Note! The text below is not medical advice. This text is compiled based on our own knowledge, user experiences, and various online sources. Always consult a medical specialist if in doubt.
Table of Contents
What is bursitis?
Bursitis, also called 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 disrupt your daily activities. These include:
- Pain in the affected joint, especially during movement.
- 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: Repeated 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 rheumatoid arthritis or gout can also contribute to the development of bursitis.
Common locations of bursitis
Bursitis can occur in various parts of the body, but some joints are more prone than others:
- Shoulder: Bursitis often occurs here due to repetitive movements, such as in sports or work above shoulder height.
- Elbow: Often caused by leaning on the elbow or repeated use during activities like painting or writing.
- Hip: Overuse from walking, running, or long periods of standing can lead to bursitis in the hip.
- Knee: Many people develop bursitis in the knee from prolonged kneeling or intensive activities like gardening or roofing.
- Ankle: Sports or activities that put a lot of pressure on the ankle, such as running or dancing, can cause bursitis.
How can I treat the inflammation?
Treating bursitis often focuses on relieving pain and reducing swelling. The most common treatments are:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that worsen the pain is essential to promote recovery.
- Ice: Regular application of an ice pack can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs, 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. Infrared light therapy can play an important role here.
Why is light therapy the solution?
Red and near-infrared light therapy offer great potential to reduce pain and inflammation without the risks of traditional medications. But what exactly does this therapy involve?
Infrared light therapy
Infrared light therapy is increasingly used to treat inflammations such as bursitis. The infrared rays penetrate deeply into the skin and muscles and improve the blood circulation, which speeds up the healing process of damaged tissue.
This not only reduces pain but also helps decrease stiffness and makes 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 in treating superficial inflammations, such as mild bursitis, and helps with cell repair.
View all red light therapy lamps
Want to know more? Then read our blog: Red light lamps: Everything you need to know!
Scientific support
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 creation of anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants. As a result, light therapy can be effective for joint disorders and other inflammation-related problems.
