Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae. These sacs act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Inflamed bursae cause discomfort and reduced range of motion. Common locations for bursitis include the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Bursitis can also affect the heel or base of the big toe.
Hurt911® Colorado offers effective bursitis treatment in the Denver metro area, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and diagnostic imaging. We have offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and other cities. Contact us today.
What Is Bursitis?
Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae become inflamed. These bursae act as cushions between bones and soft tissues, reducing friction during movement. When they become irritated, it can lead to discomfort and reduced range of motion in the affected area.
Bursitis is a painful condition that can affect various joints, including the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knee joints. It can be caused by repetitive motions, injuries, or underlying health conditions. Symptoms often include swelling, tenderness, and pain that worsens with movement.
Bursitis Symptoms
The primary sign of bursitis is joint pain, which can vary from mild to severe. Bursitis pain typically worsens with movement or pressure on the affected joint.
The symptoms of bursitis commonly include:
- Joint pain and tenderness around the affected bursa.
- Swelling and redness near the inflamed bursa
- Stiffness or difficulty moving the affected joint
- Increased pain with activity or pressure on the joint
- Warmth in the affected area (in cases of infection)
If you experience excessive swelling, sharp pain during movement, fever, or an inability to move the joint, seek medical attention promptly. Visit a healthcare provider if pain persists despite rest and home remedies.
Common Causes of Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs, known as bursae, become inflamed. This condition can arise from various factors that lead to irritation or damage to these protective structures.
- Repetitive Motions: Repeating the same motion can put pressure on joints, causing bursitis.
- Sudden Injuries: A direct injury to a joint may trigger inflammation in the bursa.
- Poor Posture or Ergonomics: Sitting or standing improperly for long periods puts stress on joints, increasing your risk of developing bursitis.
- Age-Related Changes: As you age, the bursae may become less flexible. The surrounding tissues can also weaken, becoming more susceptible to inflammation.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and infections can increase the risk of developing bursitis.
- Infections: Septic bursitis occurs when bacteria enter the bursa, leading to inflammation and swelling. This type of bursitis requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
Risk Factors for Bursitis
- Age: Bursitis is more common in older people, especially those over 40.
- Sports: Activities like running, tennis, and basketball can place strain on joints bursae. If you play sports, make sure to warm up and use proper technique.
- Occupation: Jobs that require heavy lifting, kneeling, or repetitive motions put pressure on your joints and increase the risk of bursitis.
- Health Conditions: Inflammatory arthritis (such as psoriatic arthritis or gout), diabetes, and thyroid disease increase the risk of bursitis.
Common Types of Bursitis
Bursitis can occur in various parts of the body, affecting different joints. Common types of bursitis include:
Shoulder Bursitis
Subacromial bursitis affects the shoulder joint. Shoulder bursitis is common among athletes and individuals who perform repetitive overhead motions, such as painters or swimmers. Common symptoms include shoulder pain and stiffness (frozen shoulder).
Elbow Bursitis
Olecranon bursitis affects the bursa located at the tip of the elbow. This condition can cause painful swelling and tenderness in the area. Elbow bursitis is often caused by direct trauma or prolonged pressure, such as leaning on hard surfaces.
Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis is commonly caused by kneeling for extended periods. It can manifest as prepatellar bursitis (housemaid’s knee) and infrapatellar bursitis (clergyman’s knee). Symptoms typically include swelling, pain, and difficulty bending the knee.
Hip Bursitis
Bursitis may affect the outer side of the hip (trochanteric bursitis) or the groin area (iliopectineal bursitis). Hip bursitis is commonly associated with prolonged standing or repetitive motions.
Butt (Ischial Bursitis)
Ischial bursitis affects the bursa located at the base of the pelvis, leading to discomfort while sitting or moving. It is commonly seen in athletes and individuals who spend long periods sitting on hard surfaces. Symptoms include localized pain and tenderness in the buttock area.
Heel Bursitis
Bursitis affecting the back of the heel is common among athletes. It’s often caused by tight footwear or repetitive impact forces from jumping or running.
