What Is Bursitis? How Joint Injections Can Reduce Pain & Inflammation

The Power Of Joints

If a doctor mentions the term bursitis, the issue is probably joint-related. The over 200 joints in the body are vital for everyday movement. Joints are where 2 bones meet. Some joints are immovable, while synovial joints are major joints like knees, elbows, and shoulders. Most joints receive support from bursae to glide, prevent friction, and move in different directions. Bursae are small sacs filled with lubricating fluid. These sacs cover the joints and form right under the skin.

What is bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa over a particular joint. The condition usually occurs in the knees, shoulders, hips, ankles, and elbows. When bursitis occurs, the joint becomes painful and is difficult to move without discomfort. Swelling and tenderness at the joint is another common trait. Many ignore the signs of bursitis, but the condition could be linked the several factors.

The many faces of bursitis

Bursitis often happens from damage due to repetitive actions. Runners, weight lifters, or persons who operate heavy machinery are at risk. Specific jobs that place repetitive strain on joints like flooring or carpentry can cause bursitis. With age, the tendons weaken and can ultimately affect the bursae. Other factors include arthritis, injury, and bacterial infections.

Treat those bursae right

Bursitis responds well to rest, ice, or compression therapy. Most persons with the condition report the pain subsides with consistent treatment. Medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, helps with inflammation and pain. If possible, make lifestyle adjustments to reduce the strain on the affected joint. In the case of an infection, antibiotics can help clear up the pain.

Take a shot to the joint

If bursitis pain persists, speak to a doctor about a joint injection. Joint injections are quick procedures that send targeted medication to the area. A doctor will inject a combination of corticosteroids and anesthetics into the bursa. In some cases, the doctor will use a technique called fluoroscopy to help guide the needle to the right area. Steroid injections take a few minutes, with 30-60 minutes needed to monitor the results before the patient goes home.

Joint injections are a powerful solution

Steroid injections begin to take effect in 48 hours. The injections relieve pain significantly and are known to last several months. In fact, steroid injections for bursitis and other joint-related conditions have an 80% success rate when compared to a placebo. If the injections fail, the doctor will run more tests, including blood tests and an MRI, to find the source of the pain.

Consider joint injections today

Bursitis does not get as much attention compared to arthritis and other degenerative conditions. However, whether acute or chronic, this condition affects millions of people. In severe, chronic cases, joint injections can be helpful. If rest, ice, and other non-surgical options fail, consider a shot straight to the bursa. Speak with a pain management specialist to learn more about joint injection options.