Please note! The text below is not intended as medical advice. This text has been compiled based on our own knowledge, user experiences and various online sources. If in doubt, always consult a medical specialist
Table of contents
What is bursitis?
Bursitis, also known as bursitis, occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that protects your joints, becomes inflamed. This can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area, making normal movement difficult.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bursitis are often clear and can significantly interfere with your daily activities. These include:
- Pain in the affected joint, especially when moving.
- Swelling or redness around the joint.
- Stiffness in the joint, making movement difficult or painful.
- A feeling of warmth around the inflamed area.
Causes
Bursitis can be caused by various factors:
- Overuse: Repetitive movements or prolonged pressure on a joint can cause irritation.
- Injury: A fall or direct trauma to a joint can also lead to inflammation of the bursa.
- Infection: Although less common, a bacterial infection can also cause bursitis.
- Chronic conditions: Diseases such as rheumatism or gout can also contribute to the development of bursitis.
Common locations of bursitis
Bursitis can occur in different parts of the body, but some joints are more susceptible than others:
- Shoulder: Bursitis often occurs here due to repetitive movements, such as during sports or work above shoulder height.
- Elbow: Often caused by leaning on the elbow or repeated use during activities such as painting or writing.
- Hip: Overuse from walking, running, or standing for long periods can lead to bursitis in the hip.
- Knee: Many people develop bursitis in the knee from prolonged kneeling or intensive activities such as gardening or roofing.
- Ankle: Bursitis can develop during sports or activities that place significant pressure on the ankle, such as running or dancing.
How can I treat the inflammation?
Treating bursitis is often focused on relieving pain and reducing swelling. The most commonly used treatments are:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that worsen the pain is essential to promote recovery.
- Ice: Applying an ice pack regularly can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can be used to relieve symptoms.
- Physical therapy: Guided exercises can help improve mobility and prevent further irritation.
Although these methods often provide relief, they are not always effective in the long term. This is where infrared light therapy can play an important role.
Why is light therapy the solution?
Red and near-infrared light therapy offer significant potential for reducing pain and inflammation without the risks associated with traditional medications. But what exactly does this therapy involve?
Infrared light therapy
Infrared light therapy is increasingly being used to treat inflammation, such as bursitis. The infrared rays penetrate deep into the skin and muscles and improve blood circulation, which accelerates the recovery process of damaged tissue.
This not only reduces pain, but also helps reduce stiffness and make joints more flexible.
Red Light Therapy
Red light works at a different wavelength than infrared, but also offers anti-inflammatory effects. Although red light penetrates less deeply, the lamp can be a useful addition to the treatment of superficial inflammation, such as mild bursitis, and helps with cell regeneration.
View all Red Light Therapy lamps
Want to know more? Then read our blog: Red light lamps: Everything you need to know!
Scientific evidence
According to Dr. Michael Hamblin, an expert in photobiomodulation, red and near-infrared light can significantly reduce inflammation.
These wavelengths activate protective mechanisms in cells, such as more efficient energy production and the production of anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants. As a result, light therapy may be effective for joint conditions and other inflammation-related problems.
