Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles around a joint. Bursae are located in various parts of the body, including the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement in the affected area.
Bursitis is often caused by repetitive motion, prolonged pressure on a joint, or injury, but it can also be related to infections or underlying conditions like arthritis. Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling or warmth around the joint
- Limited range of motion in the joint
Certain individuals are more prone to developing bursitis due to factors like age, lifestyle, and pre-existing conditions. Here's a breakdown of who might be at higher risk:
Older Adults: As people age, the tissues around their joints, including the bursae, can become less flexible and more prone to inflammation. This makes older adults more susceptible to bursitis.
People with Repetitive Motion or Overuse: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive movements or pressure on the joints can increase the risk of bursitis. For example:
- Athletes (especially those involved in running, swimming, tennis, or baseball)
- Manual labourers (such as construction workers or gardeners)
- Musicians (like violinists or drummers)
People with Certain Medical Conditions:
- Arthritis: Those with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout are more likely to develop bursitis, as inflammation in the joints can also affect the bursae.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing bursitis due to impaired circulation and increased likelihood of other inflammatory conditions.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight can put added pressure on the joints, increasing the likelihood of bursitis, particularly in areas like the hips, knees, and lower back.
People with Poor Posture or Alignment Issues: Poor posture, abnormal joint alignment, or improper body mechanics can lead to increased stress and strain on certain bursae, leading to inflammation.
Injuries or Trauma: A direct blow or injury to a joint can irritate or inflame the bursa, making bursitis more likely. This is common in athletes or people involved in contact sports.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of movement or physical activity can cause muscles and tendons to weaken, leading to an increased risk of injury or inflammation, including bursitis.
In general, bursitis can affect anyone, but these groups are more likely to experience it due to the added risk factors.
Several conditions can be mistaken for bursitis because they share similar symptoms, such as joint pain, swelling, and tenderness. Some of these include:
Tendinitis
- Similar Symptoms: Both tendinitis and bursitis cause pain and swelling around a joint, especially after repetitive use or overuse.
- Difference: Tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendons (the structures that connect muscles to bones), while bursitis affects the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints).
Arthritis
- Similar Symptoms: Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can mimic the symptoms of bursitis.
- Difference: Arthritis primarily affects the joint itself, including the cartilage and bones, whereas bursitis involves the bursa surrounding the joint.
Infection (Septic Bursitis)
- Similar Symptoms: Septic bursitis, which is an infection of the bursa, can cause redness, warmth, and swelling around the affected joint, similar to regular bursitis.
- Difference: In septic bursitis, the symptoms are typically more severe, and there is often fever and an elevated white blood cell count. It requires medical treatment, usually antibiotics.
Fractures or Bone Injuries
- Similar Symptoms: A bone fracture, especially in the area near a joint, can lead to swelling and pain that might be confused with bursitis.
- Difference: A fracture often involves more severe pain, especially with movement or pressure on the bone, and may show up on an X-ray.
Pinched Nerve (Radiculopathy)
- Similar Symptoms: A pinched nerve in the neck or lower back can cause pain, tingling, and weakness that might feel like it originates from a joint, leading to confusion with bursitis.
- Difference: A pinched nerve typically causes radiating pain (pain that travels along a nerve) and often affects areas like the arm or leg, rather than being localized around a joint like bursitis.
Labral Tears
- Similar Symptoms: A tear in the cartilage (labrum) in the shoulder or hip joint can cause pain, limited range of motion, and swelling, which might resemble bursitis.
- Difference: Labral tears are associated with instability and weakness in the joint, while bursitis typically causes more localized pain and swelling without joint instability.
Cysts (e.g., Ganglion Cyst)
- Similar Symptoms: A ganglion cyst can cause swelling and discomfort near a joint, which could be mistaken for bursitis.
- Difference: Cysts are usually soft, fluid-filled lumps that are more easily moved under the skin, while bursitis tends to feel more firm and may have warmth or redness.
Muscle Strain
- Similar Symptoms: A muscle strain can cause pain and swelling around a joint, especially after overexertion or injury.
- Difference: A muscle strain affects the muscles themselves and might result in muscle weakness or spasms, while bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa.
Gout
- Similar Symptoms: Gout causes sudden, severe pain and swelling in joints, often in the big toe, which can be confused with bursitis.
- Difference: Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint and usually involves sharp, intense pain, often with redness and warmth, and can be identified by blood tests showing high uric acid levels.
To accurately diagnose bursitis and rule out other conditions, a healthcare provider may conduct physical exams, imaging tests (like X-rays or ultrasounds), and blood tests as needed.
If you suspect you have bursitis, book in with one of our osteopaths, myotherapists or remedial massage therapists here at Canterbury Health Hub for assessment, treatment and management tips.