Dive Into Bursitis
Cleveland Clinic describes bursitis as a condition in which the bursa becomes inflamed. The major bursae are located in the large joints, such as the shoulders, knees, elbows, and hips.
Although this condition can occur anywhere in the body, some of the most common types include:
- Retromalleolar tendon bursitis: Also called Albert disease, retromalleolar tendon bursitis happens when there’s extra strain on the lower region of the Achilles tendon, specifically on the part where the calf muscle connects to the back of the heel.
- Hip bursitis: Women and middle-aged people tend to suffer from this type of bursitis.
- Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis: Here, the bursa between the skin of the heel and the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf to the heel, becomes inflamed.
- Elbow bursitis: The bursa between the elbow’s bones and skin becomes inflamed.
- Knee bursitis: Also referred to as goosefoot or Pes Anserine bursitis, this is when the bursa between three tendons in the hamstring muscles on the back of the knee and the shin bone are compressed.
- Kneecap bursitis: If you’re a plumber or lay carpets, you may be especially prone to developing this bursitis since you’re on your knees a lot of the time.
What Causes Bursitis?
Common causes of bursitis include:
- Infection
- Overuse of muscles
- Repetitive motions
- Injury
- Arthritis
- Surgery
- Spinal abnormalities
- Gout
- Shoes with rigid support in the back of the heel
- Leaning on a hard surface frequently
- Thyroid disease
- Tendonitis
According to Mayo Clinic, as we age, the more at risk we are at risk of developing bursitis.
Common Symptoms of Bursitis
You may be dealing with bursitis if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:
- Limited range of motion
- Pain
- Swelling or redness
- Tenderness in certain areas
If you have chronic bursitis, you may have frequent bouts of pain, tenderness, and swelling. In these cases, the muscles are more likely to deteriorate, and the affected joints may have a very limited range of motion.
How Our Doctors Can Help Treat Bursitis
When you visit our office, we can run tests, like X-rays or ultrasounds, or order an MRI. The results can give us better insight into your condition so we can treat you more effectively and thoroughly.
We understand that every patient has a different set of circumstances. However, we’ve observed certain treatments have worked particularly well for our patients with bursitis. With that, we may suggest you undergo:
- Chiropractic adjustments: It can realign the joints, alleviate the stress on the affected muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and reduce inflammation
- Physical therapy: Improve your range of motion and build your strength in the surrounding muscles.
- Pain management: We may have you alternate hot and cold packs to relieve any swelling and/or prescribe you medications to help you deal with the pain.
- Neurology: Depending on your test results, your doctor may recommend neurological treatment if you suffer from knee bursitis since your knee is full of bundles of nerves.
Sometimes, recovery from bursitis is a rollercoaster. You might have days where you’re feeling as good as new, but experience intense flare-ups on others. If, after some time, you feel uneasy about the prescribed treatment or feel like you’re hitting a wall, come talk to us. We want you to feel like you have a say in your treatment.
Prevention Tips for Bursitis
While bursitis isn’t always preventable, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of developing it, like:
- Using knee pads if your job or hobby requires you to kneel a lot
- Lifting with good form by keeping your back straight and knees bent, especially when you’re picking up something heavy
- Maintaining a healthy weight since excessive weight can put pressure on the joints, spine, and muscles
- Taking short breaks frequently or alternating tasks, especially if you make a lot of repetitive motions
- Practicing strength training and stretching, since that helps prevent further injury
We recommend you talk to one of our physicians to find out more about what you can do to reduce your risk of developing bursitis in the future.
If You Have Bursitis From a Workplace Injury
If you type on a keyboard, work with power tools, or constantly lift heavy objects at work and believe your bursitis stems from it, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Our physicians can help support your case for benefits by providing our expert medical testimony, whether it’s through:
- Doctor’s notes if you had to skip work to heal or go to a doctor’s appointments
- Imaging scans and other test results
- Documentation of your visits
- A list of treatments you’ve undergone and notes on their effectiveness
- Receipts for prescription medications
- Bills for appointments
We intend that this evidence of your condition will help you recover the benefits you deserve.
Get Bursitis Treatment From Naples Community Injury Center Today
Learning about bursitis and its causes can help you know what to avoid, adjust, and start doing. If you suffer from this condition, the doctors at Naples Community Injury Center may build a customized treatment regimen to get you on the road to recovery.
Get in touch with our practice today to set up an appointment. Dial (239) 631-5445.
