Inflammation of the slit-like cavities (bursae) formed by the synovial membrane is bursitis. Its symptoms are usually characteristic: first there is swelling, and then swelling of the affected area. This is due to the increased accumulation of exudate in the synovial bags - fluid with blood cells.
The most common bursitis occurs in the elbow, knee, shoulder, ankle joints due to their maximum mobility. After all, the main cause of inflammation is regular pressure, friction on the bone protrusions of the tendons, muscles, and skin. It can be noted that such a pathology often develops against the background of practicing a certain sport.
Bursitis symptoms
As already noted, the main symptom of this disease is the appearance of a painful and rather elastic swelling at the joint site, which has a rounded shape and is up to ten centimeters in diameter. But it also has other manifestations of acute bursitis. Symptoms include general malaise, impaired joint mobility, and fever. Then the swelling at the site of inflammation may be replaced by significant edema. Symptoms vary depending on pathogenesis. So, if purulent bursitis has developed, the symptoms will be pronounced: high fever, skin flushing,severe swelling and pain in the affected area. In a chronic disease, such obvious signs of inflammation will not be observed. A small, soft swelling appears in the place of the synovial bag. The disease does not cause acute pain, the joint continues to function fully. When an exacerbation occurs, the amount of exudate in the synovial bag increases, which can provoke the formation of a cystic cavity with fluid.
Elbow bursitis
As a rule, it occurs as a result of mechanical damage to the elbow, resulting in infection of the synovial bursa. As a result, it greatly increases in size and takes on the shape of a hemisphere. Pain appears in the joint area, the skin turns red. This inflammation often occurs in tennis players.
Hip bursitis
Pathology can be difficult to diagnose as it has symptoms similar to arthritis. Bursitis of the joint leads to pain that occurs when the leg is abducted to the side. A swelling appears on the anterior surface of the thigh, which can be seen on palpation.
Shoulder bursitis
Due to the anatomical structure of the shoulder, synovial bags are often affected, which do not communicate with the cavity of the joint itself. Their inflammation leads to the appearance of sharp pains when rotating the shoulder or moving it to the side. There are also visual symptoms: the contour of the shoulder is smoothed out, muscles increase, swelling appears.
Knee bursitis
Inflamed bursae are also nothave direct communication with the knee joint and are located directly under the skin. Due to their superficial location, they are damaged more often than bags of other joints. With inflammation, swelling and pain occur, lymph nodes increase, and the temperature rises.
Ankle Bursitis
Inflamed in most cases, the synovial bag, located between the tendon and the calcaneal tuber. This can be the result of improperly selected shoes or the penetration of pathogens. As with other types of bursitis, swelling forms at the site of the lesion.
How to treat bursitis
Therapy involves taking antibiotics and nonsteroidal drugs. In case of acute inflammation, a pressure bandage is applied to the affected area, warming compresses are made, and anti-inflammatory ointments are applied. In the case of chronic bursitis, removal of exudate by puncture can be applied.
