Bursitis: The Cause Behind Inflammation In Knees, Ankles, and More

If you have ever developed a persistent pain within your knees or joints, you may be suffering from bursitis. Bursitis is a condition that affects your bursae, which cushions the bones, tendons, and muscles in your joints. When it becomes inflamed, it can affect your knees, your heels, and any other joints that have bursae. Though it isn’t a life threatening condition, it's important to know what bursitis is, what symptoms you can have, and how you can take preventative measures to ensure you don’t get it. 

Symptoms of Bursitis

The most common symptom of bursitis is inflammation. The bursae are small, fluid filled sacs, and when they become inflamed, you may experience excruciating pain. Other symptoms of bursitis that can occur include stiffness between joints. There might be a spot on your joint that hurts when you press on it. Another sign of bursitis is a swollen and red appearance. Should you have any of these symptoms, it might be best to make an appointment with your primary care doctor. 

There are advanced symptoms of bursitis - if you don’t get treatment for the former. These include developing a fever and having excessive swelling, rashes, or bruises in the affected area. Inability to move the affected joint is another sign.

There are preventative measures that you can take when dealing with bursitis. The main cause of the condition is making repeated movements that can put pressure on your joints. If you sustain an injury to your joints, this can also cause the condition to sprout. Even inflammatory arthritis or gout can cause the condition to appear. 

If you play sports, make sure that you use proper form and switch up movements in your routine. Make sure to use cushions if you’re resting a joint on a hard surface. Taking breaks from repeating the same motion is another option as well. 

Bursitis Treatments 

It’s important to note that bursitis becomes more common over the course of your life. People above age forty are at a higher risk of developing bursitis. Your risk can increase if you work in an occupation that might affect your joints, so make sure to warm up or stretch before doing anything strenuous. It may seem like a hassle, but it can prevent you from having a recurring condition of bursitis. Take the proper steps to avoid developing this condition. 

In order to treat bursitis, you have to make sure to give the area lots of rest. If you have a career in sports, you might have to take a break to avoid irritating the area as well. You might even have to put a splint or brace on the joint in order to keep it from getting inflamed again. If that doesn’t work, icing the area and taking over-the-counter pain medications might help with some of the pain you’ll be experiencing. 

Anti-inflammatory medications are the best way to combat bursitis. Physical therapy is a great way to get more motion in the affected joint, strengthening the motion and muscles. If none of these treatment options work out for you, surgery might be the last resort option in this case. 

Having bursitis doesn’t have to put an end to your favorite activities. Knowing the right precautionary measures and the way to treat the condition is a great way to prevent yourself from developing this condition. BASS Medical Group has the experts that you will need if you have symptoms of bursitis. Call us at (925) 350-4044 or visit our website.