*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature O: Orthodontics.

Bursitis

Bursitis is when the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that cushion the joints have become painful and swollen (inflamed). It can usually be treated at home and should go away in a few weeks.

Check if you have bursitis

You might have bursitis if 1 of your joints is:

painful - usually a dull, achy pain
tender or warmer than surrounding skin
swollen
more painful when you move it or press on it

The area may also be red. This can be harder to see on brown or black skin.

Bursitis can affect any joint, but it's most common in the shoulders, hips, elbows or knees.

How to treat bursitis yourself

If you have bursitis, to help bring down swelling and pain you can:

rest - try not to move the joint too much and avoid activities that put pressure on it
use ice - gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel on the area for around 10 minutes at a time and repeat every few hours during the day
take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to ease any pain

It may also help to put extra cushions around the affected joint while you sleep, to help protect and support it.

See a GP if:

your bursitis symptoms have not improved or are getting worse after treating it yourself for 1 to 2 weeks
you have a high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
you cannot move the affected joint
you have very severe, sharp or shooting pains in the joint

Tests for bursitis

A GP will examine the affected joint to check for bursitis.

They may take a sample of fluid from the joint using a needle (aspiration).

This will be sent off to test for an infection and conditions such as gout.

The aspiration may also help your symptoms. It might be done in your GP surgery or you may be referred to the hospital.

You may also have other tests such as a blood test or a scan.

Treatments for bursitis

Treatments you may have for bursitis include:

antibiotics - usually taken for at least 7 days if bursitis is caused by an infection
a steroid injection given into the affected joint to reduce the swelling - this will not be done if bursitis is caused by an infection
taking fluid from the joint using a needle (aspiration) to ease symptoms

If bursitis is severe or keeps coming back, the inflamed bursa may need to be surgically drained or even removed (but this is rare).

Self-refer for treatment

If you have bursitis, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
check your GP surgery's website
contact your integrated care board (ICB) - find your local ICB
search online for NHS treatment for bursitis near you

How to stop bursitis coming back

There are some things you can do to help stop bursitis coming back.

Do

maintain a healthy weight - being overweight puts more pressure on your joints
clean any cuts on the joints to prevent infections
warm up properly before exercising and playing sport
use padding when putting a lot of pressure on joints (for example, when kneeling)
take regular breaks if you do things that put pressure on a joint, like kneeling

Don't

do not knock or bang your joints

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature O: Orthodontics. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.