Symptoms of bursitis

As a rule, the symptoms of bursitis depend on the nature and degree of the inflammatory reaction in the joint capsule.

We will talk about the main, most characteristic symptoms in this article.

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Symptoms of hip bursitis

The main symptom of hip bursitis is pain: it can be sharp and intense, covering the entire outer surface of the thigh.

As inflammation develops, pain in the joint weakens, but spreads to areas distant from the site of the lesion.

When trying to move the joint, the pain increases significantly; patients cannot lie down on the affected side of the thigh.

A dull ache may occur, accompanied by a burning sensation in the joint. These sensations intensify when trying to move or climb stairs.

Often the pain appears after sitting for a long time.

When purulent bursitis develops (after a bacterial infection joins the inflammatory process), the disease manifests itself in sharp, acute pain, especially with various amplitude movements of the leg. When palpated, swelling is felt, mostly on the outer parts of the thigh.

Often, patients note increased pain at night, as well as characteristic clicks in the joint, accompanied by pain, when attempting to move the hip.

Symptoms of bursitis of the knee joint

Inflammation of the knee joint capsule can occur in acute and chronic forms.

Acute bursitis of the knee joint is determined by the presence of unbearable and acute pain, which significantly increases when trying to move the knee. Swelling appears around the joint, palpation of which causes pain to the patient. The size of the edematous area varies from 5 to 10 centimeters or even more. The pain becomes more pronounced at night during sleep, and it is not limited to the knee area, spreading to nearby joints.

A characteristic sign of knee bursitis can also be considered hyperemia (redness) of the skin over the joint, the development of a feverish state, when the temperature rises even to 40°C.

As the process worsens, the swelling spreads to nearby tissues, and the doctor discovers symptoms of the development of diffuse purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous fat.

If treatment is not carried out in time, the acute course of the disease becomes chronic. In this case, the pain is slightly dulled, but does not go away completely. Calcifications form in the joint capsule, which contributes to the appearance of swelling and interferes with full mobility in the affected joint.

During an exacerbation of the chronic course of the disease, there is an increased release of fluid into the joint cavity, which can provoke the appearance of a hygroma-type cyst.

Symptoms of suprapatellar bursitis of the knee joint

Suprapatellar bursitis most often occurs in athletes, as well as in people who have previously suffered injuries to the lower extremities, in particular, the knee.

The symptoms of suprapatellar bursitis of the knee joint are quite specific. They are expressed in pain and swelling of the damaged knee area. You can pay attention to the reddish tint of the skin over the affected area, the difficulty of bending the leg at the knee. Severe pain is observed when walking quickly or running. The presence of an infectious and inflammatory process in the joint can add to the symptoms an increase in body temperature. This symptom can be accompanied by headache, weakness, fatigue, lethargy and chills.

However, sometimes there may be no pronounced manifestations of suprapatellar bursitis of the knee joint. Patients complain of minor pain during long walks or in a standing position, a feeling of stiffness in the joint, and slight swelling of the knee area. This course of the disease is called latent, it has a high chance of developing into a chronic form of bursitis.

Symptoms of bunions

Bursitis of the foot is characterized by a feeling of fullness and pain inside the joint capsule. The fullness is accompanied by the appearance of swelling of the outer tissues: the diameter of the tumor can vary from 5 to 10 cm.

Along with external manifestations, some other symptoms are also observed:

• pain on palpation;
• difficulties with turning the foot in one direction or another, caused not by a limitation of motor function, but by significant pain during movement;
• difficulty putting on shoes due to swelling;
• pain when walking;
• weakness and feeling of malaise;
• feverish conditions, high temperature readings.

Bursitis of the foot can occur in three forms, each with its own characteristic pathogens:

• purulent bursitis is caused by the penetration of a purulent infection into the joint capsule, which contributes to the formation of an abscess with external manifestations in the form of swelling and redness of the tissues - visible signs of the inflammatory process;
• the gonorrheal form of bursitis is characterized by very pronounced pain in the joint, in particular, in the prepatellar and calcaneal bursae;
• The tuberculous form of bursitis affects deep bursae. In this case, serous-fibrous exudate is formed, which can be accompanied by the appearance of external fistulas.

