From Chris Adams,
Your Guide to Ergonomics.
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What is a bursa?

A bursa is a fluid filled sac. They are located around joints and reduce friction and ease movement as tendons or muscles pass over bones or skin.

• Illustration of the bursa of the elbow
• Illustration of the bursa of the knee

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is the irritation or inflammation of a bursa.

What are the symptoms of Bursitis?

Pain in the area of the bursa is the main symptom. Tenderness, swelling and warmth around the area are other symptoms.

Bursitis can also cause reduction in or loss of motion at the affected joint.

Bursitis usually occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, heel and thumb.

How do I know if I have Bursitis?

Bursitis is difficult to diagnose as it shares many symptoms with Tendonitis and Arthritis. Identification of symptoms and causes can lead to a proper diagnosis of bursitis.

Bursitis can be caused by acute or repetitive traumatic impact to the bursa, repetitive stress through overuse of the joint, and infection.

Following these tips if you have been diagnosed with a repetitive stress injury and using a visual pain scale to track and identify your pain can help in determining if you have bursitis.

If symptoms do not alleviate after a couple of weeks of self care, or pain becomes severe, swelling and redness occur, or a fever develops you should consult your doctor.