Bursitis is a painful inflammation of one or more of the bursae --closed sacs that contain small amounts of synovial fluid and facilitate the motion of muscles and tendons over bony prominence.  Bursitis may be septic, calcific, acute, or chronic.

Acute and chronic bursitis follows recurring trauma that stresses or pressures a joint, or inflammatory joint disease, such as; gout.  Septic bursitis follows wound infection or bacterial invasion of skin over the bursa.

Symptoms: 

Inflammation of affected site
Irritation
Pain
Limited mobility or movement

Treatment:

• Treatment to relieve pain includes:

• Resting and immobilization of the affected area.

• Systemic analgesics analgesics

• Application of cold and heat

• Ultrasound

• Doctor may prescribed an injection of an anesthetic and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

• Steroid therapy

• R.O.M. execercise/Physical therapy

• Anti-inflammatory medication

Long term control of chronic bursitis may required changes in life-style to prevent recurring joint irritation.

Supplementary treatment includes fluid removal by aspiration.