Common bursa injuries

Bursitis is one of the most common injuries in sports, especially in those who play tennis and football, or any physical sport that requires repetitive body movements. This condition can affect various parts of the body, so knowing the symptoms can help you in identifying it and stop it from interfering with your activities. Mr Jonathan Walczak, an orthopaedic and trauma surgeon, explains more.

What is a bursa injury?

A bursa is tissue which the body already has or forms to protect itself. It is effectively a fluid-filled sac that cushions the body against the injuring force. There are many bursae throughout the body, sometimes located deep in areas between bones and tendons, or closer to the surface, between the skin and the bone underneath. However, if they become inflamed they can cause pain and interfere with movement and sport. Inflammation of a bursa is normally caused by overuse, or sometimes direct trauma.

What are some common bursa injuries in sports?

The most common bursa injuries in sports are:

Trochanteric bursitis: around the outside of the hip
Iliotibial bursitis: around the outside of the knee
Housemaid’s knee (prepatellar bursitis): in the front of the knee
Olecranon bursitis: under the point of the elbow
Sub-acromial bursitis: swelling between the tip of the shoulder blade and the ball joint of the shoulder.

What sports cause bursitis?

Sports-caused bursitis is usually caused by repetitive movement and friction either from pressure such as kneeling - where the fluid will form between the knee and the skin - or between a ligament or tendon such as the hip, the shoulder or the outside of the knee.

Runners often get trochanteric or iliotibial bursitis due to tight gluteal muscles and racket sports players, in tennis or badminton, can often experience sub-acromial bursitis in the shoulder.

What symptoms are typical of bursitis?

Symptoms of bursitis typically include a large, swollen area that is tender to touch, especially if it is caused by direct trauma. Some people may experience a snapping sensation and a feeling of warmth, swelling and pain at areas where there are prominences of bone, such as the hip, knee, shoulder and elbow. The pain can either be localised or radiate down the affected limb.

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between bursitis and a regular tendon or joint injury, so further examination might be needed such as an MRI scan to identify it.

What is the recommended treatment?

The first step is to avoid activities that cause pain. Then, if the pain persists, a doctor will have to accurately diagnose it using a thorough examination, ultrasound and an MRI scan. In the meantime, you should also be resting and applying ice to the area to reduce any swelling.

In some cases, physiotherapy is offered to stretch the muscles or ligaments which could be tight around the bursa. In many cases, drainage of the bursa and a steroid injection is the appropriate form of treatment. In very rare cases, surgical intervention is needed.

The good news is these are very common problems and most of the time, a course of physiotherapy and a period of rest will be enough to treat it.

If you would like to book an appointment with Mr Jonathan Walczak, visit his profile and check his availability. He also offers a video-conferencing and direct messaging service, so you can ask him anything from the comfort of your home.