In Australia, bursitis is a common condition, particularly among athletes and people who perform repetitive physical tasks. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, musculoskeletal conditions, including bursitis, affect over 6 million Australians and are the second leading cause of disability in the country.

Bursitis Symptoms and Causes

Bursitis is caused by the inflammation of a bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bone and soft tissue. A bursa (plural bursae) reduces friction and assists joint movement.

When you overuse or injure a joint, a nearby bursa can become irritated or inflamed. As a result, the bursa fills with excess fluid, causing pain and a reduction of motion.

Other symptoms of bursitis may include:

• localised pain;
• swelling;
• a warm feeling in or around the affected area;
• increased pain at night;
• referred pain;
• pain that becomes worse on movement;
• stiffness;
• reddening of the skin in the affected area.

The shoulder (sub-acromial bursitis), hip (trochanteric bursitis), elbow (olecranon bursitis), knee (suprapatellar bursitis) and heel (calcaneus bursitis) are the most common sites of bursitis.

Factors that can increase the risk of developing bursitis include previous injury, overuse, excessive strain on joints, age, occupation and certain medical conditions.

Even if you feel like you have managed to live with your injury and bursitis pain, it can impact and affect your daily life:

• Concentration issues, impacting your ability to work, study or concentrate, due to the pain.
• Sleeping issues, leading to low energy levels throughout the day.
• Feeling downcast or depressed, due to pain stopping you from doing the activities you love.
• Getting out and about less, in the hope to avoid pain and repetitive movements.

CHH has helped many patients suffering from Bursitis to return them to their normal lifestyles!