What is Bursitis?
Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed. A bursa is a small, round, fluid-filled sac that lubricates and cushions pressure points between bones, tendons and muscles. Bursae help to reduce friction when muscles contract, as you move your joints. Signs and symptoms of bursitis can include pain near a joint that is worse with movement or with pressure on the joint. A dull ache or stiffness, as well as warmth and swelling may be noted near the joint. It can often be difficult to distinguish between bursitis and tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon) although treatment of the two disorders is often similar.

What causes Bursitis?
Bursitis is often seen with trauma or overuse of a joint. Although there are approximately 150 bursae in the body, most incidences of bursitis occur in the shoulder, knee, elbow and hip. Less commonly, instances of bursitis are seen in the foot and Achilles tendon. There is an increased risk of developing bursitis if you have arthritis, gout or a history of certain types of infections

How to treat Bursitis
Bursitis is treated by reducing the inflammation of the offending bursa. This is often done with exercise and stretches, which help to elongate the muscle and tendon that the bursa sits under, therefore decreasing the pressure on the bursa. Physical therapist often treat bursitis by helping their clients to modify the way in which they perform the activities which led to the bursitis. Ice and or heat can often help with bursae that are near the surface of the skin. Your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication to reduce your pain and inflammation. In severe cases fluid can be drawn from the bursa and cortisone can be used to further decrease the local inflammation. In the rare case that the bursa is being inflamed due to an infection, antibiotics are given.

How Peoplefit can help
Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center is devoted to improving the health and wellness of people in the greater Woburn community. We use our expertise to create safe and effective individualized exercise programs in order to help you reach your goals. If you would like to speak with a physical therapist about exercise and its effects on any health related condition, please contact us.