Font Size
A
A
A


Bursitis

Bursitis Overview

Bursae (one is a bursa) are fluid-filled sacs that cushion areas of friction between tendon and bone or skin. Like air-filled bubble wrap, these sacs reduce friction between moving parts of the body, such as in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel.

The number varies, but most people have about 160 bursae throughout the body. Bursae are lined with special cells called synovial cells, which secrete a fluid rich in collagen and proteins. This synovial fluid acts as a lubricant when parts of the body move. When this fluid becomes infected by bacteria or irritated because of too much movement, the painful condition known as bursitis results.



Next: Bursitis Causes »

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Bursitis - Describe Your Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with bursitis.

Anonymously share your comment to help others. Viewer Comments FAQs
See 4 Viewer Comments & Reviews

Submit Your Review


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Privacy Policy

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Bursitis »

Bursae are saclike structures between skin and bone or between tendons, ligaments, and bone.

Read More on eMedicine »

Bursitis

Rheumatoid Arthritis »

Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic (long-standing) joint disease that damages the joints of the body. The damage is caused by inflammation of the joint lining tissue. Inflammation is normally a response by the body's immune system to "assaults" such as infections, wounds, and foreign objects. In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is misdirected to attack the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as RA.

  • The inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as many other symptoms.
  • The inflammation often affects other organs and systems of the body.
  • If the inflammation is not slowed or stopped, it can permanently damage the affected joints and other tissues.

Rheumatoid arthritis should not be confused with other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis associated with infections. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This mea...

Read the Rheumatoid Arthritis article »


Featured Topics

Topics Related to Bursitis

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List