What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a small sac filled with fluid found between tendons, muscles and bones and their job is to decrease friction during movement. The elbow and knee are more prone to having bursitis but other parts that can be affected are the heel, shoulder, hip and under hamstring tendons. Take a look at the shoulder bursitis and the knee bursitis.

Cause of bursitis

Repeated blows or one single hard blow can be the cause, using a faulty technique or even constant kneeling.

Symptoms

A bursa may be large and ugly but not always painful depending on where it is. If you press it, you can feel pain, but you can often carry on playing your sport. If the bursa is inflamed, causing pain and stopping you from playing your sport then you need to seek medical advice whereby your doctor will, depending on the condition of the bursa, give you anti-biotic's, perhaps drain fluid from the bursa, or in the worst case he may advise you that the bursa can be removed by surgery.

Self help for bursitis

• If you can prevent the inflammation from becoming worse you may be able to avoid medical treatment.
• Apply ice to relieve pain
• Wear protection over the bursa if possible to protect from further aggravation.
• Cut down the amount of sport you do for one week.
• If you rest from your sport for one week completely, continue to gently keep the affected part mobile.

Protection and prevention

Always warm up and stretch before your sport as this will bring blood and oxygen to the working parts.

Wear protection where possible.