Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles in joints. Bursitis can develop in any joint but is most commonly found in the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. This condition can cause pain and limit movement, significantly reducing the quality of life.

Causes of Bursitis:

1. Injuries and Overuse Repetitive movements or prolonged pressure on a joint can lead to microtraumas in the bursa, causing inflammation. This is common among athletes and people who perform physical labor.
2. Infections In some cases, bursitis may be caused by an infection that enters the bursa through an injury or cut. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
3. Arthritis Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout can cause inflammation of the bursa, leading to the development of bursitis.
4. Age As people age, the tissues of the bursa lose their elasticity, increasing the risk of developing bursitis, especially with chronic joint stress.

Treatment of Bursitis:

1. Rest and Reduced Activity It’s important to temporarily eliminate or reduce stress on the inflamed joint. Resting and avoiding movements that cause pain will help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.
2. Cold Application Applying ice to the affected area within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms helps reduce swelling and pain.
3. Medications Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In case of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
4. Physical Therapy Specialized exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles and improving joint mobility can help restore function and prevent recurrent bursitis.
5. Corticosteroid Injections In cases of chronic or severe bursitis, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
6. Surgical Intervention In rare cases, when conservative treatment does not yield results, surgical removal of the inflamed bursa may be necessary.

Prevention of Bursitis:

1. Avoiding Excessive Stress Avoid repetitive movements and excessive pressure on the joints. If your work requires such movements, try to take regular breaks.
2. Proper Warm-Up Before engaging in physical activity, warm up to prepare your muscles and joints for work.
3. Using Protective Gear If you engage in sports or physical labor, use protective equipment such as knee or elbow pads to reduce the risk of injury.

Bursitis can significantly lower your quality of life, but timely treatment and prevention can help manage this condition and prevent its development in the future. If you experience pain or swelling in a joint, it’s important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.