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.

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.