Bursitis is a known manifestation of gout (Hench, 1941), but little information is available on its clinical and bursal findings.
Gout typically affects the joints of the extremities, usually the big toe and sometimes the fingers. In contrast, whilst bursitis can also affect these joints, it is most common in the elbows, knees and hips.
The most common causes of bursitis are injury or overuse. Infection may also cause it. Bursitis is also associated with other problems. These include arthritis, gout, tendonitis, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
People may refer to specific forms of bursitis by other names. Tennis elbow, clergyman's knee, and housemaid's knee are all common terms.
Common types of bursitis include prepatellar, olecranon, trochanteric, and retrocalcaneal. Most patients respond to nonsurgical management, including ice, activity modification, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Foods that can trigger inflammation may make your pain worse so these are ones to avoid if you can. This includes processed foods (ready meals, sliced meat), caffeine, fizzy juice, sugars (cakes, biscuits etc.), and alcohol.
Doctors may recommend over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce inflammation in the bursa and tendon and relieve pain. These medications are typically recommended for a few weeks while the body heals.
Exercise is often prescribed to improve joint pain, so walking could be a vital part of managing your bursitis symptoms.
Bursa Drainage and Removal
If the bursa is severely damaged, the surgeon may remove the entire inflamed sac. The incision is closed with stitches. Removal of a bursa does not affect the way the muscles or joints work and can permanently relieve the pain and swelling caused by bursitis.
Chronic pain: Untreated bursitis can lead to a permanent thickening or enlargement of the bursa, which can cause chronic inflammation and pain. Muscle atrophy: Long term reduced use of joint can lead to decreased physical activity and loss of surrounding muscle.
Acute bursitis usually flares over hours or days. Chronic bursitis can last from a few days to several weeks. Chronic bursitis can go away and come back again. Acute bursitis can become chronic if it comes back or if a hip injury occurs.
This relatively common condition may be mild or severe. Severe bursitis is a very dangerous medical condition, so it's important to understand the symptoms, causes and treatment of this ailment.
Activities or positions that put pressure on the hip bursa, such as lying down, sitting in one position for a long time, or walking distances can irritate the bursa and cause more pain. It is also important to learn the hip bursitis exercises to avoid making the condition worse.
Bursitis generally gets better on its own. Conservative measures, such as rest, ice and taking a pain reliever, can relieve discomfort. If conservative measures don't work, you might require: Medication.
Since prepatellar bursitis is quite superficial, topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac topical gel (Voltaren Gel) can be very effective, with minimal systemic side effects.
Do not massage right over the bursa. This will make it worse. However, massage can be done to other areas of the body to address imbalances: I recommend John F Barnes myofascial release. In conclusion, you should work with a physical therapist to progress these exercises slowly and correctly.
Pursue a “bursa friendly” diet. Opt for foods that are rich in vitamin B such as broccoli, spinach and bananas. Foods high in vitamin C are known to strengthen the bursa sac as can foods rich in Omega 3s.
However, several cases have been reported with higher doses of caffeine potentially increasing pain in medical conditions involving inflammation, such as tendonitis, bursitis, endometriosis and arthritis.
Bursitis is common in adults, especially after age 40. It's usually caused by repeated pressure on an area or by using a joint too much. High-risk activities include gardening, raking, carpentry, shoveling, painting, scrubbing, tennis, golf, skiing, and throwing.
For analgesia, NSAIDs and/or acetaminophen are first-line agents. For the deeper bursa, corticosteroid injections, sometimes with a local anesthetic, can provide symptomatic relief.
Doctors at NYU Langone Orthopedic Center can diagnose bursitis and tendinitis during a physical examination, even soon after an injury. If more detail is needed to confirm a diagnosis, doctors may recommend imaging tests, such as MRI scans and X-rays.