Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs of synovial fluid) in the body. The bursae are at the points where internal function points arise, such as muscles and tendons sliding across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement easy and painless. When bursitis occurs, however, movement becomes difficult and painful. Movement of the inflamed bursa aggravates it, perpetuating the problem. There are over 150 bursae in the body. Bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive movement and excessive pressure. Inflammation of the bursae might also be caused by other inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Shoulder and elbow bursitis are commonly caused by overuse of the shoulder joint and related muscles. Traumatic injury is another cause of bursitis. Any inflammation will irritate the bursae because the bursa absorbs some of the fluid and cannot glide freely.

Specific Areas of Bursitis

• A – Shoulder Bursitis – Subacromial Bursitis
• B – Knee Bursitis – Patellar Bursitis
• C – Hip Bursitis – Trochanteric Bursitis
• D – Elbow Bursitis – Olecranon Bursitis