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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile not all types of bursitis can be prevented, you can reduce your risk and reduce the severity of flare-ups by changing the way you perform certain tasks. Examples include:
- Use kneeling pads. Use some type of padding to reduce the pressure on your knees if your job or hobby requires a lot of kneeling.
- Cushion your knees. If you sleep on your side, you may want to place a small pillow between your thighs to help keep your top knee from pressing on your bottom knee.
- Lift properly. Bend your knees when you lift. Failing to do so puts extra stress on the bursae in your hips.
- Avoid elbow pressure. Stop leaning on your elbows. If you push up from your elbows to get out of bed, consider tying a rope to the end of your bed so that you can pull yourself up that way.
- Wheel heavy loads. Carrying heavy loads puts stress on the bursae in your shoulders. Use a dolly or a wheeled cart instead.
- Take frequent breaks. Alternate repetitive tasks with rest or other activities.
- Walk around. Try not to sit in one position for too long, especially on hard surfaces, because that puts pressure on the bursae in your hips and buttocks.
References
- Sheon RP. Bursitis: An overview of clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 17, 2009.
- Koutouzis T, et al. Tendinopathy and bursitis. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier: 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/150230519-3/863979815/1365/357.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50120-7--cesec26_5866. Accessed July 17, 2009.
- Wong AL, et al. Bursitis, tendonitis, myofascial pain and fibromyalgia. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151179629-3/866218324/1621/495.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4435-2..50249-1--cesec14_3920. Accessed July 20, 2009.
- Questions and answers about bursitis and tendonitis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bursitis/default.asp. Accessed July 21, 2009.
- Tendonitis/Bursitis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/diseases_and_conditions/tendonitis.asp. Accessed July 21, 2009.
