A bursa is a closed, fluid-filled sac that functions as a cushion and gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. The major bursae are located adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as in the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. When the bursa becomes inflamed, this is known as bursitis. In short, bursitis is really the inflammation of the areas around your joints. When you move your joints throughout your body, there are certain fluid-filled sacs that cushion your body and joints every time you move it. These sacs are meant not only to prevent pain from rubbing bone against bone, but they also serve as a cushion just in case you were to ever get into an accident.

Bursitis often occurs in those people who routinely exercise also. Amateurs and beginners who take on an exercise routine are also more susceptible to bursitis because they may not be physically trained to exercise. One of the best things that you can do to prevent bursitis and reduce the pain altogether is to stretch your muscles before you exercise. Symptoms of Bursitis can consists of a slight stiffness in a joint, pain with any movement of the joint, loss of mobility, swelling and redness of the affected area, and persistent pain, and tenderness.

Like many shoulder injuries, the symptoms of bursitis include pain, swelling and restricted range of movements. In addition to these three, there have been cases where redness appears in the skin over the affected area. Acupuncture has been used by the Chinese for years to relieve pain, and can also be used to restore the function of the joint and eliminate joint pains for bursitis sufferers. You must always stretch before starting any exercise. If you are overweight, this can add a tremendous amount of stress to the knees, so it would be good to get the weight to a normal level. You also want to make sure that you use good posture when sitting and standing.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are most successful in treating bursitis. It is also necessary to support and brace the tendons that are affected by the bursitis. If the condition was caused by prolonged and extreme pressure on an area such as with a carpet layer continuously staying on his knees, it becomes necessary for him to use knee pads and extra protection. Other than those options given, lifestyle modification is your best bet for reducing the risk of bursitis. Avoid situations and conditions that could irritate your bursa. Try to lose weight thus easing the pressure on your muscles and joints. Best of all, eat food rich in body-building proteins and minerals to boost your body's natural restorative and regenerative processes. Massage away the pain. Gently massage the sore area to loosen the tissue. Be careful not to press too hard or too deep.

Eat more oranges and grapefruit, which are rich in the antioxidant vitamin C. Be sure to include the white layer under the peel-this contains bioflavonoids which promote the healing action. If at all possible, it is important to avoid the overuse of the joints during leisure activities or heavy labor. Warming up with at least 3 minutes of light activity can help to lessen the impact of repeated movements on the joints, as can appropriate cool-down exercises.