Every person's body has around 150 bursae. Bursae are located in areas of the body that are subject to heavy strain, such as joints. Like a cushion, they reduce the frictional forces between bones, muscles and tissue.
Here you will find further information and selected specialists for bursal sac disorders.
In medicine, bursae are referred to as bursa. Bursae are a very flat tissue structure that is only a few centimetres long. They swell up in the event of bursitis. If there are several bursae next to each other, they adhere to each other with a film of tissue fluid.
Bursae are mainly located in areas of the body that are subject to heavy strain, e.g. near the joints. There are also bursae in the spaces between the skin, muscles or tendons where they lie directly on the bone.
Location of a bursa on the rotator cuff of the shoulder © Axel Kock | AdobeStock
Depending on the location of a bursa, they are called
or ligament bursa. Doctors also differentiate between constant and reactive bursae.
Constant bursae are congenital and are found in the same place in all people. Reactive bursae, on the other hand, are acquired. They develop as a result of a specific stimulus and are located in a different place in each person.
On average, each person has around 150 bursae.
Bursae act as a buffer between hard and soft body structures.
Movement causes pressure and friction between the skin, tendons, muscles and bones. The bursae reduce this pressure. To do this, the bursae secrete a fluid known as synovial fluid.
If one or more bursae become inflamed, the medical profession refers to this as bursitis .
Bursitis is usually caused by pressure overload or external force. Sports accidents are a common cause of bursitis.
This initially results in minor injuries, which then become inflamed. In some cases, bursitis is a concomitant symptom of a metabolic disorder, such as gout.
Bursae near joints are particularly frequently affected by bursitis. The corresponding area then swells and reacts sensitively to pressure. The nearby joint may also be restricted in its mobility.
Bursitis can occur in the elbow, among other places © Dessie | AdobeStock
If deeper bursae are affected, only pain occurs. Visible symptoms such as swelling and redness do not occur.
People who regularly put one-sided strain on certain areas of the body have an increased risk of bursitis. These include
Bursitis usually develops near the joints that are subjected to the most strain, for example on
In principle, however, any bursa in the body can become inflamed.
Spread to the lymph nodes, on the other hand, is rather rare. In this case, the affected person suffers from other symptoms such as fatigue and/or fever.
If bursitis is treated too late or not at all, it can develop into a chronic form. Therefore, if you experience persistent pain in your joints, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
The doctor will first take a comprehensive medical history. He or she will ask the patient about any particular physical strain or accidents. This is followed by an examination of the affected area. In the case of superficial bursitis, this is usually sufficient to make a diagnosis.
If a deeper bursitis is suspected, the doctor will order an ultrasound examination.
If the patient repeatedly suffers from bursitis, a blood test may be necessary. It can provide indications of metabolic diseases such as gout.
If bursitis is treated early, there is a very good chance of recovery.
The doctor usually prescribes temporary immobilization. If necessary, this is supported by a splint or bandage. However, the affected joint must not be rested for too long, as otherwise there is a risk of restricted mobility.
Cooling with ice, cold packs or a cooling ointment is also useful.
Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication such as ibuprofen or diclofenac also have a positive effect on the healing process. However, only take these in consultation with your doctor and only for a short time.
Once the inflammation has subsided, the affected bursa should be swollen. However, if it still feels like a water cushion, the doctor will perform a puncture . This involves sucking out excess tissue fluid. He then fills the resulting cavity with anti-inflammatory crystal cortisone.
A pressure bandage prevents the bursa from filling up with fluid again.
In the case of bacterial bursitis, a minor operation is necessary. The doctor opens the bursa and drains the infected fluid from the body. An antibiotic is administered at the same time.
Only in rare cases is it necessary to completely remove an inflamed bursa. This may be necessary if the inflammation is chronic.
If the bursitis is the result of another underlying disease, such as gout or arthritis, this must also be treated in order to prevent a relapse.
The muscles stabilize the joint so that the pressure on the bursa is reduced. This is why strengthening the muscles in the long term is the best way to prevent bursitis.
Also try to avoid one-sided movements. If this is not possible - because you work at a desk, for example - integrate as many breaks as possible into your daily routine. Walk around and do stretching exercises to loosen up your muscles. A padded chair is also advisable in this case to reduce the pressure on the ischium.
Knee pads are recommended when working in a kneeling position.
