Bursitis is an acute inflammation of the periarticular bursa, that is, a soft sac of fluid that serves as a kind of gasket between the muscles and bones. Such bags are located in places of greatest mechanical pressure. The cause of this inflammation is minor wounds, bruises or abrasions, as well as re-infection of the periarticular sac.
Most often this disease affects people involved in traumatic sports (cyclists, football players, etc.).
Symptoms of acute bursitis
Bursitis can be chronic or acute. Acute is accompanied by a sharp pain, which increases when you try to move the damaged joint. A swelling forms over the focus of inflammation. The pain gets worse at night.
The skin in the affected area turns red significantly. The temperature can reach forty degrees. The progression of inflammation often causes a purulent process in fatty tissue.
Symptoms of chronic bursitis
Acute bursitis with untimely treatment turns into a chronic form. The pain is not so strong, but of a long-term nature. At this stage, calcium is deposited in the area of the synovial bursa,which limits the range of motion of the joint. The chronic form is often exacerbated, the amount of fluid increases significantly. A cystic cavity may develop. The severity, shape and general course of bursitis depend on the location of its localization. Hip bursitis is usually very severe.
Symptoms of hip and knee bursitis
Bursitis in this area is accompanied by quite a strong burning pain. It can spread to the entire surface of the thigh. It is almost impossible to lie down, when the affected joint is flexed, the pain worsens. At night, it has an increasing character, but it can also be sudden.
Bursitis of the knee is expressed by a local increase in temperature and redness of the skin in the affected area. There is pain, joint mobility is limited. The shape of the knee joint increases slightly, which occurs almost painlessly. In the infectious form of bursitis, a high temperature is noted, as well as corresponding intoxication manifestations. If the cause of inflammation is gout, then there is an exacerbation of the initial disease.
Symptoms of elbow bursitis
It is the elbow bag that is considered the most favorite place for bursitis. This type of bursitis is the most common. There is local compaction and swelling of soft tissues. The cavity with liquid is easily determined by palpation. Common signs of intoxication are characteristic, as well as pain syndrome. The patient feels weakness and general malaise. Elbow bursitis differs from arthritis in thatthat the function of the elbow joint is subject to some disturbances due to pain, but the previous range of motion is preserved. In the case of a purulent exacerbation, the general condition can worsen significantly. In many cases, hospitalization is required.
Acute forms of bursitis are usually treated with conservative methods. The affected joint is fixed to ensure its immobilization. The sore spot is massaged with ice through a layer of tissue.
