Symptoms of Bursitis

The symptoms of bursitis are quite similar across all joints or areas where a bursa can be found. A bursa is a sac or a sac-like cavity in the body, filled with a viscous fluid, that provides padding and lubrication between two moveable parts. Often bursae are found between tendons where they pass over bones or between joints where there is a lot of movement. If any of these sacs become inflamed, the symptoms of bursitis become noticeable.

Common symptoms of bursitis include localized ache and stiffness of the joint. This often occurs within twelve to twenty-four hours after extended use of or acute injury to the joint bursae. Often these symptoms of bursitis subside with rest and immobilization of the joint. If the joint is not permitted to heal properly, the damage perpetuates itself and symptoms of bursitis worsen.

Symptoms of Bursitis

If a bursa is inflamed, it cannot provide proper protection to the tendons and bones. This results in symptoms of bursitis which include difficulty or pain of movement around this joint in question. On the other hand, the inflamed bursa is also being aggravated by the tendon and bone sliding across it. This bursa will continue to swell, become painful, and swell out of the confined space between tendon and bone. Therefore, other symptoms of bursitis include joint swelling and a dull, constant pain which is worse during and after activity. The joint area will also be stiffer the next day.