How Is Bursitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing bursitis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests.
Physical Exam
A doctor will assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion in the affected joint. They will ask about your symptoms, including the intensity and location of the pain, as well as any recent activities that could have contributed to your condition.
Imaging and Lab Tests
If the physical exam suggests bursitis, further tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
- X-rays can help rule out fractures or bone spurs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound can provide detailed images of soft tissues, revealing inflammation of the bursa
- Lab Tests: If infection is suspected, a doctor may order blood tests or an analysis of fluid from the inflamed bursa.
At Hurt911® Colorado, diagnostic imaging services help pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms for precise treatment planning.
How Long Does Bursitis Last?
In general, bursitis may last from a few weeks to several months. Most patients see symptoms improve within a few weeks with appropriate care, such as rest and physical therapy.
However, chronic bursitis can persist for extended periods, particularly if underlying issues remain untreated. People with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes may experience longer recovery times
If bursitis is caused by repetitive motions or pressure on the affected bursa, these risk factors must be addressed to prevent pain and symptoms from recurring.
Bursitis Treatment
At Hurt911® Colorado, we treat bursitis using a combination of chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain management. We can refer patients with severe, chronic bursitis for orthopedic surgery if necessary.
Conservative Treatments
Most cases of bursitis improve with over-the-counter pain medications and rest. The following at-home treatments may help:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate symptoms. Gradually reintroduce movement after the inflammation stops.
- Ice and Heat: Use a heating pad or hot water bottle on the area. Apply a cold compress or ice packs to the area for 15 minutes at a time, a few times each day.
- Compression: Support the area with a sling, splint, or brace.
- Elevation: Raise the affected area to decrease swelling.
Medications and Injections
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen help manage pain and inflammation. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the affected bursa.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery by strengthening surrounding muscles and improving joint flexibility. A physical therapist can develop a customized rehabilitation program. This may include stretching and strengthening exercises to improve your range of motion.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate stress on joints by improving alignment and reducing pressure on inflamed areas. Chiropractors can also offer advice on posture and ergonomics to prevent further issues.
Surgery
Severe bursitis cases may require intervention from an orthopedic surgeon. The inflamed bursa may need to be surgically drained. In rare cases, surgical removal of the bursa may be necessary if other treatments fail. Our team can refer patients to skilled orthopedic surgeons.
Preventing Bursitis
Here are some practical tips to maintain healthy joints and reduce the risk of developing bursitis.
- Maintain good posture.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
- Use cushions or knee pads if you spend a lot of time kneeling.
- Use proper techniques when lifting heavy objects.
- Take frequent breaks during repetitive tasks.
- Stretch before exercising to improve flexibility.
- Strengthen muscles around joints through regular exercise.
Why Choose Hurt911® Colorado?
Hurt911® Colorado has extensive experience treating musculoskeletal conditions like bursitis through a combination of chiropractic care and physical therapy. We provide personalized care plans tailored to your unique needs.
- Zero Out-of-Pocket Costs for Accident Victims: If you’re involved in a legal case related to your injury, we provide treatment with ZERO out-of-pocket costs. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case!
- Attorney Referrals: We can connect you with legal professionals if your bursitis is related to an accident. We partner with top Personal Injury Lawyers across the state of Colorado.
- Hurt911 Transport: Call 720-414-0000 right after an accident. We can arrange free transportation to and from our offices.
Bursitis is a painful condition. Our team at Hurt911® Colorado is equipped to help you regain mobility and live pain-free.
We serve patients across the Denver metro area, including:
Contact Us Today
If you are experiencing symptoms of bursitis or have concerns about your joint health, reach out to Hurt911® Colorado. Our dedicated team is here to assist you. We offer a comprehensive approach to care, ensuring you receive the treatment you need.
Bursitis doesn’t have to limit your quality of life. With proper care from our team at Hurt911® Colorado in Denver, you can recover and get back to the things you love. Call 720-414-0000 or contact us online today.