BURSITIS

an inflammation of a synovial bursa, the lubricating sac located over a joint or between tendons and muscles or bones. Bursitis may be caused by infection or injury, by secondary involvement from arthritis or gout, by calcium deposition along a tendon or joint, and by minor, usually repetitive irritation. These are common: housemaid's knee, soldier's heel, tennis elbow, and weaver's bottomall types of bursitisof the knee, of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle, of the elbow, and of the bottom of the pelvis, respectively. Most common is bursitis in the shoulder, caused by calcium deposits and inflammation of the rotator tendon in the upper arm, spreading into the bursa above the shoulder joint. Bursitis of the shoulder occurs most often in persons who do little physical labour; it may be extremely painful, making it impossible to raise the affected arm. Treatment includes rest, heat, mild exercise, and medication to relieve inflammation and remove calcium deposits.