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It’s well known that physical fitness is an important component of a person’s total health, but proper steps to fitness must be followed to avoid injury. Jumping into a strenuous workout regimen can lead to bursitis, a common overuse injury in athletes and those starting new workout routines.

What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is the inflammatory reaction of the bursa, the fluid-filled sacs found between tendon and bone and other areas of friction in the body. Symptoms of bursitis include:

• inflammation
• pain with movement
• restriction of movement
• tenderness to touch
• pain with stretching
• dramatic immediate swelling
• warmth around the bursa region
• bruising around the bursa region

Bursitis is often found in the elbows and knees and is caused by repetitive pounding and rubbing of joints throughout the body or direct hits to the bursa. When the body is unaccustomed to running, for instance, the ups and downs create "local trauma" as the bursa absorb an amount and intensity of shock for which the sacs may not be prepared.

How To Treat Bursitis

Prevention of bursitis and other injuries means planning fitness training in slow, even stages, gradually building as the body adjusts to each new level of activity. When bursitis does occur, treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Ice application for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and compression wraps will speed recovery. When resuming the activity, the area must be properly padded to protect against re-injury.

Without proper initial treatment or repeated irritation, the condition may develop into chronic bursitis, causing membrane irritation, thickening of the bursa sac and the excess fluid. The elbows and knees are also prone to infected bursa as a result of cuts or abrasions during initial blows to the area.

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