Facts About Bursitis

Bursitis True/False:

Since they affect the same areas, bursitis and arthritis are the same condition.

False.  Bursitis is swelling of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion different parts of a joint.  Arthritis is swelling of the entire joint.  Both conditions cause pain of the area around the joint.  In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis contributes to bursitis.

The fluid in the bursae is called synovial fluid, which helps reduce friction between components of a joint.

True

Bursitis commonly occurs in the hips, shoulders, and elbow.

True.

Each joint contains one sac of lubricating synovial fluid.

False.  While some joints do have one bursae, others (like the knees) have more than one bursae.

Being overweight can contribute to the development of bursitis.

True.