A distraught senior man feeling unwell

At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we are dedicated to offering effective solutions for musculoskeletal conditions, including the often painful and limiting condition known as bursitis. Our team specializes in treating inflammation in areas such as the elbow, hip, or ankle, causing significant discomfort and restricted movement. Utilizing advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections, we aim to reduce pain and swelling, helping you regain your mobility and return to your daily activities. Our holistic approach ensures that your recovery is comprehensive and tailored to your needs.

Common Sites of Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition that can affect various parts of the body, particularly those areas where repetitive motion or pressure is common. The inflammation occurs in the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles around your joints. Common sites of bursitis include:

  • Elbow (Olecranon Bursitis): Often caused by repetitive bending or leaning on the elbow, leading to swelling and tenderness.
  • Shoulder (Subacromial Bursitis): Frequently results from repetitive overhead activities or injuries, causing pain during movement.
  • Hip (Trochanteric Bursitis): Typically affects those who engage in activities like running or cycling, leading to pain on the outer side of the hip.
  • Knee (Prepatellar Bursitis): Known as “housemaid’s knee,” it can develop from prolonged kneeling or direct trauma.
  • Ankle (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis): Common in runners, this type causes pain and swelling near the Achilles tendon.

How Corticosteroids Help with Bursitis

Corticosteroids are a powerful treatment option for managing the inflammation and pain associated with bursitis. These medications work by mimicking the effects of hormones your body naturally produces to suppress inflammation and modulate the immune response. When injected directly into the affected bursa, corticosteroids quickly reduce swelling and alleviate pain, providing relief that can last from several weeks to several months.

At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we carefully administer corticosteroid injections with precision, often using ultrasound guidance to ensure the medication is delivered to the exact location of inflammation. This targeted approach maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment, allowing you to experience rapid improvement in pain and mobility.

The benefits of corticosteroid injections are numerous: they provide quick pain relief, reduce swelling, and improve your range of motion, allowing you to return to your daily activities with less discomfort. However, while corticosteroids are highly effective, they are typically part of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. It’s important to note that repeated injections in the same area may weaken tendons, so our team will work with you to ensure a balanced approach that optimizes your recovery while minimizing potential risks.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

When you receive a corticosteroid injection at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, you can expect a straightforward and minimally invasive procedure. We begin by thoroughly cleansing the injection site, followed by administering the corticosteroid directly into the affected bursa, often with the aid of ultrasound guidance. The injection typically takes only a few minutes, and you may feel some discomfort, but this usually subsides quickly. After the procedure, you may experience relief within a few hours to a few days. We recommend rest and avoiding strenuous activities to optimize your recovery and ensure lasting results.

Relieve Bursitis Pain with Expert Care at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine

At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we provide comprehensive care to effectively treat bursitis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Our experienced team uses advanced treatments, including corticosteroid injections, to reduce pain and improve mobility. We are dedicated to helping you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.