A bursa sac contains fluid that serves as a cushion between muscles/tendons and bones, functioning to minimize friction and irritation. These sacs are situated around the majority of the body’s joints. When a bursal sac becomes inflamed or infected, it can result in a painful condition known as “bursitis.”
While frequently triggered by repetitive movements or excessive joint use during sports or intense physical activities, bursitis can also stem from injuries or joint arthritis.
The primary symptoms of bursitis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness, typically localized to joints such as the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, or ankle. Pain, which may manifest gradually or suddenly with varying intensity, can be accompanied by a reduction in joint mobility.
In instances where conservative treatment methods prove ineffective in addressing the pain and discomfort caused by bursitis, bursal sac injections can offer an effective means of alleviating inflammation and diminishing pain. This procedure involves the direct injection of anti-inflammatory steroid medication into the bursal sac. As inflammation subsides, the associated pain and discomfort tend to decrease, often providing relief for a period of several weeks or months. In certain cases, a single injection might suffice to alleviate symptoms.