Bursitis

Diagnosis

Your doctor will take a medical history and ask questions about your symptoms. You’ll also be asked if you have engaged in any activities that may have stressed or injured the affected joint.

To rule out other possible causes for your symptoms, your doctor will give you a thorough medical examination. He or she will feel the affected joint to identify the precise area of tenderness. To test for an infection, your doctor may remove fluid from the affected joint with a thin needle. The fluid will then be sent to a laboratory to see if it contains any bacteria.

Your doctor will probably order an x-ray to rule out other possible causes of the pain. A specialized x-ray procedure known as an arthrogram may be done. This test, which lasts about an hour, involves injecting a dye into a joint space. X-rays are then taken of the joint. If the images show that the dye has leaked into an area where it doesn’t belong, then the joint may be damaged in some way.

Your doctor may also order either a CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the affected joint. A CT scan uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices) of the body. An MRI scan uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce its images.

Both CT and MRI technologies deliver more detailed images than standard x-rays.

Prevention and Screening

Measures that reduce repetitive stress on joints will help to prevent bursitis.

• Avoid activities that involve repetitive movements. If you must do repetitive tasks, be sure to take frequent breaks so you can rest your joints.
• Protect your joints by keeping your muscles strong. Ask your doctor for advice on developing a muscular strengthening program.
• Perform stretching exercises daily. Muscles and joints that remain flexible are less likely to be injured.
• Maintain a healthy body weight. Extra weight puts added pressure on joints.
• Wear protective kneepads if you have an occupation (e.g., floor tiling, carpet laying) or a hobby (e.g., gardening) that involves spending extended time on your knees.
• Wear protective pads on knees and/or elbows if you participate in high-risk sports such as football, basketball, wrestling, or in-line skating.
• Avoid resting your elbows on hard surfaces.
• Avoid standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Make sure your shoes fit properly.
• Slowly warm up your muscles before exercising or doing strenuous activities, and cool down the muscles with gentle stretching afterwards.
• Use proper posture when sitting or standing.