Duration of bursitis of the knee
The duration of a bursitis of the knee depends very much on the mechanical load on the knee. It often occurs at work in kneeling positions (e.g. when tiling). If the load is paused and the joint is protected, bursitis of the knee usually lasts for 14 days. However, affected persons must gradually increase the load after complete healing to prevent a relapse. If the illness is work-related, precautions should be taken to prevent a renewed inflammation, such as knee protection.
Duration of an inflammation of the bursa at the heel
In the case of an inflammation of the bursa at the heel, the duration of the inflammation depends mainly on the chosen therapeutic measure. If a complete relief by means of crutches is chosen for the acute course of the disease, experience shows that healing occurs more quickly, since this prevents a renewed irritation of the bursa. In this case the symptoms improve within 2-3 days and disappear within about 10 days if the load is gradually increased. If the affected person strains the inflamed side and only spares it, the symptoms last for about two to three weeks. Athletes have to reckon with a loss of up to one month, as a complete load is to be avoided for another 2 weeks after complete healing.
Duration of sick leave
The duration of the sick leave in bursitis depends on the location and severity of the inflammation. In the case of a mild inflammation, the patient is put on sick leave for a few days, in severe cases the sick leave can last several weeks.
Duration of the treatment
The quick and proper treatment of an inflamed bursa is important, as bursitis can become chronic if left untreated. At the beginning, the doctor applies a bandage to the patient for several days to immobilize the affected joint and to protect the inflamed bursa. If septic bursitis is caused by bacteria, the patient must also take antibiotic medication for seven to ten days to kill the pathogens.
Once the acute inflammation has subsided, physiotherapy can support the healing process. This promotes the mobility of the joint and prevents the patient from adopting a relieving posture in the long term, which results in incorrect loading and tension of the muscles. Depending on the severity of the bursitis, one or more sessions with a physiotherapist are required.
How much can cortisone shorten the duration?
Cortisone is a hormone produced naturally in the body that is used as a drug. In severe bursitis, cortisone is injected directly into the affected joint. In the bursa, the cortisone acts directly on the defence cells of the immune system and suppresses the inflammatory process.
As a result, cortisone treatment quickly relieves the symptoms and accelerates healing. However, an injection of cortisone can also lead to side effects and cause complications, e.g. bacteria can enter the body via the injection and spread there. Therefore, the doctor must consider carefully whether cortisone should be injected or whether an alternative treatment is possible.
