How To Reduce The Chances Of Developing Bursitis?

Bursitis can be a really painful condition that can ruin your quality of life, making it very hard to do even the simplest of everyday tasks. While you might not be able to prevent bursitis, there are some things that can reduce the chances you’ll develop this problem.

Bursitis – The Basics

Bursitis is, in a nutshell, inflammation that affects the bursae. These are sacs filled with fluid that help provide cushioning to your tendons, muscles and bones. Bursitis will typically flare up in areas such as your elbow, knee, shoulder and hip.

Symptoms will usually include feelings of stiffness or achiness in the affected areas, as well as redness and swelling. If you notice excessive swelling, you find it hard to move the affected joint or you have shooting pain, you should see a doctor.

Reducing Your Risk

The main cause of bursitis is repetitive motions. You might have heard of baseball pitchers developing bursitis in their shoulder, for example. But you can also get it if you kneel a lot at work, you lean on your elbows for an extended period of time, or you’ve had an injury. Gout and arthritis can also lead to bursitis.

Thankfully, though, you can reduce the chances of developing bursitis – at the very least, you can do things that will reduce the severity of your pain.

For example, if you have a job where you kneel a lot to pick up things, use kneepads. This will help reduce the pressure on your knees. Make sure you lift correctly. If you use the wrong technique you’ll put a lot of strain on your hips. You should also use a dolly whenever you can if you have to move heavy loads at work.

Other things you can do include losing weight and exercising regularly. The stronger your muscles, the more support they can give to your joints.

Talk to the experts with Rheumatology Care of North Houston if you are suffering from bursitis or any other type of joint pain. Call 832.532.9779 or contact us online for an appointment.