Bursitis and Contusions

Bursitis

What is Bursitis? Bursitis is the name for when the bursa sacs in our joints become inflamed. This causes joint movement to become more painful This can also limit range of motion

Signs and Symptoms - Bursitis Joint stiffness/pain Stinging joint pain Pain is usually accentuated during and after activities. The joint is usually most painful the morning after the activity

Methods of Injury - Bursitis Infection Repetitive overuse of joint Underlying Rheumatic Problems (any health problem relating to joints and connective tissue), such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma

Where Does Bursitis Occur? Bursitis occurs in the joints. Some common areas include: Shoulder Knee Elbow Ankle Any bursa can become inflamed, but these are the most common.

What Sports are Likely to Cause Bursitis? Tennis/Golf (Tennis elbow is bursitis in the elbow) Rugby (Props are prone to bursitis in the shoulders due to lifting) Running of any distance (Sprinters, middle and long distance runners are prone to bursitis in the hip) Ice skating (skaters often suffer from bursitis in their ankles)

Prevention Tape should be used properly (when it's needed, where it's needed) Wear proper equipment in sports Keep cuts clean (to prevent infection)

Treatment RICE: rest, ice, compression, elevation Anti-inflammatory medications Physical therapy Antibiotics (if bursitis is caused by bacterial infection)

Contusions

What is a contusion? A contusion is an area of pooled blood due to damage of muscle fibres

Method of Injury - Contusions Contusions are caused by a traumatic force to a muscle fibre which damages the fibres Skin does not break This causes blood to pool between the skin and the muscle fibres, which causes the discolouration in the skin

Signs and Symptoms - Contusions Skin discoloration (usually blue and/or purple, yellow) Pain Swelling

Types of Contusions Three degrees of contusions From low to high severity First degree, second degree, third degree

First Degree Contusions Least severe Mild pain Stiffness Minor swelling Light colouration

Second Degree Contusions Increased swelling Moderate instability More severe pain Darker colouration as a result of increased blood pooling

Third Degree Contusions Severe pain Massive swelling Major instability at the injury site Dark colouration DEATHDEATHDEAT HDEATHDEATHDEA TH

Treatment RICE: rest, ice, compression, elevation After three days: gentle massage, heat/ice intervals. If it's still painful, you're making it worse Wait 3 days to ensure blood has clotted Mucopolysaccharide polysufuric cream

Where Contusions Occur Can happen anywhere that a muscle is present More serious contusions: – Cerebral: bruising of the brain – Myocardial: bruising of the heart muscles – Pulmonary: bruising of the lungs – In bones

What Sports are Most Likely to Cause Contusions? Any contact sport – Rugby – Football – Hockey – Water polo It is easy to get a bruise in any sport

Prevention Wear proper equipment when necessary Avoid contact in non-contact sports

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