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$Title{What are the Causes of Bursitis?}
$Subject{bursitis cause treatment musculoskeletal connective tissue joint
treat bursae joints muscles bone calcium salts uric acid crystals deposits
gout shoulder housemaid's knee miner's elbow hip tissues bursa weaver's bottom
rheumatism muscle bones shoulders knees elbows hips}
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Gout Affects the Elbow*0003801.scf
Gout Affects the Knee*0003803.scf
Bursae of the Knee*0016401.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What are the Causes of Bursitis?


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QUESTION:  Although I have suffered from the problem on more than one
occasion, I am ashamed to admit I know nothing about the causes of bursitis or
the best plan of action to treat it.  Would you be so kind as to furnish me
with this much needed information?

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ANSWER:  The bursae are sturdy saclike cavities filled with fluid that act as
cushions around the joints in our bodies.  They function as a buffer,
preventing muscles rubbing against other muscles or bone.  If they weren't
there the pain would be excruciating, and when they're irritated the pain is
fairly intolerable as well--the condition we call bursitis.
     They become inflamed due to unusual physical activity, injury, infection,
and that which we all were born for, aging.  Sometimes calcium salts or uric
acid crystals become embedded in them, identified as calcium deposits or in
the case of uric acid crystals, gout (that famous disease of the eighteenth
century literati of England).
     So, if your problem is located in the shoulder, knee, elbow or hip,
there's a chance it might be bursitis.  Some simple home remedies can be
tried; do not move the joint for 48 hours.  Of course there's always an
exception, and in this case it's the knee, where pain seems to be relieved by
walking.  Apply ice packs; ice reduces swelling, and take aspirin or ibuprofen
for the pain.  Do begin to move the limb after the two-day period to keep it
from stiffening.  And, of course, if the pain continues, do see your doctor.
There is much than can be prescribed.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.