Bursitis

What is bursitis?

Bursae are located in many areas of our body and contain the so-called synovial fluid. Most often, the bursa synovialis is found near joints, such as the elbow joint or shoulder.

Other areas where bursae can be found:

Hip joint
Knee joint

The small pouches perform a cushioning function between hard and soft structures. Smooth processes are possible thanks to the bursa.

Due to the constant continuous irritation in some professions or sports, for example tiling or tennis, bursitis can be caused. Inflammation or injury can also be behind so-called bursitis, as bursitis is medically referred to. A distinction is made between two variants:

chronic bursitis
acute bursitis

Inflamed bursae can cause severe pain and swelling may also occur in the affected area.

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The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!

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Table of Contents:

Bursitis – what are the causes behind bursitis?

What is the diagnosis of suspected bursitis?
What is the treatment for bursitis?
Surgical removal – can surgery be considered for bursitis?
Can bursitis also be prevented?

Bursitis – what are the causes behind bursitis?

Bursitis can have a variety of triggers, such as continuous irritation from constant mechanical stress. There are certain occupational groups in which bursitis is more common. These include, for example, cleaners or road builders. The bursae are subjected to constant pressure stimulus and, as a result, minimal damage forms on the surface. Other causes of bursitis:

Injury to the bursa due to falls, osteoarthritis, violence or an accident
bacterial infection
Metabolic diseases (gout)

Also in the context of tendinitis, the inflammatory processes can subsequently lead to bursitis.

What is the diagnosis of suspected bursitis?

Our doctors at the Orthopaedic Center Munich East attach importance to thorough diagnostics as soon as bursitis is suspected in the shoulder joint, elbow or other areas. The first step is a detailed consultation, during which the patient’s medical history can also be discussed. For a meaningful diagnosis, any pre-existing conditions or existing diseases also play a role. It asks about accidents, your job situation and injuries.

The interview is followed by an initial, physical examination. The focus will be on the affected areas. These are subjected to a closer inspection and a search is made for redness, swelling or signs of inflammation. Other diagnostic measures that may be considered for bursitis:

Ultrasound examination: This diagnostic method can be used to see whether the bursa is filled with an increased amount of fluid.

Puncture: Especially if bacterial bursitis is suspected, the affected bursa must be punctured. With the help of the extracted fluid, it is possible to determine, for example, whether bacterial pathogens are the trigger.

In the case of bursitis olecrani (at the elbow) or another form of bursitis, other diagnostic methods can still be used. These include other imaging modalities, such as X-ray. Thanks to this procedure, any calcium deposits in the bursa also become visible.

What is the treatment for bursitis?

First and foremost, the question of the right therapy depends on what type of bursitis it is. Immediate immobilization of the affected joint is necessary, for example, in the case of acute bursitis. In this way, the progression of the disease and further stress can be prevented. Immobilization is usually performed by means of special splints. A bandage can also be applied if it is still a mild form of bursitis. It is important that you move the affected joint from time to time. In this way, impending stiffening can be prevented.

To support the splint, cooling or special pain ointments can relieve the inflammation. For shoulder pain or pain in other joints, be careful never to place cooling batteries directly on the skin or for too long. Otherwise, frostbite may occur in the areas. Other treatment options for bursitis:

Administration of antibiotics: This is only possible in the case of bursitis caused by bacterial pathogens.

Taking anti-inflammatory painkillers (diclofenac or ibuprofen)

Shock wave therapy: Extracorporeal pressure waves are directed at the inflamed bursa in this type of therapy. Most often, this technique is used when calcium deposits are already present in the bursae.

Physiotherapeutic measures, in addition to the above-mentioned treatments, can also alleviate the symptoms of bursitis.

Surgical removal – can surgery be considered for bursitis?

Bursitis can also be treated surgically. This may be the case, for example, if there is an injury. Chronic bursitis may also require surgical removal of the bursa if the symptoms do not subside despite medication and other measures.

Surgical removal of the bursa can be done in several ways: Open or arthroscopic. Arthroscopy is usually performed, which leaves minimal scarring.

Can bursitis also be prevented?

You can prevent bursitis and possibly prevent the onset of the disease. For certain occupational groups, such as tilers or road builders, there are special protective devices for the joints. These ensure that the joints are not unduly stressed and exposed to the harmful permanent irritation. Other things you can look out for:

Avoid one-sided movement sequences
bring more variety into your daily exercise routine
special stretching exercises can strengthen the muscles

After overcoming bursitis, you should in any case be careful not to put undue strain on your joints. Wearing sturdy joint protectors is particularly appropriate during sports. In addition, you should always build small breaks into your daily work routine. We would be happy to provide you with more information on this topic during an initial consultation at our Orthopedic Center Munich East.

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