From the time you wake up each morning until the time you go to bed, every movement you make requires the use of your joints. If one joint is stressed or injured it can cause bursitis pain, which can affect whether or not you are able to lead a normal, pain-free life. Some motions as simple as lifting a bag, reaching for a plate, or pouring a glass of juice can cause great pain. Or, you may find that your range of motion is severely limited.
Bursae are small sacs filled with fluid that cushion your joints. They help prevent friction in the various joints in your body and allow for the gliding motion when you move. Repetitive movements, most commonly in the hip, shoulder, knees, or ankles, can wear the bursae down and cause inflammation or irritation. When this happens it is called bursitis, which literally means "inflammation of the bursa." Young athletes or those in jobs with repetitive motions are more susceptible to bursitis pain. It can also be caused by repetitive compression on a joint. For example, if you sleep on your side, it could cause pain in your hip or shoulder, though this doesn't happen as often.
Symptoms will vary from person to person depending on what motion is causing the irritation of the bursae. Stiffness in your joints, with or without pain, is common. There may be pain or heat in the area, and sometimes a pinching pain. The pain might come and go, and it may differ from day to day. If you experience a lot of pain one day, you may feel more stiff the next.
Avoid movements that aggravate the joint and let it rest. Icing the sore area the day you injure it will keep the inflammation down. Taking an all-natural anti-inflammatory will also help reduce inflammation. If the pain does not improve after a week, you should call your doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to identify the problem, which could be your bursa or the result of another injury.
When you meet with your doctor he will provide you with treatment options and discuss with you which ones are best for your circumstances. Whichever treatment is chosen, it is very important that you follow through with it. For a damaged bursa to heal, it can take up to six weeks of treatment.
Your doctor may suggest a brace to keep you from moving the affected joint and allow healing time. Physical therapy is also a commonly used option. Loosening the joints is the primary goal. If it hurts, try taking an anti-inflammatory to help ease some of the pain. When the inflammation is gone, it will allow the bursa to heal and the tendons to strengthen themselves.
It's possible to prevent bursitis. By exercising regularly and sticking to a healthy diet, you will strengthen your tendons and the muscles surrounding the joints. When the tendons and muscles are stronger, they are better able to protect the joint.
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