Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is important if you have bursitis. There are many different causes and treatment options available. Depending on the cause of your bursitis, your doctor may recommend X-rays, MRIs, or NSAIDs. If you are suffering from pain, you may want to consider using an Occupational Therapist to help relieve the pain. The right treatment can also reduce the chances of scarring.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs for bursitis are used to treat inflammation and pain in a joint. NSAIDs, which are often used to treat arthritis, work by stopping the hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins that trigger inflammation. In addition, NSAIDs help ease pain and reduce fevers. They are available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription.
In addition to the use of NSAIDs, other treatment methods include using a cold compress to reduce inflammation and resting the affected joint. Physical therapy can also strengthen muscles and help the affected tissues recover.
In addition, some patients are treated with antibiotics. Bursitis can be caused by a number of factors, including infection and improper positioning of bones and joints.
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove an infected bursa. For less severe cases, NSAIDs and antibiotics can be used.
Aspiration
Identifying the cause of olecranon bursitis requires an accurate diagnosis. This can be achieved by the aspiration of the bursa. The fluid is withdrawn and sent for microbiologic analysis. Identifying the bacteria that cause the infection helps to determine the type of infection.
The incidence of olecranon bursitis is estimated at 20%-33% of patients. The most common aetiology is introducing infection into the sterile bursa. Typically, patients return to their normal activities within a day. However, some people may have pain from the infection, which may require treatment.
Patients have the ability to choose the method of treatment. Some prefer to have the bursa aspirated. Others prefer to use empiric antibiotics. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s preference.
MRI
MRI for bursitis helps to determine the cause of joint inflammation. It is also used to differentiate cystic lesions from solid and vascular lesions. It can also provide detailed images of bone tissue. It can detect tendon injuries and tumours.
X-rays can also be used to rule out other causes of pain. They may also detect posttraumatic hematomas that may occur around the knee. However, X-ray images cannot diagnose bursitis. It is best used as a confirmatory test.
The presence of a fluid-filled bursa is depicted as an anechoic structure on the transverse plane. It can be differentiated from cystic lesions by examining the signal characteristics of the fluid. The complexity of the fluid is graded as simple, moderate, or marked.
X-rays
X-rays for bursitis are used to help diagnose the condition. They can help rule out other causes of pain, such as stress fractures or infections. They may also be used to find the cause of inflammation.
In most cases, bursitis is short-lived and only affects one area. However, repeated bursitis episodes can cause damage to the bursa. These episodes can also lead to chronic bursitis.
Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to help ease the symptoms. They may also suggest physical therapy to help reduce inflammation. If the pain is severe, corticosteroid injections can help. The doctor will also take a fluid sample from the swollen area to diagnose infection.
If the symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend surgery. This can help repair the bursa and reduce inflammation.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy for bursitis can help patients manage pain and improve the range of motion in their joints. It also helps patients to be active and do their everyday activities. It can also help patients reduce the risk of re-injury and prevent future injuries.
Occupational therapy for bursitis includes gentle exercises to reduce inflammation and improve range of motion. An occupational therapist also teaches the patient how to perform certain movements properly. They can help a person reach up on kitchen shelves or do other activities they may have difficulty doing.
Occupational therapy for bursitis can also include stretching and strengthening exercises. It may also involve the application of braces to help reduce stress on the area. This is especially important if the bursa is affected by injury or poor mechanics.