Bursitis is caused when the fluid-filled sac that cushions your joints – bursa may become inflamed or irritated due to trauma, overuse, age or certain conditions like diabetes, arthritis etc. This results in pain and tenderness around the affected joint. Bursitis mostly effects the elbow and knee joints, and its severity determines the treatment protocol. Mild cases can be managed at home with certain precautions and remedies, say experts.
How severe can bursitis get?
Bursitis can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories.
“Usually, the degree of pain, swelling and functional limitation that a person encounters is used to classify the severity of bursitis,” says Dr Kiran Chouka, consultant orthopaedic joint replacement and arthroscopic surgeon, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru. “While mild cases of bursitis may exhibit minimal symptoms, and individuals might not always notice it, there is a risk of infection in severe cases. Especially for people having pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, immunosuppressive conditions etc.”
If home remedies fail to alleviate the symptoms and the pain persists for longer than two weeks, then it could be a case of severe bursitis. Nonetheless, seek professional medical attention if one experiences symptoms such as sudden and severe pain (which is unbearable and interferes with daily activities, especially if it appears suddenly), fever, chills, redness, or the inability to move the affected joint.
Home remedies for managing bursitis
It is crucial to follow certain protocols for managing bursitis at home. To help the bursa recover, provide adequate rest by cutting back or avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
“Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation [RICE] are an effective tool to manage bursitis at home,” says Dr Shashikiran R, consultant – orthopaedic surgery, Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru. “Applying ice packs wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes at a time [several times a day, especially in the first 48 hours] can reduce inflammation. After the initial inflammation subsides, you can switch to heat therapy using a heating pad or warm compress. Compression with a bandage can also help but ensure it is not too tight. Elevating the affected area above your heart promotes drainage and reduces swelling,” he added
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed by the doctor while resting at home can help manage pain and inflammation.
Other medical interventions
Experts typically suggest physiotherapy, which comprises targeted exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint, increase flexibility, and avoid further complications, regardless of the type of bursitis.
“A person’s physiotherapy regimen can be tailored to meet their needs. You can learn stretches and exercises from a physiotherapist that are personalized for your requirements,” says Dr Chouka.
To reduce inflammation quickly, your doctor may inject corticosteroids directly into the bursa if homecare and over the counter (OTC) drugs are not enough. “However, these injections may not be suitable for everyone and should be used cautiously due to potential side effects,” says Dr Shashikiran.
In some cases, they also try to remove extra fluid from the irritated bursa using a needle to provide quick relief. When all other options have failed, surgery is considered as a last resort. A portion of the bursa can be removed or injured tissue can be repaired during surgery.
Tips to prevent and manage bursitis
Since bursitis is often caused by overuse and repetitive stress, it is best to adhere to certain habits that will help you prevent bursitis or help you heal more quickly.
Maintain proper posture: To prevent putting too much strain on joints, maintain good alignment when standing, sitting, and sleeping.
Warm up before and take rest after activities: This helps your joints and muscles recover from strenuous activity and gets them ready for it.
Use proper technique: Whether in sports, exercising, or daily activities, ensure you perform movements with the correct form to minimize strain.
Take breaks: Take short breaks to stretch and move around, especially during work or hobbies involving repetitive tasks.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts additional strain on your joints and raises your risk of developing bursitis.
Takeaways
- Bursitis develops due to inflammation or irritation of the bursa, the fluid-filled sac that cushions your joints.
- Even though minor cases may show few symptoms and people can fail to recognize it, there is a chance of infection in severe cases of bursitis.
- Make sure you receive enough rest by reducing or avoiding activities that cause you pain to aid in the bursa’s recovery.
- Bursitis usually gets better with physiotherapy, which consists of focused exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, improve flexibility, and prevent further problems.
