Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation (swelling) of a bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac under the skin, normally found over the joints and between tendons and bones.

In fact, there are approximately 160 bursae in the human body and they may be found in any area where friction occurs.

Bursae act as cushions between two surfaces that rub against each other, such as bones, muscles, joints and tendons, helping to reduce friction.

The bursae reduce friction because they are lined with special cells, known as synovial cells, which produce a liquid that lubricates the moving parts of the body.

A bursa can become inflamed through injury or repetitive movement, or less commonly as a result of infection or as a complication of certain conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis (see Causes for more information).

When bursitis occurs, it commonly causes pain and swelling in the affected body part (see Symptoms for more information).

Where bursitis occurs

Any bursa can become inflamed, but the most common places where bursitis occurs are:

• the shoulder,
• the elbow,
• the ankle,
• the knee,
• the buttocks,
• the hip, and
• the thigh.

How common is bursitis?

It is difficult to estimate exactly how common bursitis is because the symptoms are often mild and pass without treatment.

Many people with bursitis do not seek medical help. However, research suggests that one in every 200 visits to a GP surgery is because of bursitis.

The risk of developing bursitis is higher if you regularly do an activity that involves a lot of repetitive movement. For example, runners and joggers have an increased risk of developing bursitis in their ankles, and people who do a lot of kneeling, such as carpet fitters and gardeners, have a high risk of developing bursitis in their knee.

Outlook

The outlook for bursitis is usually good, with symptoms normally passing within two weeks. Resting the affected body part and taking the painkiller ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery.

Joints

Pain