Bursitis in Atlanta, GA

The bursae are fluid-filled sacs surrounding the joints that act as a shock absorber and cushion for bones, muscles, and tendons. Bursitis develops when these sacs become inflamed, leading to significant pain and discomfort. Most prevalent in the hip, shoulder, elbow, and knee, bursitis may resolve on its own with rest to the affected area. However, in more severe cases, treatment may be needed to allow you to complete everyday activities. At Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta, Dr. Christopher Williams and his team offer various treatment options for alleviating the unpleasant symptoms of bursitis. After properly diagnosing the condition, Dr. Williams will curate a treatment plan specifically for your needs and concerns. Learn more about bursitis treatments by contacting our Atlanta, GA facility to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Williams and his experienced orthopedic team.

Experiencing relief from the discomfort of bursitis can significantly improve your quality of life. Bursitis treatment at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta offers several key benefits including:

• Pain reduction: Effective treatments alleviate the sharp, persistent pain associated with inflamed bursae
• Increased mobility: By reducing inflammation, treatment can restore a greater range of motion and flexibility
• Prevention of progression: Early intervention may prevent the condition from worsening or leading to chronic issues
• Personalized care
• Professional support

Understanding the full spectrum of bursitis treatment options and benefits can be the first step toward regaining a more active and comfortable lifestyle.

What are the risk factors for bursitis?

The majority of bursitis cases are associated with physical risk factors, like overuse, repetitive motion, and injury - but those aren't the only risk factors for this painful condition. Additional risk factors for bursitis include:

• Age: Bursitis becomes more common as people get older.
• Overuse: Frequent or repetitive movements can strain the bursae.
• Repetitive Motions: Engaging in tasks that involve repetitive motions can lead to bursitis.
• Injury: Direct trauma or injury to a joint can trigger bursitis.
• Infection: Infections can sometimes lead to the development of infectious bursitis.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, can increase susceptibility.
• Poor Posture: Incorrect posture can place added stress on joints and contribute to bursitis.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can increase the risk, particularly in weight-bearing joints.
• Stress: Physical or emotional stress may exacerbate symptoms.
• Bone Spurs: The presence of bone spurs near a joint can lead to bursitis.

There are a variety of symptoms associated with bursitis that can worsen over time if left untreated. Some of the most common include:

• Stiffness in the affected joint
• Inflammation and redness of the area
• Intense, shooting pain upon exercising or strenuous movement
• Decreased mobility and flexibility
• Fever

In most cases, bursitis is the result of repetitive movement or positions that create tension on or near the bursae of a joint. However, there are some risk factors that can make an individual more susceptible to experiencing bursitis, including age, occupation, medical conditions, and being overweight. Depending on the exact cause of your bursitis, lifestyle changes may be suggested along with treatment in order to prevent future instances of the condition from occurring.

After conducting a physical exam, evaluating your medical history, and performing imaging tests, Dr. Williams will be able to provide more accurate treatment options for your specific case of bursitis. Typically, conservative methods are suggested first, such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. If these prove to be ineffective, Dr. Williams may then suggest prescription-strength medication, physical therapy, or steroid injection therapy. In more severe cases of the condition, surgery may be needed in order to drain the inflamed bursa. Following any treatment, Dr. Williams and his team will let you know exactly what you can expect and determine if any follow-up treatments will be necessary to help preserve your results.

Am I at risk for bursitis?

The most common risk factors for developing bursitis include:

• Age (55+)
• Work, sports, or activities that include repetitive tasks or movements
• Having diabetes, gout, thyroid disease, or arthritis

How do we diagnose bursitis?

We start by completing a thorough consultation and talking about your medical history. Sometimes, we may need to take x-rays to ensure your pain is not caused by another underlying reason, like infection or a stress fracture. Once we have this information, we can develop a personalized treatment plan. 

What are the symptoms of bursitis?

Bursitis symptoms often feel like the symptoms of arthritis. However, arthritis and bursitis are not the same. Common symptoms include pain and sensitivity near your inflamed bursa, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and swelling.

How can I prevent bursitis?

Protecting your joints will reduce the chance of aggravating the bursa sac, which occurs in the knees, shoulders, elbows, and hips. We recommend buying kneeling pads, pushing heavy objects as opposed to carrying them, incorporating stretches into your exercise routine, and maintaining a healthy weight.

What are ways to treat bursitis at home?

You can treat minor bursitis at home by:

• Resting the affected joint
• Using ice packs
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and/or NSAIDs (consult your physician first)
• Stretching and doing rehabilitation exercises
• Wearing a brace

Though bursitis can be uncomfortable and cause a number of symptoms, there are various treatments available to reduce joint inflammation and improve your quality of life. Our team at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta can help determine the best course of treatment to allow you to receive your best outcome. Contact our Atlanta, GA facility to learn more and to schedule an initial consultation with skilled orthopedic physician Dr. Christopher Williams.