Bursitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of one of several small, fluid-filled sacs throughout the body, typically located near the joints. These sacs, called bursae, function as a sort of cushion to protect the joints from injury when pressure or friction is applied to them. When a bursa is inflamed, more fluid from the body than usual seeps into the sac in a process known as effusion. Bursitis is usually caused by injury when a worker in Pennsylvania or another state experiences joint strain.
Statistics, diagnosis and treatment
Approximately 1 in 10,000 people develop bursitis every year, typically in the knees and elbows, and middle-aged men are the most affected demographic. Bursitis is often easily diagnosed by a doctor as the affected joint will appear swollen and the patient will be experiencing mild to severe pain. The most effective way to treat bursitis is to rest the joints.
Inflammation of this kind usually goes away within two to three weeks if the joint is rested well enough although conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the time needed for the bursae to recover. If you are diagnosed with bursitis, make sure to allow your affected joints ample time to heal so that you may recover as quickly as possible.
Bursitis as a work-related injury
If you have been diagnosed with bursitis as a result of overuse injuries, you may be able to hold your employer accountable for failing to adhere to the required safety guidelines designed to prevent strain. You should seek out legal counsel in this scenario as a lawyer may be able to help you obtain workers’ compensation for your medical expenses.