Bursitis

Painful swelling of the fluid-filled pads, called bursae, that act as cushions at the joints.

Description

Painful swelling of the fluid-filled pads, called bursae, that act as cushions at the joints.

Overview

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. Bursitis happens when these sacs become swollen and irritated. It most often at joints that perform frequent repetitive motion. This includes the shoulders, elbows and hips.

Symptoms

The main symptom of bursitis is pain. The affected joint may feel achy or stiff or look swollen. It may hurt more with movement.

Treatments

Bursitis treatment most often begins with rest, ice, and pain relievers. Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the joint to ease pain. A steroid shot into the affected sac can relieve pain, swelling, and irritation. Sometimes a surgeon drains the inflamed area.