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Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a closed, fluid-filled sac that works as a cushion and gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. The major bursae (this is the plural of bursa) are located next to the tendons near the large joints, such as in the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

Bursitis is usually a temporary condition. It may limit motion, but generally does not cause deformity.

Bursitis can happen in any bursa in the body, but there are some common types of bursitis. These include:

  • Anterior Achilles tendon bursitis. This type of bursitis is also called Albert disease or retromalleolar bursitis. It’s caused by things like injury, disease, or shoes with rigid back support. These put extra strain on the lower part of the Achilles tendon. This attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel. This can lead to inflammation of the bursa located where the tendon attaches to the heel.
  • Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis. This type of bursitis is in the bursa located between the skin of the heel and the Achilles tendon. This attaches the calf muscles to the heel. It is aggravated by walking that presses the soft heel tissue into the hard back support of a shoe. Walking in shoes that repeatedly put pressure on the heel can cause the bone to enlarge at the back of the heel. Examples of these shoes are high heels or pumps. This enlargement is called Haglund deformity.
  • Hip bursitis. This is also called trochanteric bursitis. Hip bursitis is often caused by injury, overuse, arthritis, or surgery. This type of bursitis is more common in women and middle-aged and older adults.
  • Elbow bursitis. Elbow bursitis is caused by the inflammation of the bursa located between the skin and bones of the elbow (olecranon bursa). Elbow bursitis can be caused by injury or constant pressure on the elbow. For example, it can happen when leaning on a hard surface.
  • Knee bursitis. Bursitis in the knee is also called goosefoot bursitis or Pes Anserine bursitis. The Pes Anserine bursa is located between the shin bone and the three tendons of the hamstring muscles, on the inside of the knee. This type of bursitis may be caused by not stretching before exercise, tight hamstring muscles, being overweight, arthritis, or out-turning of the knee or lower leg.
  • Kneecap bursitis. This is also called prepatellar bursitis. This type of bursitis is common in people who are on their knees a lot, such as carpet layers and plumbers.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call:

  • SBL Bonutti Clinic at 217 342-3400, or
  • SBL Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at 217 238-3435

For more information on this subject, visit our Health Library.