The Causes of Bursitis

Causes of Bursitis

Bursitis usually results from a repetitive movement or due to prolonged and excessive pressure. Patients who rest on their elbows for long periods or those who bend their elbows frequently and repetitively (for example, a custodian using a vacuum for hours at a time) can develop elbow bursitis, also called olecranon bursitis. Similarly in other parts of the body, repetitive use or frequent pressure can irritate a bursa and cause inflammation.

Another cause of bursitis is a traumatic injury. Following trauma, such as a car accident or fall, a patient may develop bursitis. Usually a contusion causes swelling within the bursa. The bursa, which had functioned normally up until that point, now begins to develop inflammation, and bursitis results. Once the bursa is inflamed, normal movements and activities can become painful.

Systemic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may also lead to bursitis. These types of conditions can make patients susceptible to developing bursitis.

Bursitis Risk Factors

If you work in a profession or have a hobby that requires repetitive motion, you're at an increased risk of developing bursitis. The occurrence of bursitis also increases with age. In addition, certain diseases and conditions increase your risk of developing bursitis, such as:

• Arthritis
• Gout
• Staphylococcal infection
• Tuberculosis, although rarely
   

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