Symptoms of heel bursitis

Heel bursitis occurs as a result of the inflammatory process of the synovial bursa, which are located in the ankle area. The disease is determined by the painful swelling that appears in the area near the heel tubercle.

Sometimes heel bursitis is confused with the symptoms characteristic of a heel spur. For this reason, an X-ray or other diagnostic tests should be performed to make a definitive diagnosis.

The appearance of the clinical picture of heel bursitis is usually preceded by trauma to the heel area, or excessive prolonged pressure on the heel, caused, among other things, by frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes.

Excess weight plays an important role in the development of heel bursitis, as it puts excessive pressure on the foot area.

The symptoms of calcaneal bursitis have much in common with the inflammatory process in the heel bursa, since both bursae are in close proximity to each other. The characteristic signs of calcaneal and calcaneal bursitis are severe pain and swelling of the heel or the area located next to the heel joint. Normal walking, as well as attempts to stand "on tiptoes" are very painful. The increase in pain is especially noticeable when getting out of bed on the affected foot. Due to the pain, the movement of the entire ankle joint is limited.

Symptoms of Bunion

Bunion of the big toe is a very common condition. This condition often occurs due to wearing uncomfortable or small shoes, flat feet or weak foot muscles, especially if this is accompanied by excess weight or prolonged stress on the foot.

The main symptoms of bunion are:

• the appearance of swelling or a dense knot in the area of the base of the big toe;
• the formation of abrasions and calluses when wearing any shoes, even those that were previously the most comfortable;
• further deformation of the joint, bending of the big toe inward towards the other toes.

A prolonged state of swelling and pain, if left untreated, can develop into a purulent form of bursitis. This form is accompanied by unbearable pain and the inability to move, stepping on the affected foot.

If the big toe bursitis is not treated, the defect will remain for life, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to correct it in the future.

Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis

Symptoms of bursitis of the shoulder joint include pain, stiffness, and discomfort when rotating the shoulder or when moving the upper limb backwards. These symptoms are caused by the passage of a large number of nerve fibers near the joint.

When palpating the affected shoulder, there is usually acute pain, accompanied by swelling of the joint area.

The areas of connective tissue near the joint also swell, resulting in paresthesia and weakness of the muscles of the affected limb.

Chronic shoulder bursitis does not have very pronounced symptoms. Sometimes pain may only occur when the upper limb is moved to the side, or when movements are made to rotate the shoulder joint. Over time, the deltoid muscle may enlarge.

Often, patients note the appearance of weakness or numbness in the upper limb, especially during sleep or rest.

The appearance of bursitis of the shoulder may be preceded by arthritis, injuries to the shoulder area, metabolic disorders (in particular, obesity), and prolonged physical stress on the shoulders.

Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis

Typically, in most cases, elbow bursitis begins with swelling of the elbow area. The swelling appears for no apparent reason, does not limit motor function, and may not be accompanied by pain.

Over time, the elbow bursa increases in volume: at this time, the first painful sensations should appear. At the same time, the temperature may rise, the skin around the elbow joint turns red and swells. At times of high temperature and fever, the pain in the joint increases, the patient's condition significantly worsens. Symptoms of intoxication join in: headache, dizziness, weakness and lethargy, lack of appetite, apathy.

As the size of the joint increases, its mobility gradually becomes limited; any attempt to move the arm causes pain in the elbow area.

If the inflammatory process is not treated further, it can become purulent, which manifests itself in the formation of external fistulas or subcutaneous phlegmon.

Do not try to diagnose yourself. Bursitis symptoms often have many similarities with the symptoms of polyarthritis, gout, allergic arthritis, heel spurs and some other diseases. Therefore, at the first signs of joint pathology, provide the joint with rest, if necessary, applying an immobilizing bandage, and contact a trauma center or orthopedic department to a good specialist for further diagnosis. The prescribed treatment should be carried out in full to prevent the development of complications and the transition of the disease into a chronic form.