Bursitis often occurs in joints that are subjected to particularly high levels of stress. These include the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Learn more about specific symptoms and treatment options for bursitis in each joint below.
Bursitis in the shoulder
From bursitis in the shoulder suffer especially occupational groups that often work over the head, such as janitors or painters. But household activities in which the arm is repeatedly raised above the horizontal, such as window cleaning, can also cause bursitis in the shoulder.
Most often, the bursa below the shoulder level is affected by the inflammation – this form of bursitis is also called bursitis subacromialis. It is characterized by severe pain in the shoulder, which occurs mainly at night. To relieve the pain, not only painkillers but also anti-inflammatory injections are often used.
Bursitis in the elbow
The bursa of the elbow is located directly under the skin and is therefore particularly susceptible to inflammation. In most cases, bursitis in the elbow is caused by constant irritation – for example, because the elbows are constantly propped up when reading or working. This form of chronic bursitis is also known as student elbow.
However, the bursa at the elbow is also susceptible to inflammation caused by injury: A fall on the elbow or an open wound through which bacteria enter can quickly cause inflammation.
Bursitis of the hip
A variety of bursae exist around the hip joint. If inflammation occurs, it is usually noticeable in the upper part of the thigh bone at the junction with the hip. The pain caused by the inflammation can radiate into the buttocks.
Bursitis in the knee
The three main bursae of the knee, like the bursa of the elbow, are particularly susceptible to bursitis because of their location just under the skin. Depending on which bursa is inflamed, a distinction is made between three different types of inflammation in the knee:
- Bursitis praepatellaris: In this form, the bursa, which lies on the kneecap and serves as a buffer between the skin and the kneecap, is affected.
- Bursitis infrapatellaris: In this form, the bursa, which lies below the kneecap, is affected.
- Pes anserinus bursitis: In this form, the bursa located below the so-called pes anserinus (goosefoot) is affected.
Most often, bursitis in the knee is caused by frequent kneeling.
Prevent a bursitis
To prevent bursitis, repeated pressure on certain joints should be avoided. Otherwise, inflammation may result from the constant stress.
Certain occupational groups that are particularly at risk due to jobs that put pressure on the joints – such as tile setters – should protect themselves with aids such as knee or elbow pads. For people with office jobs, padded chairs and forearm pads are recommended. If, on the other hand, bursitis occurs as a result of sporting activities, special attention should be paid to running shoes that are easy on the joints and to clean movements.
If the first symptoms appear in the shoulder, elbow or knee, the stressful movement should be avoided and the joint should be cooled and immobilized for some time. In this way, a full-blown bursitis can often be prevented.
