Bursitis, not surprisingly, is defined as an inflammation of the bursa. What is the bursa? Bursae are closed, circular sacs lined with synovium (a thin membrane that covers a joint and expels a fluid that enables the joint to move more freely). Bursae act as cushions in areas of friction. You can find bursae between tendons, bone and skin.

The human body contains approximately 160 bursae. This number can vary from person to person, but the general number is 160. You will find bursae in the shoulders, knees, hips, elbows and heels. These are the most common areas of the body in which bursitis occur, especially in highly active people like professional athletes.

Treating Bursitis

Bursitis usually occurs as a consequence of prolonged pressure, friction, stress or injury to the membrane circumventing the joint, triggering the fluid-filled bursa to inflame and swell. When the swollen bursa sac presses against the neighboring joint, the pressure generates discomfort and pain. Sometimes the pain is mild and sometimes the pain is debilitating, depending on how bad the inflammation is.

Treating bursitis can be rather simple. The best way to treat this ailment is to rest the affected area. Consult your physician to make sure you have a proper diagnosis. Make sure the pain isn't caused by something else like arthritis or tendonitis. In any event, before you resort to prescription drugs, try resting the area afflicted with bursitis and treating it with natural products. If that doesn't work, then inquire about the synthetic treatments.