Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of any of the many bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that ensure that the sliding movements between tissue layers run smoothly. For example, if a bursa becomes irritated due to excessive strain, injury or an infection, inflammation often occurs. This causes inflammatory mediators to be released, which dilate the blood vessels and allow fluid to flow into the tissue. As a result, pain can be caused because nerve endings in the inflamed tissue are irritated, as well as swelling and limited mobility in the affected joint area.

Bursitis can be caused by a variety of different factors. One of the most common causes is mechanical overload. If a joint is repeatedly exposed to heavy strain, such as through sporting activities or physically demanding work, it can lead to overstimulation of the bursa. This overload consequently causes inflammation, as the constant pressure damages the bursa and promotes the accumulation of fluid.
Injuries such as direct blows or knocks to the joint can also cause bursitis. Such traumas can directly damage the bursa, causing it to swell and become painful.

In addition, infections can also play a role, especially in cases where there is an open wound near the bursa. Bacteria can enter the bursa more easily through the wound and trigger an inflammatory reaction, which leads to further pain and swelling.
After all, diseases such as rheumatism, arthritis or gout are also frequent triggers. These systemic diseases affect the tissue around the joints and promote inflammation. Therefore, the risk of bursitis can increase significantly, especially if the joints are already irritated or damaged.

The localization of bursitis is very important for the diagnosis and ultimately the treatment. This is because the bursae are located in different parts of the body and are particularly vulnerable to inflammation in highly used or traumatized joints. The most commonly affected areas are the knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and heels. Each of these joints can present with different symptoms and treatment options.

The bursa in the knee, especially the prepatellar bursa and the infrapatellar bursa, are often affected by bursitis. Typical causes are a direct strain due to prolonged kneeling or repetitive movements, which are common among athletes and manual workers. If the bursa is overstimulated, this can lead to visible swelling and increased pain. In some cases, the bursa in the knee may rupture, allowing fluid to leak out. In this case, it is particularly important to immobilize the knee and consult a doctor to prevent infection or further damage.

Bursitis of the elbow often affects the bursa olecrani, which is located at the back of the elbow. Constant irritation or pressure, such as in activities where the elbow is frequently supported, may lead to irritation and inflammation. Immobilization and cooling can help to slightly reduce the symptoms. In situations where a bursa has ruptured inside the elbow, the joint should be examined by a doctor.

The subacromial bursa and subdeltoid bursa are one of the most frequently affected areas of the shoulder by bursitis. These bursae are located between the acromion and the rotator cuff, which is wrapped around the shoulder blade and secures the humerus in the shoulder joint. Frequent overhead movements, such as swimming or tennis, lead to inflammation and excessive irritation. Pain usually occurs when the arm is moved, which is why the range of movement of the arm is restricted.

When bursitis occurs in the hip area, the trochanteric bursa usually becomes inflamed. It is located on the lateral hip bone and plays a key role in cushioning and protecting the surrounding tissue. Overloading, such as when running, cycling or sitting for long periods, can cause this bursa to become inflamed. Affected people therefore often report stabbing pain on the outside of the hip.

One of the heel bursae, the subachilles bursa, is located between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus. Due to its anatomical position, it is more frequently affected by bursitis. In particular, wearing poorly fitting shoes or intensive running training can cause bursitis in the heel. This often causes pain and swelling in the heel area, which is exacerbated when walking or running.

Bursitis usually manifests itself through several characteristic symptoms. The most common symptoms are usually severe pain, which often occurs in the affected joint and intensifies with movement. The inflammation also leads to significant swelling in the affected joint, caused by the accumulation of fluid in the bursa. The inflamed tissue is often also overheated and reddened, which are characteristics of the inflammatory reaction. These symptoms are often combined with restricted movement, since pain and swelling can significantly impair the mobility of the joint and be very uncomfortable.

Treatment is designed to reduce the inflammation and alleviate the symptoms. Rest, cooling, antibiotics and physiotherapy are common approaches.

In some cases, aspiration of the inflamed fluid or a local injection to inhibit inflammation and relieve pain may be considered.
In persistent cases, surgical removal of the bursa (bursectomy) may be necessary:

From a more holistic perspective, it is essential not only to treat the symptoms, but also to identify the underlying causes. This is particularly important because hidden inflammation (silent inflammation) in the body can often affect the health of the joints. It is also extremely important to check gut health and micronutrient status and then to treat accordingly. A well-functioning gut plays a central role in the immune system and can therefore positively influence inflammatory processes in the body. Targeted intestinal cleansing can therefore also help to improve the intestinal flora. After all, orthomolecular medicine also plays an important role by focusing on a supplementary supply of important micronutrients to compensate for deficiencies and support the body’s own healing processes.

In addition, there are various other effective methods. Infusion therapy can help to provide important nutrients into the bloodstream to improve overall health. Ozone therapy has proven to be helpful as it has anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the oxygen supply to the surrounding tissues. Another approach is neural therapy, which regulates the nervous system.
These methods can work hand in hand and help to both relieve the symptoms of bursitis and promote long-term health.

Another treatment option is the surgical removal of the bursa (bursectomy). This is primarily considered when conservative treatment options have been exhausted. In a bursectomy, for example on the elbow (particularly common after chronic or repeated inflammation), the inflamed bursa is completely removed in order to eliminate pain and restrictions and also reduce the risk of infection over time.

In the case of bursitis, natural home remedies can help to relieve your symptoms and at the same time support the healing process. These remedies are often easy to use and can be used in addition to other medical treatments.

Persistent bursitis usually occurs if the affected joint continues to be stressed despite pain and swelling or if inadequate treatment has been given. This means that the inflammation cannot heal sufficiently and the surrounding tissue is damaged as a result. This damage can significantly prolong the healing process. In the worst case, scar tissue or adhesions can also form, which can impair mobility, for example of the hip, in the long-term. There is also a risk of pain becoming chronic. It is therefore crucial to pay attention to the symptoms at an early stage and consult a doctor.

In this section you will find answers to frequently asked questions about bursitis, including possible causes, treatment options and tips for reducing symptoms. This will provide you with additional information that can help you to better understand the condition and perhaps even treat it yourself to some extent.

The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.