Bursitis

A bursa is a liquid filled sac that provides lubrication between the moving parts of the joint. When these become inflamed, the condition is called bursitis. Pre-patella bursitis is a friction bursitis caused by the friction between the skin and the patella.

If the inflammation is chronic, the bursa becomes distended with fluid and forms a soft, flocculent swelling anterior to the knee. This condition is commonly called housemaid’s knee but other people, who work on their knees, without using kneepads, also develop pre-patellar bursitis.

Symptoms which require immediate attention include swelling, redness and pain. Therapies that relieve bursitis include cortisone injections, gel pad supports and the use of splints or more aggressive supports. Therapy often includes resting the joint, soothing icepacks, analgesics and physical therapy.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome also called repetitive strain syndrome results when a nerve that supplies that hand called the median nerve becomes repeatedly compressed. This happens in a place in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. The bottom of this carpal tunnel is made up of wrist bones and the top is hemmed in by a transverse ligament. Fatigue, tingling and cramping along with stiffness of the hand are among the symptoms. The problem happens because the carpal tunnel is so tightly bound that it has no place to expand if overuse and inflammation occur. The resulting pressure begins to crush the median nerve supplying the hand. At first, anti-inflammatory drugs and splints can help. More advanced cases may require surgery. This will involve cutting the tendon although now some new, non-surgical techniques can stretch the tendon giving more room for the nerve itself. If untreated, permanent disability may happen.