Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of a tiny sac that is filled with fluid and works to reduce the amount of friction within the body's tissues, known as bursa. There are one hundred sixty of these sacs of fluid located throughout the human body. The major ones are found in large joints adjacent to the tendons in the knees, elbows, shoulders and hips.

The bursa in the joints becomes inflamed due to infection, injury or an underlying condition. Bursitis can come from not much stimuli at all. You could get Bursitis in your shoulder simply by lifting groceries into you vehicle. A scrape on your knee could cause Bursitis in that area. Gout crystals can cause Bursitis in the elbow.

Bursitis can be diagnosed for pain, swelling and tenderness in the tissues around the area. X-rays can be used to diagnose recurrent or chronic pain from Bursitis.
The presence of infection helps to determine the treatment for Bursitis. If no infection is present, the treatment is simply rest, cold compresses and medication. In some cases, removal of the bursa fluid is necessary. If infection is present, treatment that is more aggressive is required, such as surgery to drain the fluid or remove the infected sac and intravenous medication. Joints generally function properly after healing.