Bursitis

Bursitis condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs — called bursae— that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed. Whether it’s the knee, shoulder, or ankle, bursitis can be painful and hold you back from your normal activities. Tendons are connective tissues found on either side of a joint. These tendons attach to muscles which control joint movement. Every joint also has a bursa. These fluid-filled sacs minimize the rubbing and resistance so your joints can move freely. It is because of this that these conditions can often go hand-in-hand.

The most common areas for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip. Bursitis is often times a painful condition that should be treated as soon as possible. 

Naturally, as we age, our bodies tend to become less flexible and make us more susceptible to conditions such as bursitis. Other health diagnosis such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis weaken body tissue, resulting in a higher risk of bursitis. 

Sometimes if you’ve started a new activity, such as playing a new sport, you may be putting stress on parts of your body that aren’t accustomed to it.

The symptoms from bursitis can come on suddenly or develop overtime. When a tendon or bursa is inflamed, pain can manifest in different ways:

• Sharp pain when moving or touching the joint.
• Aching when the joint is at rest.
• Swelling and redness in the injured area.
• May feel warm to the touch.

Most cases of bursitis can be treated with conservative, non-surgical procedures. Treatment for bursitis and tendonitis can be similar in nature and is highly dependent on the cause. For an accurate treatment, your specialist at Genesis Integrative Medicine will conduct a physical exam, often including a selective tissues test to determine which tendon is causing the pain.