Burstitis

What is bursitis?

A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that usually overlays a bone or a joint and acts as a shock absorber. There are two types:

• Anatomical bursae normally occur around the body where tendons cross bones or joints. The complex knee joint has 15 bursae, for example.
• Adventitious bursae are not part of the normal body structure but develop when the soft tissue overlying a bone suffers repeated friction or trauma. An example of this type is over the pelvic bone in the buttock muscles because someone has been sitting on a hard chair for several hours a day.

If a bursa becomes inflamed then it's called bursitis and certain occupations predispose people to this.

Causes and risk factors

If the bursa in front of the knee cap becomes irritated by someone kneeling for long periods of time it's called prepatellar bursitis, more commonly known as 'housemaid's knee'.

'Clergyman's knee' is another one, but in this case the bursa affected is different because of the different kneeling position. Students leaning on their elbows while studying or drinking at the bar may develop bursitis of the elbow or 'student's elbow' (this is also known as olecranon bursitis).

Treatment and recovery

It's best not to stay in the same position for long periods of time if bursitis is to be avoided. When this isn't possible then protective padding, such as knee or elbow pads, will help to reduce pressure on the bursa.

When bursitis does occur, resting the affected joint is essential. Anti-inflammatory medication or cold packs will help to reduce any pain and swelling.

If symptoms don't improve then consult your doctor. Sometimes fluid within the bursa needs to be drained with a needle and syringe. If the doctor thinks the fluid may have become infected, antibiotic treatment will be needed.