Understanding Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion and protect the joints. When these sacs become irritated or swollen, they can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Bursitis is most often caused by repetitive motions, excessive pressure, or injury, but it can also result from underlying medical conditions like arthritis or infections.

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Bursitis

Repetitive Movements and Overuse

Activities that involve frequent kneeling, lifting, throwing, or leaning on the elbows can irritate the bursae, leading to inflammation. This is common among athletes, manual laborers, and individuals with physically demanding jobs.

Injury or Trauma

A sudden impact, fall, or direct blow to a joint can cause bursitis by irritating or damaging the bursae.

Prolonged Pressure

Resting weight on certain joints for extended periods—such as kneeling on hard surfaces or resting elbows on a desk—can contribute to bursitis.

Age and Degenerative Conditions

As people age, the bursae become less resilient, making them more prone to inflammation. Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can also increase the risk of developing bursitis.

Infection (Septic Bursitis)

In some cases, bursitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, leading to redness, warmth, and severe pain in the affected joint.

Treatment Options for Bursitis

Rest and Activity Modification

Reducing repetitive motions and avoiding pressure on the affected joint can allow the inflammation to subside.

Medication Management

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling. In more severe cases, corticosteroid medications may be recommended.

Minimally Invasive Injections

Corticosteroid injections into the affected bursa can provide significant relief by reducing inflammation and pain.

Physical Therapy and Stretching Exercises

Guided exercises can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, improve flexibility, and prevent future flare-ups.

Aspiration and Drainage

For severe swelling, a doctor may use a needle to drain excess fluid from the bursa, relieving pressure and reducing pain.

Advanced Interventional Techniques

For chronic or recurring bursitis, procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections or regenerative medicine therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may provide long-term relief.

How Premier Pain Can Help

At Premier Pain Treatment Institute, our experienced team takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating bursitis. We use advanced diagnostic techniques to identify the root cause of your pain and create personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.

Whether through minimally invasive procedures, rehabilitation programs, or innovative pain management techniques, we are committed to helping you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. And with locations throughout Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio, relief from bursitis is never far away!

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting bursitis relief.