Bursitis is a condition that can lead a patient to experience arthralgia. In this situation, inflammation hits at least one bursa (possibly multiple of them). What is a bursa? It is a small sac that contains synovial fluid. Now, you may be wondering in turn what that is. Synovial fluid is a viscious fluid that is located in the synovial cavities.

Symptoms

Although arthralgia is sometimes referred to as not including inflammatory conditions, we're referring to it in a literal way: "joint pain." This can certainly show up when a patient has bursitis. It is possible for the pain to reach to the surrounding area nearby the affected bursa. The joint may be stiff, as well.

Causes

Bursitis may be brought on by any of a number of items. For instance, other inflammatory issues may lead to it. One example of this is rheumatoid arthritis. Scoliosis is another condition that can cause bursitis. In this situation, the patient has a spine that curves from side to side. There are various types of scoliosis, mainly neuromuscular, congenital, or of an unknown cause.

Using the joints in certain ways can also lead to bursitis. For instance, repeatedly moving them can do this. Putting abnormally high amounts of pressure on them may also lead to this result. Sometimes, an injury that is traumatic may lead to this condition as well. There are other reasons that it may occur, and sometimes this inflammation comes without any understood medical reason.

Types

There are many different forms of bursitis. One of the common ones is the prepatellar type. It leads to swelling that occurs above the person's kneecap, and is frequently referred to as housemaid's knee. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, or GTPS, affects a location in the hip. Olecranon bursitis involves a bursa that is found in the elbow, and it is sometimes called baker's elbow.

Treatment

To some extent, treatment varies based on whether the bursa is infected. If an infection does exist, then the situation might need to be looked into further, and antibiotics are typical to combat the illness. Where there is no infection, the patient might be advised to rest the area, put ice on it, and keep it elevated. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be recommended by the doctor. Going through physical therapy is an option. When normal treatment methods do not lead to a positive resolution, then surgery may be considered.