If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with bursitis, you may be looking for answers regarding non-invasive, safe treatments. One of the top choices our orthopedic doctors in Bedford TX (as well as at our Benbrook clinic) recommend is a bursa injection. Today we’re going to be explaining the basics of this simple, effective procedure. Read on to learn more.
What Are Bursae?
A bursa (or “bursae” if you are talking about more than one) is a small, fluid-filled sac that exists within a joint. They help to keep joints lubricated and able to easily move by providing a protective cushion between bone and skin or between ligaments, muscles, tendons and bones. There are more than 150 bursae in the average adult body.
Bursitis & Chronic Pain
In some cases, a bursa can become inflamed. This is known as the condition called bursitis. Bursitis can cause significant joint pain which makes it difficult for the person to move and perform normal day-to-day activities without discomfort. It can also cause the affected joint to become immobile. The most common locations for bursitis to develop are the hip, shoulder or elbow.
Causes of bursitis can include:
- Infection (septic bursitis)
- Extreme amounts of friction or repetitive stress
- Injury
- Underlying condition
- Excess strain on joint(s) over a long period of time
- Age
- Being overweight
Bursitis as well as many of the common underlying conditions that may cause it fall into the category of chronic pain. If you or a loved one has begun experiencing symptoms of bursitis, we encourage you to visit any of CPI’s Bedford doctors accepting new patients (or at our second location – Benbrook, TX).
How to Prepare for a Bursa Injection
Bursa injections are a low-risk treatment option for the chronic pain of bursitis. These injections target the inflammation and pain of bursitis with the help of an anti-inflammatory steroid medication. If effective, an injection can reduce the pain and inflammation of bursitis anywhere from several months up to a full year.
There is very little preparation required for a bursa injection. Your chronic pain care specialist will have already reviewed your health history, diagnosis and prior treatments. On the day of the injection, the area will be cleaned. An anesthetic agent will then be applied to reduce the discomfort of the injection. Finally, the steroid medication will be injected into the bursa.
Side Effects & Risks
There are very few possible side effects associated with this chronic pain treatment for bursitis. This is part of the reason bursa injections are so highly recommended by chronic pain management specialists. However, a few of the potential side effects include the following:
- Bruising and/or swelling at the injection site
- Infection at the injection site
- Fever
- Headaches
- A temporary rise in blood pressure or blood sugar
Be sure to contact a member of your care team if you experience any red or yellow discharge from the infection site, develop a fever or experience an increase in pain symptoms. If you are diabetic, be sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels for the first few days following this procedure.
Orthopedic Doctors in Bedford TX
The team at Comprehensive Pain Institute combines the latest in pain management treatments with personally customized care for each patient. Our doctors understand that pain is complex, and we personalize each pain management treatment plan based on your history, symptoms and unique condition. Visit our dedicated provider page to learn more about our team of chronic pain specialists and what makes us the top choice for your pain management.
