Bursitis

Bursitis: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Bursitis is an inflammation of the mucous bursae that are located in the area of ​​the periarticular tissues. This problem can arise due to trauma, especially repeated, long-term chronic trauma, infection of abrasions, cuts in the bursa area and other reasons. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of bursitis.

Symptoms and course of bursitis

Symptoms of bursitis depend on its type. Purulent bursitis is characterized by an acute onset. In chronic serous bursitis, fluid gradually accumulates in the mucous bursa without causing pain. The main symptom is localized swelling in the area of ​​the periarticular bursa, most often on the anterior surface of the knee joint or in the area of ​​the olecranon. Purulent bursitis can be complicated by phlegmon of the surrounding soft tissues. When spontaneous opening occurs, fistulas occur.

In acute serous bursitis, there is redness of the skin in the joint area and a soft, painful swelling filled with fluid. At the same time, the mobility of the joint is limited, sometimes the body temperature rises and the general condition worsens. As the disease progresses, the inflammatory process can spread to the joint and cause inflammation or to soft tissue, which can lead to the formation of subcutaneous or intermuscular phlegmon; in advanced cases, long-term non-healing fistulas are formed.

Treatment of bursitis

Treatment for bursitis depends on its type and degree of development. In case of acute serous bursitis, it is necessary to ensure rest of the joint, immobilize it, and carry out thermal procedures. In case of chronic bursitis, it is recommended to puncture the bursa under aseptic conditions, remove the exudate with its bacteriological examination, and apply a pressure bandage. In cases of recurrent chronic bursitis, surgical treatment is indicated - excision of the mucous bursa.

For purulent bursitis, an incision is made to drain the bursa and antibiotics are prescribed. The prognosis is usually favorable.

Prevention of bursitis

To prevent traumatic damage to joints, it is necessary to wear protective bandages on joints that are subject to constant mechanical irritation. When working, mechanical safety devices should be used whenever possible. If a joint is damaged, you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate to avoid complications.

It is also important to monitor your health and strengthen your immune system to prevent infection of the mucous membranes. Regular stretching and strengthening of muscles and ligaments can also help prevent injury and the development of bursitis.

Overall, bursitis is a problem that can be prevented by taking precautions and monitoring your health. However, if symptoms of bursitis appear, it is necessary to seek medical help to avoid possible complications and receive the correct treatment.



Bursitis Bursitis is called inflammation of the periarticular bursa - small and large in the elbow, shoulder and hip joints. Bursitis often occurs in people who intensively and frequently use joint movements, carry heavy loads, or exhaust themselves with excessive work. The disease develops over a short period of time - hours, days or even weeks. However, this relatively short-term improvement does not last long. It gives way to unbearable symptoms, so bursitis can make the patient’s life impossible, and the patient must be urgently hospitalized and treatment must begin.

With bursitis, effusion overflows into the joint cavities. This syndrome is often called fluctuation, or tremors in the joint. Typically, the occurrence of bursitis is preceded by chronic arthritis or osteochondrosis (deposition of salts in the interarticular discs). Due to inflammation, water-salt metabolism is disrupted, and severe pain appears when bending and straightening. The diagnosis of bursa corresponds to the clinical picture of the disease and the typical localization of the pathological process. To confirm chronic bursitis, the high efficiency of Diaskintest and the detection of class M and G antibodies in immunoglobulin to identify the antigen are used. Laboratory tests have no significant diagnostic value. Arthroscopy has limited use for bursitis due to the fast-acting nature of the disease. For atypical forms, it is necessary to perform computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment is carried out without exacerbation. It is preferable to use local drugs daily in compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis.

It can be noted that bursitis is characterized by three main trends: an increase in the frequency of development, a transition to severe forms, and an increase in the number of complications. These trends are also observed for many other chronic diseases of the synovial membrane, and therefore it is possible to predict a further deterioration of the clinical picture with the development of severe forms of borer that are difficult to treat