Repetitive stress injuries are common in various industries, including carpentry, warehousing and manufacturing. Among the most common RSIs is bursitis.
Bursitis is a condition that involves your joints and tendons. Bursae are sacs of fluid that cushion your bones and other tissues, including muscles, skin and tendons. Bursitis occurs when you have painful swelling in these bursae. If you have bursitis, it can become a painful, chronic condition that interferes with your ability to work and function.
What Are the Different Types of Bursitis?
Bursitis can affect any of your joints. Depending on the type of work you do may increase the risk of developing bursitis in any number of joints. The most common joints to experience bursitis include your elbows, shoulders, knees, feet and hips. Different types of bursitis have names associated with the body part but are all caused by the same issue. Repetitive movement causes the bursae to become irritated and to swell.
What Are the Symptoms of Bursitis?
The most common symptom associated with bursitis is pain. Bursitis can be an extremely painful condition, with the pain occurring when you move the affected joint. It may even limit your range of motion.
Often, you will experience the symptoms while at work or when performing the tasks that caused the condition. For example, lifting heavy boxes or kneeling at work can cause the symptoms to flare up.
If you have bursitis, doctors can check through X-rays, MRIs and other imaging tests to confirm the condition and to rule out other injuries.