Bursitis

What is bursitis?

Bursitis refers to inflammation of your bursae, which are thin gliding sacs that provide cushioning for the bones, muscles, and tendons around your joints. 

Bursitis most often affects joints that engage in repetitive activities and occurs frequently in the shoulder, elbow, and hips. The inflammation can also occur in the knee.

You are at risk of bursitis if you engage in activities that require repetitive motion or pressure on the joint, such as weight lifting, throwing, painting, gardening, or tile setting. 

Kneeling at working or lying on your side at night may increase your risk of knee or hip bursitis, respectively. 

What are the symptoms of bursitis?

Bursitis may cause the affected joint to be swollen, weak, achy, or stiff. It may also be tender when you put pressure on it. 

While your bursitis may resolve at home with rest, if your joint pain is severe or affects your quality of life, then you should have it evaluated by Dr. Cleeman at Manhattan Orthopedics.

How is bursitis diagnosed?

Dr. Cleeman diagnoses your bursitis after a review of your symptoms and an evaluation of the affected joint. He may request diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, to rule out other causes of your joint pain or confirm a diagnosis.

You may also benefit from lab tests, including blood work and evaluation of the fluid in your bursae, to help determine the underlying cause of your inflammation and pain. 

What are the treatments for bursitis?

Dr. Cleeman develops individualized treatment plans for the management of bursitis based on the severity of your symptoms. 

In most cases, Dr. Cleeman can reduce your inflammation with cortisone injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is created from a sample of your own blood and is rich in factors that accelerate your body’s natural healing.

He also recommends physical therapy, which strengthens the muscles surrounding the inflamed bursae and may help prevent a recurrence.

If symptoms persist despite non-operative management, Dr. Cleeman performs arthroscopy to remove the bursae to improve your symptoms. 

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a surgical camera called an arthroscope. This allows Dr. Cleeman to see your joint and perform any necessary procedure without the need for a large incision. 

For expert care of your bursitis, call Manhattan Orthopedics or request an appointment online today.