A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving parts, such as muscles, tendons, or skin. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed. People get bursitis by overusing a joint. It can also be caused by an injury. It usually occurs at the knee or elbow. Kneeling or leaning your elbows on a hard surface for a long time can make bursitis start. Doing the same kinds of movements every day or putting stress on joints increases your risk.
Symptoms of bursitis include pain and swelling. Your doctor will diagnose bursitis with a physical exam and tests such as x-rays and MRIs. He or she may also take fluid from the swollen area to be sure the problem isn’t an infection.
Treatment of bursitis includes rest, pain medicines, or ice. If there is no improvement, your doctor may inject a drug into the area around the swollen bursa. If the joint still does not improve after 6 to 12 months, you may need surgery to repair damage and relieve pressure on the bursa.
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, joints, and muscles. When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in areas like the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee. Bursitis is often caused by repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on the joint, but it can also result from injury or infection.
Common Causes:
- Repetitive motion (e.g., frequent kneeling or lifting)
- Trauma or injury to the joint
- Infection of the bursa
- Underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout
Symptoms:
- Localized pain or tenderness in the affected joint
- Swelling or redness around the joint
- Limited movement or stiffness
- Pain that worsens with activity
Treatment:
- Resting the affected area
- Ice therapy to reduce swelling
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- In severe cases, aspiration or surgery may be necessary.
If left untreated, bursitis can lead to chronic pain or more serious issues.
Prevention of bursitis
While not all types of bursitis can be prevented, you can reduce your risk and the severity of flare-ups by changing the way you do certain tasks. Examples include:
- Using kneeling pads. Use some type of padding to reduce the pressure on your knees if your job or hobby requires a lot of kneeling.
- Lifting properly. Bend your knees when you lift. Failing to do so puts extra stress on the bursae in your hips.
- Wheeling heavy loads. Carrying heavy loads puts stress on the bursae in your shoulders. Use a dolly or a wheeled cart instead.
- Taking frequent breaks. Alternate repetitive tasks with rest or other activities.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight places more stress on your joints.
- Exercising. Strengthening your muscles can help protect your affected joint.
- Warming up and stretching before strenuous activities to protect your joints from injury.
Medication Listing for Bursitis
Here is a list of medications commonly used to treat bursitis, categorized by their function:
1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
These are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in bursitis.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Aspirin
- Celecoxib (Celebrex) – a COX-2 inhibitor, gentler on the stomach
- Indomethacin
2. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid injections are often given directly into the inflamed bursa to provide quick relief, especially in cases of severe inflammation.
- Prednisone (for oral use, though less common)
- Triamcinolone (Kenalog)
- Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol)
- Hydrocortisone
3. Pain Relievers
If pain relief is the main focus and inflammation is minimal, these medications may be recommended.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – not anti-inflammatory, but helps with pain
4. Antibiotics
If bursitis is caused by an infection (septic bursitis), antibiotics are prescribed.
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Clindamycin
- Dicloxacillin
- Vancomycin (for severe cases of MRSA infections)
5. Topical NSAIDs
These creams or gels are applied directly to the skin over the affected joint and can provide localized pain relief with fewer systemic side effects.
- Diclofenac gel (Voltaren Gel)
6. Muscle Relaxants (Occasionally used)
In cases where bursitis leads to muscle tightness or spasms around the affected joint.
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
7. Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
For cases where bursitis is linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Methotrexate
- Hydroxychloroquine
8. Biologics
In rare cases associated with autoimmune conditions, biologic medications might be used to help manage chronic inflammation.
- Adalimumab (Humira)
- Etanercept (Enbrel)
Important Notes:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are often the first line of treatment.
- Corticosteroid injections are typically used when other medications don’t provide enough relief.
- Antibiotics are only used in cases of infected bursitis (septic bursitis).
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication, especially for injections or antibiotics.