While the warm weather may beckon you outside, activities such as gardening or exercise may cause swollen and aching joints, which should not be ignored. A common cause of painful hips, knees, heels and elbows, bursitis results from inflamed or infected fluid-filled sacs or bursae that surround the joints. Prompt medical attention by an orthopaedic doctor can help you get to the source of the pain and treatment options to help alleviate it. Since bursitis symptoms resemble other joint problems such as arthritis or ligament injuries, a thorough evaluation by a trained orthopaedic surgeon is the best option. If bursitis is diagnosed, your physician can determine whether infection is involved and prevent it from spreading.
Typical symptoms of bursitis include:
- Pain with or without joint movement
- Swelling of the area surrounding the joint
- Redness of the skin near the joint
- Warmth of the area near the joint
- Pain or tenderness when the bursa is touched
All types of bursitis often can be successfully managed non-surgically, and possible treatments include:
- Use of ice packs or compressive dressings
- Activity modification that may reduce stress or irritation
- Administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antibiotics
- Corticosteroid injections (knee and elbow)
- Stretching exercises
- Change of footwear (heel).
Surgery may be required in patients whose symptoms remain following these treatments and in certain situations when infection is involved. An accurate diagnosis is important to determine the best treatment options to help the patient resolve pain and other symptoms and regain mobility and quality of life.
If you are suffering with joint pain, contact Dr. Kagan at 239-936-6778. Visit http://www.KaganOrtho.com/learn-more/informational-web-sites-your-condition-treatment/ or http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/arthritis-bursitis for more resources.
