Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs located between any two muscles, bones, skin, and tendons, allowing these structures to slide against each other, and cushioning points of contact from the impact of friction. There are over 150 bursae in the human body, each enabling smooth joint operation and the full range of natural physical movement.
When a joint is overused, sustains prolonged repetitive stress, or experiences sudden but intense injury, a nearby bursa can swell and fill up with excess fluid. This condition is called bursitis, and is marked by tenderness in the area where the bursa is swollen, and a severe, often unbearable pain even at rest.
Bursitis usually occurs at the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. When left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause debilitating pain and discomfort, reduced movement, decreased performance at work, and fitful, erratic sleep.
Bursal injections of local anesthetic and a corticosteroid into the inflamed bursa reduce the inflammation and pain symptoms. Through ultrasound imaging, the specific coordinates of the offending bursa is located, and a fine needle is passed into the point where tissue is most tender.
Many experience redness or flushing of the face or even the rest of the body as a reaction to the absorption of the injected corticosteroid. This is normal and harmless, and lasts a few days before fading.
It takes anywhere from 24 hours to three days for a bursal injection to take effect. When the corticosteroid sets in, however, the resulting reduced swelling and pain relief lasts from a few weeks to up to several months.
Dr. Michael Steuer at MidSouth Pain Treatment Center helps individuals overcome bursitis to lead productive, fulfilling lives. Learn more about Dr. Steuer or his clinic by visting this website.
Prolonged repetitive stress is one main cause. This is scary.
ReplyDeleteMust serve as warning if you develop the symptoms.
ReplyDeleteGosh. My uncle has this on his shoulder.
ReplyDeletePatients must feel very uneasy.
ReplyDelete