Introduction

Bursitis is inflammation and swelling of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac which forms under the skin, usually over the joints, andacts as a cushion between the tendons and bones.

The main symptoms of bursitis are pain, swelling and tenderness in the affected area.

Any bursa can become inflamed, butbursitis most commonly occurs in the:

  • shoulder
  • elbow
  • knee (known as housemaid's knee)
  • hip

Other areas affected can include the ankle, foot and Achilles tendon (the large tendon that attaches the heel bone to the calf muscle).

What causes bursitis?

A bursa can become inflamed through injury or repetitive movement.

Your risk of developing bursitis is increased if you regularly take part in physical activities that involve a lot of repetitive movement, for example running (bursitis in the ankle) or playing darts (bursitis in the elbow).

People who spend a lot of time kneeling, such as carpet fitters and gardeners, also have an increased risk of developing bursitis in their knee.

Less commonly, bursitis candevelop as a result of an infection or as a complication of certain conditions, such as Gout or rheumatoid arthritis .


Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 22 Aug 2016