Bursitis is an acute inflammation of the periarticular bag, that is, a soft sac with fluid, which serves as a kind of gasket between the muscles and bones. Such bags are in places of greatest mechanical pressure. The cause of this inflammation is small wounds, bruises or abrasions, as well as re-infection of the periarticular bag.
Most often, people involved in traumatic sports (cyclists, football players, etc.) are exposed to this disease.
Symptoms of acute bursitis
Bursitis can be chronic and acute. Acute is accompanied by sharp pain, which intensifies when you try to move the damaged joint. A swelling forms over the site of inflammation. The pain becomes stronger at night.
The skin in the affected area blushes significantly. The temperature can reach forty degrees. The progression of inflammation often causes a purulent process in fatty tissue.
Symptoms of chronic bursitis
Acute bursitis with untimely treatment becomes chronic. The pain is not so strong, but of a prolonged nature. At this stage, calcium is deposited in the area of the synovial sac, which limits the mobility of the joint. The chronic form is often exacerbated, the amount of fluid increases significantly. A cystic cavity may occur. The severity, shape and general course of bursitis depend on the place of its localization. Bursitis of the hip joint is usually very severe.
Symptoms of bursitis of the hip joint and knee
Bursitis in this area is accompanied by a fairly strong burning pain. It can spread to the entire thigh. It is almost impossible to lie down, when the affected joint is bent, the pain intensifies. At night, it is growing in nature, but it can also be sudden.
Knee bursitis is expressed by local fever and redness of the skin in the affected area. There is pain, limited mobility of the joint. The shape of the knee joint is slightly increased, which is almost painless. With an infectious form of bursitis, a high temperature is noted, as well as corresponding intoxication manifestations. If the cause of inflammation is gout, then an exacerbation of the initial disease is observed.
Symptoms of bursitis of the elbow joint
It is the elbow bag that is considered the most favorite place for bursitis. Such bursitis is the most common. Local compaction and swelling of the soft tissues are observed. A cavity with fluid is easily detected by palpation. Common signs of intoxication, as well as pain, are characteristic. The patient feels weakness and general malaise. Elbow bursitis differs from arthritis in that the function of the elbow joint is subject to some disturbances due to pain, but the previous range of motion is maintained. In the case of purulent exacerbation, the general condition can significantly deteriorate. In many cases, hospitalization is required.
Acute forms of bursitis are usually treated with conservative methods. The affected joint is fixed to ensure its immobility. A sore spot is massaged with ice through a layer of tissue.