What Is Bursitis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion our bones, tendons and muscles near the joints, become inflamed. Most often, this occurs in joints that perform repetitive actions - typically the shoulder, knee and hip. This condition, however, also often affects the knees, heels and base of the big toe.
People who suffer from bursitis often will have the following symptoms in their affected joint or joints:
● Soreness or stiffness
● Pain when the joint is moved or when pressure is applied to it
● Swelling or redness
Your doctor likely will advise you to treat bursitis by resting the affected joint and taking steps to protect it from further irritation. Most cases of bursitis clear up on their own within a few weeks of symptom onset, but once you’ve developed the condition, you’re at risk for future flare-ups.
Some less common symptoms require a visit to your healthcare professional, including:
● Disabling joint pain or pain that persists for more than two weeks
● Excessive swelling, redness, bruising or a rash over the affected joint
● Sharp or shooting pain, particularly when you exert yourself
● A fever