A BURSA IS A SMALL, FLUID-FILLED SAC THAT LUBRICATES AND CUSHIONS YOUR BONES AND THE TENDONS AND MUSCLES NEAR YOUR JOINTS. IT ALLOWS YOUR JOINTS TO MOVE WITH EASE.
You have more than 150 bursae in your body. When these bursae become inflamed bursitis occurs, causing movement to create intense pressure or even pain. Bursitis is usually caused by repetitive impact on the affected area, or from a sudden, more serious injury. Age can also play a role. As tendons age they are able to tolerate stress less. They become less elastic, and are easier to tear.
BURSITIS MOST COMMONLY OCCURS IN YOUR:
Shoulder
Elbow
Hip
Knee
Achilles Tendon
NITIAL TREATMENT OF BURSITIS USUALLY INCLUDES:
Resting the injured area
Applying ice to the injured area
Taking anti-inflammatory medication
Avoiding activities that may aggravate the problem
Steroid injections at the site of the injury
Bursa injections are often, but not always, effective and can be repeated. However, multiple injections in a several month period are usually avoided due to potential side effects from the injections and the possibility of masking problems that need to be treated differently. Surgery is rarely needed, although it may be an option when the inflamed bursa does not respond to the other treatment options.
At South Lake Pain Institute we can deliver medication into the bursa without a needle. This delivery system is known as Iontophoretic therapy. A patch will be placed over the affected area and medication is delivered throughout. It’s easy, fast, and painless.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BURSA INJECTIONS OR TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE DR. PAEZ IMMEDIATELY
