Bursitis Types

Bursitis types: This is a condition that affects the bursae, which are the small, fluid-filled sacs that provide cushion for the:

• Muscles
• Tendons
• Bones near joints

The bursae make it easier for tissues to slide over each other. The body has around one hundred and sixty bursae. However, only a few become clinically affected. These include the:

• Wrist
• Elbow
• Shoulder
• Hips
• Knees
• The base of the big toe and heel

The condition typically presents near joints constantly being used repetitively, like a job, sports, house/yard chores, etc. What happens is one or more of the bursae sacs become inflamed, resulting in pain.

Causes

• Inflamed or irritated bursae typically cause it from overuse or intense/vigorous activity.
• It can also be caused by bacterial infection.
• Arthritis and gout can also cause bursitis.
• Another cause is age.
• As tendons age, they can tear easily, lose their elasticity, and can’t take too much stress.

Intense physical activities can lead to bursitis. These include:

• Gardening
• Typing
• Working with a computer mouse
• Throwing
• Golf
• Tennis
• Manual tasks
• Carpentry

These types of activities can lead to incorrect posture, overuse, and injury/damage.

Symptoms

The main symptom is pain in and around the affected area that worsens with movement. Depending on the severity of the strain and the length of time it has been going on, the pain can be intense with active and passive movements. Other symptoms include:

• Tenderness
• Stiffness
• For some individuals, it can present as acute, with the intensity increasing.
• This happens when movement aggravates the condition.

Bursitis Types

Four major types include:

• Prepatellar
• Trochanteric
• Olecranon
• Retrocalcaneal

Prepatellar Bursitis

Prepatellar is an inflammation of the sac situated between the skin and the patella/kneecap. The most common causes are trauma from a fall and direct pressure/friction from repetitive kneeling. This is one of the bursitis types that can get infected. Overproduction of liquid places pressure on the other areas of the knee, causing swelling. Most individuals report swelling and knee pain just over the front of the knee.

Trochanteric Bursitis

This bursitis type goes over the lateral area of the hip. There is a distinctive tenderness and aching pain. This type is more common for individuals with arthritis conditions and fibromyalgia. This condition is also seen after surgery, mainly osteotomies. The bursa can become inflamed in case of injury or overuse. It tends to affect middle-aged or older folks. Common causes include:

• Muscle tears
• Hip injuries
• Tight hip or leg muscles
• Disc disease of the low back
• Leg-length inequality
• Improper walking technique from a minor injury or strain
• Overuse of the gluteal muscles
• Flat feet
• Improper footwear

Olecranon Bursitis

Olecranon is a common bursitis type. It is diagnosed by the appearance of swelling over the elbow. The swelling happens just behind the olecranon process of the ulna. The bursa can become infected. This bursitis does cause blood to rupture out, and fluid could be present. Individuals are advised to avoid leaning or resting on the elbows.

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

This is characterized by pain in the Achilles tendon. Chronic inflammation of the bursa is brought on by friction, supination, and overpronation.  The flexibility of the calf muscles can be significantly reduced. Severe pain and swelling of the posterior soft tissue in front of the Achilles tendon are common symptoms. This bursitis type is often accompanied by mid-portion insertional tendinosis.

Risk Of Getting Bursitis

Anybody at any age can develop bursitis, but older individuals, specifically those in their forties and beyond, are more susceptible. This comes from all the wear and tear of the muscles and bones.

Risk Factors

• Overpronation of the foot
• Leg length deviation
• Osteoarthritis
• Obesity
• Tight hamstring muscles
• Incorrect physical training
• Not stretching properly

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Body Composition

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When Inflammation Becomes Permanent

When white blood cells cause inflammation, it’s signaling that the body’s immune system works properly. The process works like this:

• Inflammation activates
• White blood cells attack the foreign invader
• The invader is neutralized
• The inflammation deactivates

This is how the body’s defense system naturally works. But, white blood cells are not the only type of cell that emit cytokines. Adipocytes or fat cells are another type of cell that can emit cytokines and cause inflammation. Scientists have learned that fat is an active endocrine organ that secretes various proteins and chemicals, including inflammatory cytokines. The body stores excess calories as fat to be used later for energy. When the body keeps adding more adipose tissue, cytokines are released by the fat cells, triggering inflammation. Obesity is characterized as a state of low-grade, chronic inflammation. Increased fat cells place the body in a constant state of stress activating immune responses. This means the body is in a constant state of inflammation with the immune system switch permanently on.

References

Aaron, Daniel L et al. “Four common types of bursitis: diagnosis and management.” The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons vol. 19,6 (2011): 359-67. doi:10.5435/00124635-201106000-00006

Coelho, Marisa et al. “Biochemistry of adipose tissue: an endocrine organ.” Archives of medical science: AMS vol. 9,2 (2013): 191-200. doi:10.5114/aoms.2013.33181

Khodaee, Morteza. “Common Superficial Bursitis.” American family physician vol. 95,4 (2017): 224-231.