Bursitis treatment online

Diagnosing and Treating Bursitis Online

Bursitis is caused by inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that provides lubrication between the muscles, bones, and tendons near the joint. Bursitis is commonly located in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, heel, or big toe joint.

The condition is most commonly caused by repetitive motion, for example sports-related actions, prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, kneeling for long periods of time, and household activities, like gardening, scrubbing, and shoveling. Other causes of bursitis include abnormal bone positioning, which can be caused by arthritis or length differences; inflammation from another condition, including arthritis and gout; and infection.

Bursitis may improve with treatment, but there is a chance the condition can become chronic, often triggered by an existing health problem.

During a video consult on Amwell your doctor will ask you a series of targeted questions to determine if your symptoms point to bursitis. Then your provider will proceed to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your provider may recommend in-person examination by a specialist if this is needed. Your treatment plan is based on the duration and severity of your symptoms and your medical history.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Treatment for bursitis is different depending on the severity.

Options for treatment of Bursitis may include:

• Rest
• Antibiotics
• Physical therapy
• Assistive devices, for example, a cane
• Injections (e.g. corticosteroids)
• Surgery