What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is the swelling of your bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that provide a cushion between your bone and muscle, tendon, or skin. With bursitis, you develop swelling and pain around the muscle and bone.
You may be at risk of developing bursitis if you engage in repetitive activities that place extra stress on the bursae, such as:
- Leaning on your elbow for prolonged periods
- Throwing a ball over and over again
- Pulling weeds
- Spending long hours kneeling
Your occupation or recreational activities may lead to bursitis. Inflammation is common in carpenters, gardeners, athletes, and musicians.
What are Bursitis Symptoms?
With bursitis, you may experience joint pain, swelling, or redness. It most often affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles.
You may be able to manage your bursitis symptoms with at-home care, but if your pain worsens or affects your daily routine, the experts at NJ Spine and Wellness can provide the help you need.
How is Bursitis Diagnosed?
You can develop joint pain from many sources. To determine the underlying cause of your symptoms, the team at NJ Spine and Wellness conduct a thorough evaluation.
They ask detailed questions about your symptoms and the activities that worsen your pain. The team also reviews your medical history and conducts a physical, paying close attention to the areas causing your symptoms.
Though bursitis may be diagnosed based on your history and physical, your provider at NJ Spine and Wellness may request an X-ray or lab test to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
How is Bursitis Treated?
The specialists at NJ Spine and Wellness develop individualized treatment plans to manage your bursitis based on the severity of your symptoms, your usual activities, and your overall health and wellness.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Activity modification
- Ice therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Brace or splint
- LiteCure® laser therapy
If conservative measures fail to alleviate your bursitis, your provider at NJ Spine and Wellness may recommend a steroid injection. This medication reduces inflammation and provides immediate pain relief.
Your joints help keep you mobile and active. If you have joint pain and suspect it may be bursitis, contact NJ Spine and Wellness by phone or schedule your consultation online today.
