Bursitis is medically defined as swelling and/or pain (inflammation) of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints in the body, such as found between the elbows and the knees. The most commonly affected joints are those found in the shoulders, elbows, knees, pelvis and hips.Such inflammation is caused by several factors, most commonly overuse. However, many cases of bursitis are also caused by injury, illnesses and even infections. The condition affects mostly adults. Risks increase with failure to warm up and cool down prior to exercise or outdoor activities and sports.Learning identify symptoms of burisits may help to prevent complications that include longer healing time or chronic bursitis caused by repeated injury or inflammation to particular joints.Most cases of bursitis may be alleiviated using the RICE treatment method: rest, ice, compression and elevation of the affected area.
Instructions
1. Pay attention to any signs of pain or swelling in joint areas following exercise. Such swelling may be felt after vigorous sporting or outdoor activities, as well as high-impact aerobics.
2. Note tenderness in the affected joint. Sometimes, those suffering from bursitis find that even the slightest pressure on the joint caused pain.
3. Watch for signs of limited range of motion in the affected joint. This may also be accompanied by pain that spreads to surrounding areas of the body. For example, if the elbow joint is affected, pain, swelling and tenderness may also spread to the shoulder joint.
4. Feel the skin over the affected joint. Is it warm to the touch? If your skin is warmer over a sore joint than other joints around your body, it is a sign that it is inflammed. Apply the RICE treatment to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
5. Take non-prescription pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofin for mild cases of pain and to help alleviate swelling.
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