Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa.
A bursas function is to decrease friction between two
surfaces that move in different directions.
Everyone has hundreds of bursas, which are tiny fluid-filled
sacs scattered throughout the body that provide a slippery surface, which has
almost no friction.
A problem arises when a bursa becomes swollen and inflamed.
This can be a result of a repetitive movement or due to prolonged and excessive
pressure, an injury, infection or an underlying rheumatic condition.
The bursa loses its gliding capabilities, and becomes more
and more irritated when it is moved. The major bursas are located near the
large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.