Bursitis: Treatment, Types, Causes & Prevention

Bursitis Treatment

Usually, bursitis gets better on its own. Comfort can be achieved by conservative measures like rest, ice, and pain medication. In the event that precautionary measures fail, you might need to:

• Medication. Your doctor could advise taking an antibiotic if the bursitis you have is the result of an infection.
• Therapy. Strengthening the muscles in the affected area with physical therapy or exercises can reduce pain and stop recurrence.
• Injections. Your hip or shoulder discomfort and inflammation can be reduced by a corticosteroid injection into the bursa. One injection is frequently sufficient for this treatment, which typically takes effect rapidly.
• Auxiliary equipment. The injured area will feel less pressure if a walking cane or other aid is used temporarily.
• Surgery. Surgery is occasionally required to drain an inflamed bursa, although seldom is it essential to remove the afflicted bursa entirely.

Bursitis Prevention

Even though not all forms of bursitis are preventable, you can lessen your risk and the intensity of flare-ups by altering the way you perform several jobs. Examples comprise:

• Putting knee protectors on. If your profession or pastime requires a lot of kneeling, consider wearing some sort of padding to lessen the strain on your knees.
• A proper lift. When lifting, flex your knees. Your hip bursae are put under additional strain if you don't do this.
• Wheeling large weights. The bursae in your shoulders are stressed when you carry big loads. Instead, use a wheeled cart or a dolly.
• Taking breaks frequently. Repetitive jobs should be alternated with breaks or other activities.
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Your joints experience extra stress if you are overweight.
• Exercising. Muscle development can aid in the protection of your injured joints.
• Warm-up. Before engaging in strenuous exercises, warm up and stretch to prevent your joints from harm.

References

Aaron, D. L., Patel, A., Kayiaros, S., & Calfee, R. (2011). Four common types of bursitis: diagnosis and management. JAAOS-Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 19(6), 359-367.

Blackwell, J. R., Hay, B. A., Bolt, A. M., & Hay, S. M. (2014). Olecranon bursitis: a systematic overview. Shoulder & Elbow, 6(3), 182-190.

Lustenberger, D. P., Ng, V. Y., Best, T. M., & Ellis, T. J. (2011). Efficacy of treatment of trochanteric bursitis: a systematic review. Clinical journal of sport medicine: official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, 21(5), 447.

Stell, I. M. (1999). Management of acute bursitis: outcome study of a structured approach. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 92(10), 516-521.