Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac located between a tendon and a bone or the skin, which reduces friction between adjacent structures during movement. There are about 150 bursae in the human body. Some are more superficial and easily injured, while others are deeper and better protected. The most common sites of bursitis are the knee, shoulder, trochanteric region, heel, and elbow.

Bursitis can be caused by chronic trauma, infection, or autoimmune diseases. During bursitis, the bursal membrane thickens, causing pain and swelling. Bursitis is usually treated with restricted physical activity, rest, and pain medication. In some cases, glucocorticoid injections may be necessary. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment involving bursa removal may be required. If bursitis is caused by infection, it is treated with antibiotics and aspiration. In some cases, surgical lavage may be necessary.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology