How to Diagnose Bursitis

Think of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac, as a cushioning pad between our bones, tendons, joints, and muscles. When the lubricating fluid in the sac leaks or is damaged from overuse or injury, it causes friction between the moving surfaces and can cause painful inflammation. This can occur at any of the numerous bursa points in the human body.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to your symptoms which can include aches, pain in the bursa area, joint stiffness, limited movement, redness and inflammation of the area, or a burning sensation around the whole joint.

• 2

  Visit your doctor to get a diagnosis. Describe your symptoms and explain when the pain began, if you had any injury to the joint area, and any activity that may be affecting your joints.

• 3

  Undergo a physical exam by your doctor, paying close attention to the affected area. He will press on different areas around the joint, looking for swelling, sensitive areas and warmth and he will check your range of motion.

• 4

  Get an X-ray of the area to rule out arthritis, fracture, calcium deposits in the joints, or other causes of discomfort. Bursitis cannot be diagnosed from an X-ray, but it can be helpful in finding out other potential sources of pain.

• 5

  Agree to have your blood tested to check for other conditions that could cause this pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

• 6

  Be ready for your doctor to perform an aspiration procedure, which is the use of a needle to draw fluid from the joint. An aspiration and fluid analysis are usually done if the cause of the condition isn't apparent after inspecting and X-raying the area or if treatment is ineffective.