Bursitis-You Can Get Relief and Avoid Further Injury


by Marion Harris - Date: 2007-01-16 - Word Count: 574 Share This!

Bursitis pertains to the 150 small, fluid-filled cushions that sit on pressure points between bones and tendons in very close proximity to the joints. Bursae (bur-see, plural of bursa) in the shoulder, hip, ankle or knee keep the body's movements smooth and fluid by acting as shock absorbers and lubricating areas of movement between bone, tendon and muscle. Repeated movement or stress on the joints, such as throwing a baseball, can irritate bursae in the shoulder and result in bursitis. (Bursitis can also occur on occasion from pressure on a joint, as with those who sleep on their side causing compression to the bursae.)

Upon further investigation, one will find that the bursa is a small sac with a membrane that releases tiny amounts of an egg-like substance called synovial fluid. This 'joint fluid' serves as lubrication; and it is this lubrication that provides movement without alteration. However, should an irritation occur to the bursa through repetitive movement or otherwise, over secretion of synovial fluid can occur which will, in turn, cause swelling of the bursae. A buildup of fluid and the bursae's inability to adequately absorb the energy of the body's movements on the pressure points can result in serious pain. So then, bursitis is the response to injury of the bursae. The inflammation results in pain and tenderness in the corresponding joint area; the sufferer's movements becoming restricted and in some cases, call for immobilization.

Whether bursitis is acute (as in pain that immediately follows an injury) or chronic (as in a recurring inflammation in the same joint), bursitis will vary in symptoms from an achy stiffness to searing pain that involves the entire joint. Typically, the pain becomes a problem during and immediately following a certain activity, with generalized stiffness in the following days. Sufferers of the condition tend to notice that the joint is not only tender but that pain will increase with further movement of the joint. Movement becomes limited in affected areas with redness and swelling.

The reasons behind bursitis often stem from such things as trauma or even staph infections. Overuse or an injury during work or recreational activities is often the most common cause; however, incorrect posture, abnormal bone structures that stress the tendons or ligaments in the joint area (such as having one leg longer than the other) and even other diseases such as gout can be the cause when crystalline deposits find their way into the joint fluid and come to rest around the joint capsule.

If at all possible, it is important to avoid the overuse of the joints during leisure activities or heavy labor. Warming up with at least 3 minutes of light activity can help to lessen the impact of repeated movements on the joints, as can appropriate cool-down exercises. Exercising regularly and staying fit with an exercise program that involves any kind of strength training is a plus- and is an all-round method for keeping bursitis and many other bothersome conditions at bay. It is never a bad idea to take breaks during tasks that require repeated movement or during exercise. Any activities that require leaning, kneeling or sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time can lead to a compression of the bursae. For protective cushioning of the joints, look into chairs with a good amount of padding or knee pads. In cases of acute bursitis, the activity or cause can be recognized immediately, then changed or amended to prevent future injury.


Related Tags: natural health, joint pain, flex protex, bursitis

Marion Harris is the chief researcher and editor for Pathways-Health a company that believes in a holistic approach. Visit them to find out more about natural health and wellness and discover the benefits of the all natural treatment Flex Protex

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