bursitis /bərsī″tis/ , inflammation of the bursa, the connective tissue structure surrounding a joint. Bursitis may be precipitated by arthritis, infection, injury, or excessive or traumatic exercise or effort. Kinds include housemaid’s knee, miner’s elbow, weaver’s bottom. See also rheumatism. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: The chief symptom is severe pain of the affected joint, particularly on movement. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment goals include the control of pain and the maintenance of joint motion. Acute pain is often treated with an intrabursal injection of an adrenocorticosteroid. Other common treatments are analgesics and antiinflammatory agents. Additional measures may include a combination of rest, splints, and heat and cold application, as well as physical or occupational therapy. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: After the inflammation has subsided, heat may be helpful. In chronic cases, surgery may be required to remove calcium deposits.
