Bursitis Symptoms & Diagnosis Methods

Signs & Symptoms

Some of the common signs and symptoms of bursitis include:

A dull ache or stiffness around the affected area such as the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, big toe or other joints.
Worsening pain with movement or pressure.
The affected area is swollen or warm to touch.
The skin may appear red in the area where the bursa is inflamed.
The patient may experience difficulty in moving the affected joint due to the swollen bursa (6) & (8).

Medical Tests & Diagnosis Methods/Tools

Different diagnostic methods to detect bursitis include:

History: A detailed history of the patient such as onset of symptoms, movement activity and pain caused by the movement are taken into consideration.
Physical Examination: In physical examination, the doctor looks for tenderness over the bursa, swelling of the bursa and redness over the affected area.
Blood Tests: Blood tests are conducted to rule out the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis.
Bursal Fluid Aspiration: Bursal fluid is extracted from a swollen bursa with the help of a needle to rule out the possibility of infection or gout.
X-rays: X-rays are used to rule out the possibility of fractures or broken bones.
Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan): A CT scan is conducted to show the detailed images of the bones, muscles, fat and organs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: In this diagnostic procedure, a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies and a computer are used to produce detailed images of affected organs and structures within the body.
Arthrogram: In this procedure, a contrast fluid is injected into the joint area. If this contrast fluid leaks into an area to which it does not belong, it would prove evidence of a tear, opening or blockage (2) & (8).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com