Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Bursa of the elbow Bursa of the knee Bursitis of the shoulder

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Bursitis

Treatment: Your health care provider may recommend temporary rest or immobilization of the affected joint. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may relieve pain and inflammation. Formal physical therapy may be helpful as well. Text Continues Below If the inflammation does not respond to the initial treatment, it may be necessary to draw out fluid from the bursa and inject corticosteroids. Surgery is rarely required. Exercises for the affected area should be started as the pain resolves. If muscle atrophy (weakness and/or decrease in size) has occurred, Your health care provider may suggest exercises to build strength and increase mobility. Bursitis caused by infection is treated with antibiotics. Sometimes the infected bursa must be drained surgically. Expectations (prognosis): The condition may respond well to treatment, or it may develop into a chronic condition if the underlying cause cannot be corrected. Complications: Chronic bursitis may occur. Too many steroid injections over a short period of time can cause injury to the surrounding tendons. Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if symptoms recur or do not improve after two weeks of treatment.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.