Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, a small sac of fluid that
cushions and lubricates an area where tissues-including bone, tendon, ligament,
muscle, or skin-rub against one another. Bursae are located throughout the
body, in and on joints and other places that are at risk of rubbing or
pressure.
Bursitis can be caused by prolonged or repeated pressure on a
bursa, by activities that require repeated twisting or rapid joint movement, by
infection or systemic diseases such as arthritis, or by trauma. Symptoms of
bursitis may include:
- Pain, especially with motion or pressure on the
involved bursa.
- Swelling caused by increased fluid within the
bursa.
- Redness and warmth.
Bursitis can often be treated at home by resting, applying ice or
cold packs to the affected area, and avoiding the activities that irritate the
area or cause pain. If the area is warm and red, an infection may also be
present, which requires medical evaluation.
Traumatic bursitis is bleeding in a bursa
caused by a direct blow to the bursa. Septic bursitis is
an infection of a bursa, which sometimes results from traumatic bursitis.
Septic bursitis requires medical treatment, which may include surgery and/or a
hospital stay for intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy.
