This condition occurs when bursa (sacs of fluid that cushion movement between the bones, tendons and muscles at your joints) become painfully inflamed. Usually caused by repetitive movement or prolonged excessive pressure, other causes include acute or chronic infection (notably staphylococcal) or tuberculosis. It can also occur alongside other common joint problems such as arthritis or gout.
The most common area affected is the shoulder but it can also occur at the knees ("Housemaid's Knee"), the buttocks ("Weaver's Bottom" – caused by sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods), elbows ("Miner's Elbow" – today caused by more modern activities such as vacuuming), hips, heels and even at the base of the big toe.
Removing pressure from and/or immobilizing the affected joint can help significantly and with treatment it can be made to disappear within a couple of weeks.
The chances of it recurring are minimized by strengthening your muscles (strong muscles protect joints) through appropriate exercise once the pain and inflammation is gone; taking more breaks during repetitive activities; and cushioning joints to avoid extended direct contact with hard surfaces.
If the underlying cause is a chronic condition such as arthritis, bursitis may reappear despite any preventative measures that are taken.
Syphilis has been known to be an underlying cause of bursitis.
Calcification of soft tissues, especially following trauma, is common. During stress, calcium is drawn out of the bones although the serum calcium may remain normal.
Both acute and chronic infections, notably staphylococcus, have been known to cause bursitis.
Tuberculosis has been known to be an underlying cause of bursitis.
Topical progesterone has been reported to be useful in alleviating symptoms.
Vitamin B12 injections at 1mg daily for two weeks has eliminated pain in the majority of cases of shoulder and hip bursitis.
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