Cart
Your cart is empty
Looks like you haven’t added anything yet, browse new arrivals below!
Continue ShoppingBursitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of a bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Commonly affecting areas like the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees, bursitis can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected joint, especially during movement or pressure.
Symptoms often include joint stiffness and a feeling of warmth in the area. While rest and anti-inflammatory medications are typical treatments, orthotic devices can also play a crucial role in managing bursitis. Orthotics, such as specialized shoe inserts or braces, provide additional support and alignment to reduce stress on the affected joint. By redistributing pressure and enhancing joint stability, orthotics can help alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence, making them a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan for bursitis.
Misconception: Bursitis is a condition that only affects older adults.
Correction: While bursitis is more common in older adults due to natural wear and tear of joints over time, it can affect individuals of all ages. Athletes, manual laborers, and anyone engaging in repetitive joint-related activities are also at risk of developing bursitis. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, repetitive motion or prolonged pressure on a joint can lead to bursitis regardless of age.
Reference to Current Understanding: Recent studies emphasize that lifestyle factors and occupational hazards can contribute significantly to bursitis risk. This broadens the scope of affected individuals beyond just the elderly population.
Misconception: Surgery is the inevitable treatment for bursitis.
Correction: Surgery is rarely required for bursitis and is considered only after other treatments have failed. Most cases improve with conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). According to the American College of Rheumatology, less invasive options like corticosteroid injections or needle aspiration are often effective.
Reference to Current Understanding: The focus in current medical practice is on non-surgical interventions, reserving surgery for persistent cases that do not respond to these treatments.
Misconception: Exercise exacerbates bursitis and should be avoided.
Correction: While high-impact activities should be limited during a flare-up, moderate and low-impact exercises can be beneficial. Physical therapy exercises, in particular, are designed to improve joint function and reduce symptoms. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that tailored exercises can strengthen surrounding muscles, enhancing support and reducing pressure on the bursa.
Reference to Current Understanding: Modern treatment plans for bursitis often include exercise as a key component, emphasizing its role in recovery and prevention of future episodes.
Misconception: Bursitis is just another term for arthritis.
Correction: Although both involve joint inflammation, bursitis and arthritis are distinct conditions. Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, whereas arthritis involves inflammation within the joint itself. The symptoms and treatment strategies for each condition can differ significantly.
Reference to Current Understanding: Medical professionals differentiate between these conditions to tailor treatment effectively, underscoring the importance of accurate diagnosis for appropriate management. For more on joint-related conditions, see understanding different types of mobility issues.
Bursitis is a common condition characterized by the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, bursitis affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people annually in the United States.
Recent studies emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent chronic conditions. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research highlighted that ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections can significantly reduce symptoms in refractory cases, with a success rate of 85%.
Citations:
Effective management of bursitis often involves a combination of conservative strategies aimed at reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. Key treatment measures include:
These evidence-based interventions are typically effective, with surgery being a last resort for persistent cases.
Q: What are the common symptoms of bursitis?
A: Bursitis symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected joint, especially during movement or when pressure is applied. You may also experience joint stiffness and a feeling of warmth in the area (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).
Q: How is bursitis diagnosed?
A: Bursitis is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of your medical history. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, or a fluid analysis from the bursa, may be conducted to rule out other conditions (Mayo Clinic).
Q: What are the primary treatment options for bursitis?
A: Treatment often involves rest, ice application, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or needle aspiration may be used (American College of Rheumatology).
Q: Are orthotic devices effective in managing bursitis?
A: Yes, orthotic devices like shoe inserts or braces can provide essential support and alignment, helping to redistribute pressure and reduce stress on the affected joint. This can alleviate symptoms and help prevent recurrence (Arthritis Foundation). To learn more about orthotic supports, see shopping for shoes for AFO braces.
Q: Can bursitis be prevented?
A: To prevent bursitis, it's important to avoid repetitive joint movements and maintain a healthy weight. Using proper techniques during physical activities and wearing supportive footwear can also help reduce the risk (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).
Q: Is surgery necessary for bursitis?
A: Surgery is rarely required and is only considered when other treatments fail. Most cases of bursitis improve with conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and NSAIDs (American College of Rheumatology).
Q: How can exercise help in the management of bursitis?
A: Moderate and low-impact exercises, particularly those recommended by a physical therapist, can improve joint function and strengthen surrounding muscles. This helps reduce pressure on the bursa and can prevent future episodes (Arthritis Foundation). Consider these exercises for neuropathy to aid in recovery.
Q: What is the long-term management strategy for bursitis?
A: Long-term management includes lifestyle modifications, regular physical therapy exercises, and the use of orthotic devices to prevent recurrence. Monitoring symptoms and avoiding activities that trigger pain are also
Updated on 12 Mar 2025
Medical Disclaimer: This website is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. This website’s information, content, and material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Cadense Inc. may not be held liable for any damages whether incidental, ordinary or consequential. Cadense does not make any guarantee of any particular end result. Cadense makes no claims or guarantees of payment/reimbursement by any insurance companies. Cadense adaptive shoes are intended to provide greater mobility to those with walking difficulties.
Looks like you haven’t added anything yet, browse new arrivals below!
Continue Shopping