This condition occurs when bursa (sacs of fluid that cushion movement between the bones, tendons and muscles at your joints) become painfully inflamed. Usually caused by repetitive movement or prolonged excessive pressure, other causes include acute or chronic infection (notably staphylococcal) or tuberculosis. It can also occur alongside other common joint problems such as arthritis or gout.
The most common area affected is the shoulder but it can also occur at the knees (“Housemaid’s Knee”), the buttocks (“Weaver’s Bottom” – caused by sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods), elbows (“Miner’s Elbow” – today caused by more modern activities such as vacuuming), hips, heels and even at the base of the big toe.
Removing pressure from and/or immobilizing the affected joint can help significantly and with treatment it can be made to disappear within a couple of weeks.
The chances of it recurring are minimized by strengthening your muscles (strong muscles protect joints) through appropriate exercise once the pain and inflammation is gone; taking more breaks during repetitive activities; and cushioning joints to avoid extended direct contact with hard surfaces.
If the underlying cause is a chronic condition such as arthritis, bursitis may reappear despite any preventative measures that are taken.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Bursitis
Having a slight/having a moderate/having a high fever
Hip pain
Conditions that suggest Bursitis
Stress
Calcification of soft tissues, especially following trauma, is common. During stress, calcium is drawn out of the bones although the serum calcium may remain normal.
Counter Indicators
Stress
Calcification of soft tissues, especially following trauma, is common. During stress, calcium is drawn out of the bones although the serum calcium may remain normal.
Risk factors for Bursitis
STD Syphilis
Syphillis has been known to be an underlying cause of bursitis.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis has been known to be an underlying cause of bursitis.
Chronic / Hidden Infection
Both acute and chronic infections, notably staphylococcus, have been known to cause bursitis.
History of bursitis
Bursitis suggests the following may be present
Recommendations for Bursitis
Progesterone
Topical progesterone has been reported to be useful in alleviating symptoms.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)
Vitamin B12 injections at 1mg daily for two weeks has eliminated pain in the majority of cases of shoulder and hip bursitis.
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Weakly counter-indicative |
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Bursa
Fluid-filled sacs.
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Chronic
Usually Chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Tuberculosis
Also known as TB, Consumption or "The White Plague", tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, usually affecting the lungs but possibly also the brain, kidneys and bones. Patients may at first be symptom-free or experience a flu-like illness. In the secondary stage, there might be a slight fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue and various other symptoms, depending on the part of the body affected. Tuberculosis of the lung is usually associated with a dry cough that eventually leads to a productive cough with blood-stained sputum. There might also be chest pain and shortness of breath.
Arthritis
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.
Gout
A disease characterized by an increased blood uric acid level and sudden onset of episodes of acute arthritis.
Bursitis
The bursa is a fluid-filled pad that allows your muscles to easily slide over other muscles and bones. Bursitis occurs when this pad becomes inflamed. It usually occurs when you overuse or injure a specific joint, but it can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include pain and inflammation around joints such as the elbow, hip, shoulder, big toe, ankle or knee.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. Calcium is also important to heart health, nerves, muscles and skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.