Bursitis
Diagnosing bursitis
Source: NHS
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Your GP will usually be able to diagnose bursitis by examining the affected body part and asking about your symptoms.
You may be asked whether you have recently fallen on the joint, or whether you have a job or hobby that involves repetitively using the affected area of your body.
Fluid sample
If you have a fever a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above you may have a small sample of fluid taken from the affected bursa.
The fluid is removed using a needle during a procedure known as aspiration. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to be tested for bacteria, which indicates a bacterial infection ( septic bursitis ). The sample may also be checked for crystals, which can develop because of conditions such as Gout .
Following aspiration, a dressing is placed over the area and you will need to avoid strenuous activity for a couple of days.
Further testing
Further tests are usually only required if your symptoms do not respond to treatment. If this is the case, it will be necessary to rule out other conditions that may be responsible for your symptoms.
Further tests may include:
- blood tests to rule out conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out tissue damage, such as a torn tendon (tendons are the cords that join bones to muscles)
Articles for Bursitis
Causes of bursitis
Bursitis can be caused by an injury, an infection, or it can be the result of a pre-existing health condition that causes the bursa to become inflamed.
Diagnosing bursitis
Your GP will usually be able to make a confident diagnosis of bursitis by carrying out a physical examination of the affected body part.
Introduction
Bursitis is where a bursa becomes swollen and inflamed. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that forms under the skin, usually over the joints and between tendons and bones.
Preventing bursitis
There are a number of commonsense precautions you can take to prevent getting bursitis.
Symptoms of bursitis
Bursitis causes pain, inflammation and tenderness in the affected body part.
Treating bursitis
Most cases of bursitis can be successfully treated using a combination of self-care techniques and over-the-counter painkillers.