The human body has over 150 bursa located between the bones and soft tissue like tendons, muscles and ligaments. These small, fluid-filled, slippery sacs are responsible for reducing friction between the soft tissue and bones in the elbows, knees, hips, shoulders and ankles. When these sacs get overused or strained from repetitive stress, they can become inflamed and be quite painful, resulting in bursitis. If caught early though, treatment for this pain can be relatively simple.
About
Bursitis pain is usually related to overuse. Some exercises, such as running, tennis or other sports that require repetitive motions, can cause irritation to a bursa, causing it to lose its slippery texture and become inflamed. Symptoms of bursitis include stiffness or pain upon getting out of bed in the morning or when first starting to walk or move a certain joint. This pain can decrease during activity once the muscles are warmed up, but it usually comes back afterward.
Rest
When dealing with bursitis, it is important to recognize what activity is causing the pain and reduce or eliminate that until the inflammation is gone. Avoid running or playing through the pain because this will only make it worse. Rest is the best way to let the bursa heal. You can still remain active, just choose exercises that do not put stress on the affected area. For example, if you run and the bursa around your ankle is hurt, try swimming instead.
Icing
Cold will help reduce the pain and inflammation. Wrap a thin towel around a bag of frozen vegetables or ice pack and apply to the affected area three to four times a day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Do not put the cold pack directly on the skin because this can cause frostbite.
Stretching
Once the pain is reduced or gone, gently stretch the area three to four times a day. Stretch all surrounding muscles too. Tight muscles and tendons can trigger bursitis because they make the area less flexible, which can result in more strain and friction.
Anti-Inflammatories
If your doctor agrees, take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) such as ibuprofen to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Medical Treatment
See your doctor if none of the above treatments work. He can examine your bursitis with an X-ray, MRI or CAT scan to determine the level of damage and advise a more aggressive treatment if necessary. You may require physical therapy, a stronger anti-inflammatory, cortisone shot, surgery or other procedure.
