Trochanteric Bursitis, Knee Bursitis, Ischial Tuberosity Bursitis

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs located between joints, muscles, and tendons that function to decrease rubbing, friction and irritation. Bursitis is the inflammation and irritation of these bursae, resulting in pain and severely decreased mobility of affected regions. Since the bursae’s function is to allow for smooth movements of joints, when they are inflamed and swell up, there is extra pressure in the joint. Bursitis is also related to tendonitis, in that some tendons are located such that they may rub near bursae and the ensuing inflammation affects both the tendon and the bursa. The shoulder is a common place for this to happen.

Bursae are most commonly injured due to repetitive use, or as a result of rheumatic diseases like gout, or some form of trauma, but can also develop because of infection. If identified early, most forms of bursitis can be treated and can completely dissipate fairly quickly; if, however, the injuries are not treated, they can become chronic and will then require a great deal more effort to manage.

Symptoms of bursitis include a sharp or burning pain in the injured region, both on action and at rest, swelling of the affected area, redness of the skin around the joint, and difficulty moving the joint. It is important to seek medical attention, because if left untreated, some types of bursitis can become infected in a condition called septic bursitis. This more commonly happens where bursae are close to the skin.

Patients can prevent or minimize the risk for bursitis by maintaining a healthy weight, wearing proper footwear, walking and standing properly, recognizing the symptoms of overuse, and resting when necessary.

Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae in the hip region, more often along the outer thigh. Patients may find that there is aching pain on movement, at rest (especially when lying down), and when sitting down. This pain may travel into the buttocks, and along the thigh toward the knee. This type of bursitis is often found in middle aged female patients who are overweight.

Ischial Tuberosity Bursitis

This form of bursitis is also an inflammation of bursae in the hip region, closer to the pelvic region, and along the inside of the thigh. Patients may experience pain on movement, at rest (especially when lying down), or after sitting for long periods.

Knee Bursitis

Bursitis in the knees may develop as a result of overuse, due to kneeling or bending, or as a result of arthritis or osteoarthritis. Patients will often experience swelling and pain in the affected knees, with the pain sometimes radiating toward the thigh or the calf.

Applying ice may help reduce swelling and relieve pain from bursitis, as can NSAID medications. When lying down, placing a pillow between the legs may alleviate pressure on bursae in both knees and hips.

We offer ultrasound guided injections with cortisone, dextrose (prolotherapy), PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, autologous blood injections, medication, chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, active exercises, psychotherapy, biofeedback and assistive devices like braces, TENS/MET devices, and orthotics.

Sources:

http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/18391676

http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sportsmedicine/a/blbursitis.htm

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/septic-bursitis

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bursitis.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/acute_and_chronic_bursitis/article.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/acute_and_chronic_bursitis/page2.htm

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/bursitis-beyond-the-basics