Bursitis risk factors: who is more likely

What bursitis is

A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving parts, such as muscles, tendons or skin. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed (MedlinePlus). You have about 150 bursas in your body, and they help joints such as the shoulders, knees and elbows work smoothly (NIH News in Health).

MedlinePlus says bursitis usually occurs at the knee or elbow (MedlinePlus). NIAMS says it usually affects the shoulders, elbows, hips or knees (NIAMS).

Who is more likely to get it

People get bursitis by overusing a joint, and it can also be caused by an injury (MedlinePlus). The sources name these risks:

• Long pressure on a joint. Kneeling or leaning your elbows on a hard surface for a long time can make bursitis start (MedlinePlus).
• Repeating the same motion. Doing the same kinds of movements every day or putting stress on joints increases your risk (MedlinePlus). NIAMS gives throwing a ball as an example of a repeated motion that can cause it (NIAMS).
• Certain jobs, hobbies and sports. Activities with repetitive motions or stress on the joints, such as carpentry, gardening, playing a musical instrument or playing a sport, can sometimes trigger bursitis (NIH News in Health).
• A blow, a fall or another injury. Bursitis can be caused by a one-time event like a blow or fall (NIAMS). NIH News in Health adds that it often flares up because of another injury: for example, a foot injury can change the way you walk, and moving a joint differently than normal can irritate a bursa (NIH News in Health).
• Getting older. Bursitis is more likely to occur the older you get (NIH News in Health).
• Infection, rarely. A bursa may rarely become inflamed due to an infection (NIH News in Health).

Bursitis in the shoulder

NIAMS describes rotator cuff injuries, in which the tendons or bursae near the shoulder joint become inflamed from overuse or a sudden injury. They are common in people with jobs that involve overhead motions, like painters, and in athletes who reach upward over and over, such as tennis players and swimmers (NIAMS). In shoulder impingement, the top of the shoulder blade presses on the bursa and rotator cuff when the arm is lifted, and tendinitis and bursitis can develop, limiting movement and causing pain (NIAMS).

Signs

Symptoms of bursitis include pain and swelling (MedlinePlus). NIAMS lists these symptoms of a chronic overuse injury: pain when you play or exercise, and swelling and a dull ache when you rest (NIAMS).

Diagnosis and treatment

Your doctor will diagnose bursitis with a physical exam and tests such as x-rays and MRIs, and may take fluid from the swollen area to be sure the problem is not an infection (MedlinePlus). NIH News in Health notes that it can be hard to tell whether joint pain comes from a bursa, a tendon or a muscle, so the doctor will likely ask about your activities and recent injuries (NIH News in Health).

Treatment of bursitis includes rest, pain medicines or ice. If there is no improvement, your doctor may inject a drug into the area around the swollen bursa. If the joint still does not improve after 6 to 12 months, you may need surgery to repair damage and relieve pressure on the bursa (MedlinePlus). Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help, and physical therapy may help if bursitis has reduced how well you can move the joint or caused muscle weakness (NIH News in Health).

NIAMS says you should not try to "work through" the pain of an injury: when a movement or activity hurts, stop right away, because continuing may cause further harm (NIAMS).

Lowering your risk

NIH News in Health gives these tips for preventing bursitis (NIH News in Health):

• Cushion your joints when kneeling or putting pressure on your elbows.
• Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks.
• Exercise regularly but begin new activities or exercise routines slowly.
• Strengthen muscles around your joints.
• Stop activities when you first feel pain.
• Use two hands to hold heavy tools.
• Wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes.
• Practice good posture and position the body properly during daily activities.

To help prevent bursitis as you age, it suggests staying as active, flexible and strong as possible (NIH News in Health).

Common questions

Is bursitis the same as tendinitis?

No. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion a bone and other moving parts. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. Both can come from repeating the same motion many times (NIAMS). See tendinitis risk factors.

Can kneeling cause bursitis?

Yes. Kneeling or leaning your elbows on a hard surface for a long time can make bursitis start (MedlinePlus), and cushioning your joints when kneeling is one of the NIH prevention tips (NIH News in Health).

Can bursitis be an infection?

Rarely. A bursa may become inflamed due to an infection, and the doctor may then prescribe antibiotics (NIH News in Health). That is why the doctor may take fluid from the swollen area (MedlinePlus).