Bursitis is a painful condition that is caused by the swelling of bursa. Bursa acts as a cushion among bones, tendons and muscles near the joints. Areas commonly include the shoulders, elbows or hips. In certain instances, bursitis may occur in areas surrounding the knee, heel and the base of the big toe. Bursitis is more common in people who are overweight, elderly or diabetic. Bursitis can also develop in younger and/or healthy people without an apparent reason.

Bursitis is characterized by localized pain or swelling, tenderness, and soreness with motion of the affected area. Bursitis treatment normally includes resting the affected joint and protecting it from further trauma. In many of the cases, with proper treatment and care the bursitis pain goes away within a few weeks.

Common Causes of Bursitis

Many causes have been cited for bursitis, however, it usually results from the repetitive motion or prolonged and excessive pressure on a joint. Because of this overuse of the joint, the bursa sac fills with excessive fluid, causing pressure on the surrounding tissues. This strain leads to pain, often accompanied by inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. Infection can be at the root of Bursitis, or a pre-existing condition. Either of these can aggravate the tissues inside the bursa and cause inflammation. Individuals who rest on their elbows for long periods of time, or those who bend their elbows frequently and repetitively, can also see the development of elbow bursitis (olecranon bursitis).

Similarly, in other parts of the body, the repetitive use or frequent pressure can irritate a bursa and cause inflammation. Once the bursa is inflamed, normal movements and activities can become incredibly painful. Traumatic injury is another source of bursitis. Following any kind of trauma, such as a car accident or fall, a person may develop bursitis. Bursitis can also result from a hard blow to a specific area.

Different Kinds of Bursitis:

Tennis elbow - Elbow Bursitis is also known as tennis elbow. Commonly seen among tennis players and golfers, elbow bursitis is caused by repetitive flexing of the elbow that can eventually lead to injury and inflammation.

Clergyman's knee - This type of bursitis is attributable to repeated kneeling that can cause injury and eventual inflammation of the bursae in the knee area.

Shoulder - Shoulder bursitis is generally caused by repeated overhead raising or reaching upwards.

Ankle - Particularly common among ice skaters and athletes, ankle bursitis is caused by frequent walking, often in the wrong shoe for the specified activity.

Buttocks - Bursae in the buttock area can get swollen after sitting on a hard surface for a long time, such as an inadequately cushioned chair.