Bursitis

It is also referred to as acute and chronic Tendonitis or Tennis elbow. Bursa is an inflammatory condition in the tendons or bursa, the sac-like membrane, which contains joint protecting fluids. Both conditions can develop deposits in the shoulder, elbow, hip or knees. Both can result from strain, a blow to the affected body part, or in the case of Bursitis, as a secondary symptom of arthritis or rheumatism. Sports involving overuse of the shoulder and occupations requiring frequent overhead reaching are other potential causes of irritation to the rotator cuff or bursa and may lead to inflammation and impingement.

• Signs of these conditions include the slow onset of discomfort and pain in the upper shoulder or upper third of the arm and/or difficulty sleeping on the shoulder. Tendinitis and bursitis also cause pain when the arm is lifted away from the body or overhead. If tendinitis involves the biceps tendon (the tendon located in front of the shoulder that helps bend the elbow and turn the forearm), pain will occur in the front or side of the shoulder and may travel down to the elbow and forearm. Pain may also occur when the arm is forcefully pushed upward overhead. Other symptoms include:
• A dull ache or stiffness in the area of your elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, big toe or other joint
• Pain is worse with movement 
• Affected area feels swollen or is warm or hot to the touch 
• Occasional skin redness in the area of the inflamed bursa
  

Staying limber seems to protect the joints from Bursitis. Overuse of certain joints is usually the primary cause of the disorder so taking it easy when doing strainful activities is recommended. Metal transfers more shock to the joints than wood, so while playing, always use equipment made of wood. After an injury or a sprain, proper first aid is very important in preventing future Bursitis. Use knee pads or protective foam mats if you kneel for extended period of time.

It can result from friction. Pressure or injury to the bursa membrane. Prolonged kneeling on a hard surface causes Prepatellar Bursitis, or “housemaids knee”. Olecranon Bursitis or student’s elbow results from pressure exerted from a desk or a table. Bursitis has also been linked to calcium deposits. Some experts have associated this disorder with food or airborne allergies. Some shoulder problems arise from the disruption of these soft tissues as a result of injury or from overuse or under use of the shoulder. Other causes may underline a degenerative process in which tissues break down and no longer function well. Symptoms of Bursitis may also be caused by gout or infection.

Diagnosis of tendinitis and bursitis begins with a medical history and physical examination. X rays do not show tendons or the bursae but may be helpful in ruling out bony abnormalities or arthritis. The doctor may remove and test fluid from the inflamed area to rule out infection. Impingement syndrome may be confirmed when injection of a small amount of anesthetic (lidocaine hydrochloride) into the space under the acromion relieves pain. Sometimes the severity of a separation can be detected by taking x rays while the patient holds a lightweight that pulls on the muscles, making a separation more pronounced.

Use ice therapy by applying a soft ice pack to the joint and then removing after five to ten minutes. Do not use heat if the joint feels hot or swollen. Use a hot castor oil pack, which can be made by soaking several layers of flannel in castor oil, placing them over the affected area and then covering these layers with a plastic sheet on which a heating pad or a hot water bottle is kept. Rest the joint until symptoms improve. Immobilizing it helps promote healing. Stretching exercises with the doctor’s permission is also recommended. Wrapping the joint with an elastic bandage may help alleviate discomfort. A Jacuzzi bath may also help control pain. Over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used for pain.

Tension can be just as damaging to joints and tendons as an athletic injury. Stress reaction also plays an integral role in how your muscles and joints function. It is vitally important for us to learn how to relax and relieve stress when dealing with joint or back pains.