Bursitis is a painful condition that affects many people. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to seek a pain management doctor to find relief.
What Is Bursitis?
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae. These tiny fluid-filled sacs have a cushioning effect between various bones, tendons, and tissues in your body. When these sacs are inflamed, you will experience pain known as bursitis.
Where Does Bursitis Occur In The Body?
Bursitis is most common in your joints.
What Actions Or Situations Can Lead To Bursitis?
Your health conditions and your lifestyle can lead to bursitis. While some lifestyle changes can help prevent it, often you have no real control over its development.
- Bone Spurs
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- One Leg Shorter Than The Other
- Spine Diseases
- Hip Injuries
- A Job Or Hobby That Requires Repetitive Motions
- Aging
- Obesity
What Are The Symptoms?
Bursitis will cause achy or stiff joints that hurt when you move them. Your painful joints may look red and swollen.
Signs You Need To See A Doctor
- You Suddenly Cannot Move Your Affected Joints
- You have Bruises Or A Rash At The Pain Site
- You Experience Shooting Pains
- You Have A Fever
- What Kind Of Treatments Can Reduce My Pain?
- Medications
- Physical Therapy
- Assistive Devices
- Steroid Injections
- Surgery
Medications
You may find relief with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen. Talk with your doctor about which medicine is best for your situation and whether you need a prescription-strength option.
Physical Therapy
Your doctor or physical therapist may give you a program of bursitis treatment exercises to follow at home. Other helpful therapy options are massage or ultrasound.
Assistive Devices
If you are experiencing bursitis in your hip or knee, you may find that a cane or crutches allow you to rest that body part for a week or two while your inflammation lessens.
Steroid Injections
This in-office treatment can be fast-acting and effective in relieving pain. Your doctor will give you a local anesthetic and an injection of a corticosteroid medicine. You may need just one injection or a series of injections over a period of several months.
Surgery
If non-surgical treatments have not been successful, your doctor may advise surgery to drain or remove the inflamed bursa. This type of surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that does not require an overnight hospital stay.
Pain Management Specialists Can Help
Call Advanced Pain Medical Group today to schedule a consultation in Los Angeles, Kern, or Ventura County. Let us help you find the pain management method that will give you relief.