Bursitis, also called mucositis, is a painful and often restrictive condition that occurs when a bursa becomes irritated and inflamed. These small fluid-filled sacs, also called bursae, act as shock absorbers between tendons, joints, muscles and skin - helping to protect joints and facilitate movement.
When a joint or tendon is overloaded, or subjected to prolonged pressure, the bursae can become irritated, which in turn causes inflammation, pain and swelling. This often occurs in areas such as the shoulders and elbows, knees, outside of the hip, but also elsewhere in the body.
Symptoms of bursitis
Symptoms of bursitis include:
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Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Noticeable swelling or warmth
- Limited mobility and strength
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Redness at the affected joint
- Increased pain when moving or putting weight on the joint
The condition can be acute or long-lasting. Prolonged bursitis increases the risk of having to drain the bursa, or of further inflammation in the surrounding muscles and tendons.
What causes bursitis?
Common causes of bursitis are:
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Overexertion during repetitive movements
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Prolonged pressure, for example if you kneel a lot
- Injury or direct trauma
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Bacterial infection (bacterial bursitis)
- Concomitant joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Biomechanical factors such as misalignment of joints and muscles
When joints and tendons are loaded incorrectly, the bursa can become inflamed. This is particularly true in the case of shoulder bursitis, where impingement syndrome can occur.
Treatment of bursitis and how our devices can help
Bursitis treatment focuses on reducing stress on the joint, relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Our supportive products and devices are designed to:
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Protect joints and reduce friction
- Provide support to the affected area
- Reduce swelling through compression
- Relieve pain and discomfort when moving
- Improve mobility and strength
In combination with physiotherapy, exercises that can help, and, if necessary, anti-inflammatory medicines (over-the-counter or prescribed), bursitis can often heal without further action. In some cases, bursitis can heal on its own with the right relief and support.
Whether you have bursitis in the shoulder, knee, elbow or hip - we have aids that relieve, protect and support healing. Reduce pain and inflammation, regain function and prevent future problems with the right support from the start.
