Bursitis can occur in various locations throughout your body, with each type of bursitis typically named after the specific bursa affected. Some common types of bursitis include:
Hand and Finger Bursitis: Bursitis in the hand and fingers can affect the bursae located near the joints and tendons of the hand and fingers. For example:
Carpal Tunnel Bursitis: Bursitis can occur in the carpal tunnel area, leading to swelling, pain, and discomfort in the wrist and hand.
Digital (Finger) Bursitis: Bursitis can develop in the fingers, particularly near the joints, due to repetitive movements, trauma, or pressure on the area. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected finger joints.
Mucous Sheath Bursitis: This type of bursitis affects the mucous sheaths of the tendons in the fingers. It can cause pain, swelling, and restricted finger movement.
Elbow Bursitis: Bursitis in the elbow is also common and can affect different bursae around the joint. Some types of elbow bursitis include:
Olecranon Bursitis: This is one of the most common types of elbow bursitis, affecting the bursa located at the tip of the elbow, over the olecranon process. It can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain at the back of the elbow.
Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis: While not strictly bursitis, these conditions involve inflammation of the tendons near the elbow, and swelling in the surrounding bursae can contribute to symptoms.
These types of bursitis in the hand, fingers, and elbow can result from repetitive movements, trauma, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, tenderness, restricted movement, and warmth in the affected area.
Subacromial Bursitis: This type of bursitis affects the subacromial bursa, located between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion (a bony prominence of the shoulder blade). Subacromial bursitis is a common cause of shoulder pain and stiffness, often associated with impingement syndrome or rotator cuff injuries.
Trochanteric Bursitis: Affecting the bursae near the femur’s greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the side of the hip). It is a common cause of hip pain, especially on the outside of the hip, and can be aggravated by activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side.
Ischial Bursitis: Also known as “weaver’s bottom” or “sitting bone bursitis,” ischial bursitis affects the bursa located between the hamstring muscles and the bony prominence of the pelvis known as the ischial tuberosity. It can cause pain and discomfort in the buttock region, especially when sitting for prolonged periods.
Prepatellar Bursitis: Affecting the bursa between the skin and the patella (kneecap) at the front of the knee. It is often referred to as “housemaid’s knee” due to its association with kneeling activities, such as cleaning or gardening. Prepatellar bursitis can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain in the front of the knee.
Olecranon Bursitis: Affecting the bursa at the tip of the elbow, over the olecranon process (the bony prominence of the ulna). It is commonly referred to as “student’s elbow” or “Popeye elbow” and can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain at the back of the elbow.
Achilles Tendon Bursitis Affects the bursa between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone (calcaneus) at the back of the ankle. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the area, especially with activities that involve repetitive ankle motion or pressure on the Achilles tendon.
These are just a few examples of the many types of bursitis that can occur throughout the body. Bursitis can also affect other areas such as the hip, elbow, wrist, and foot. The specific symptoms and treatment approach may vary depending on the location and severity of the bursitis. If you suspect you have bursitis or are experiencing symptoms consistent with this condition, it’s essential to seek evaluation and treatment from a healthcare professional for appropriate management.