Inflammation of a bursa, causing pain and swelling. Bursitis may result from pressure, friction, or slight injury to the membrane surrounding the joint, or to infection. For example, prepatellar bursitis (“housemaid’s knee”) is caused by prolonged kneeling on a hard surface. Avoiding further pressure and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually all the treatment needed. Occasionally, antibiotic drugs may be needed if the bu rsa is infected.
Inflammation of a bursa, the lubricating sac that reduces friction between tendons and ligaments or tendons and bones. The more common localities for bursitis are the shoulders, the elbows, the knees, and the big toe (a bunion).
In?ammation within a bursa (see BURSAE). Acute bursitis is usually the result of injury, especially on the knee or elbow, when the prominent part of the joint becomes swollen, hot, painful and red.
Chronic bursitis is due to too much movement of, or pressure on, a bursa, with ?uid building up therein. Fluid may need to be drained and the affected area rested. Excision of a chronically in?amed bursa is sometimes necessary. For example, the condition of housemaid’s knee is a chronic in?ammation of the patellar bursa in front of the knee, due to too much kneeling.
Chronic bursitis affecting ligaments round the wrist and ankle is generally called a GANGLION.
n. inflammation of a *bursa, resulting from repetitive slight injury, pressure, or friction or from infection or inflammatory conditions. Commonly affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or heel, it produces pain and tenderness and sometimes restricts joint movement. Treatment of bursitis not due to infection includes rest, *NSAIDs, and possibly local anaesthetic and corticosteroid injections. See also housemaid’s knee.
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