Do you work in a physically demanding field, such as construction or landscaping? Do you work in a warehouse or on an assembly line? Do you participate in sports that involve repetitive motion? If so, you may experience pain from a condition called bursitis.
Bursitis occurs when bursae – little fluid filled sacs that cushion an area of friction between tissues (such as tendon and bone) – become inflamed. This inflammation, or swelling, makes it difficult, and often painful, to move parts of the body like the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and/or heel.
If you work at a job or engage in activities, such as baseball or bowling, that require repetitive motion, the ongoing stress on your joints can make you more susceptible to bursitis.
Common Causes of Bursitis
Common causes of bursitis include:
Commonly Affected Joints
Bursitis is often found in the following joints:
To know if your pain and discomfort is bursitis, consult with a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Treatment for bursitis may include relative rest of the affected area. To reduce swelling and alleviate pain, apply a bag of ice or frozen vegetables to the area for ten minutes (twice a day).