Bursitis

Bursitis can be defined as swelling over a joint. A bursa is a small gellified sac which lies between a muscle/tendon and bone providing a lubricated surface. This allows the muscle/tendon to slide effectively over the bony surface without wear or fraying. Overuse of a particular muscle either acutely or over time can irritate the bursa and cause it to swell producing a soft boggy lump over any joint or bony protruberance. There can be redness and swelling associated with it and acute pain which is aggravated by movement. The main causes are usually a sharp increase in training regime (mileage or intensity), a biomechanical deficiency such as leg length difference/ wrong footwear or equipment/ assymetrical muscle development, prolonged pressure on a bony surface. Treatment consists of ultrasound, ice, stretching, and specific exs.