Definition of Bursitis

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Bursitis is the painful inflammation or irritation of the bursa. The bursa is a soft, fluid-filled sac that covers and cushions the movement between the bones, tendons and muscles near the joints.

Bursitis usually occurs under the shoulder muscles, at the elbows (called epitrochlear bursitis or "tennis elbow"), the hip sockets (called trochanteric bursitis), heel bones (called retrocalcaneal bursitis) or the kneecaps (called infrapatellar bursitis or "housemaid's knee"). It can also occur in the buttocks (called ischiogluteal bursitis) or the thigh (called trochanteric bursitis).




Description of Bursitis
Bursitis can be acute (a sudden, sharp pain following an injury) or chronic (a recurrent inflammation in the same area).

When a joint is overused or when it stays under pressure or tension for extended periods of time, a nearby bursa can become inflamed. The bursa fills with excess fluid, causing pressure on the surrounding tissue and resulting in bursitis.