Bursitis is a fairly common condition that results when bursae, which are tiny fluid-filled sacs, become inflamed.^1,2,3 The role of bursae is to act as a cushion between the bones, muscles, and tendons that surround the joints.² This type of inflammation can be very painful and flare up frequently with movement.

Older adults, individuals who have jobs or hobbies that require repetitive motions, and people who have medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout are more at risk of developing bursitis.

To inform patients and their caregivers, this article will cover the basics of bursitis, including common body parts affected, its causes, bursitis symptoms, and bursitis treatment options.

Bursitis Locations in the Body

Bursitis is a condition that can occur in various parts of the body and be very painful in each one of them.¹ Bursitis hip is very common because this condition tends to form around joints that engage in repetitive motions.⁴ Bursitis knee is also very common since knees are used so frequently in daily activities. Other locations where bursitis commonly occurs are the shoulders, elbows, heels, and the base of the big toe.^1,3

Bursitis Causes

The most common bursitis causes involve repetitive motions that are related to occupational duties. For example, individuals who have spent extensive time scrubbing floors on their knees or lifting heavy objects over their heads are more prone to bursitis.

Stretching before performing repetitive work tasks, taking frequent breaks, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce one’s chances of having bursitis.⁵ It is also possible to develop bursitis after suffering a joint injury, an infection, or alongside other inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout.^1,3

Bursitis Symptoms

Some of the most common bursitis symptoms are achiness, stiffness, pain, swelling, and redness around the affected joint.^1,3,5,6 It is likely time to consult a physician when it suddenly becomes impossible to move a joint, when excessive bruising or rashes occur, sharp or disabling pains are felt, or if a fever develops.

Physicians typically conduct a physical exam and order x-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to diagnose bursitis. Fluid may also be taken from the inflamed area to rule out the possibility of infection, and blood tests can help determine the exact cause of the pain and inflammation.

Bursitis Treatment

Effective bursitis treatment options involve resting the joints to help the pain subside and to prevent additional trauma.^1,3,5,6 Bursitis pain may be alleviated by rest within a few weeks but may come back unexpectedly at a later time.

Other recommendations for bursitis treatment include oral pain medications, topical pain relief creams like JointFlex, and applying ice to the affected area. Physical therapy exercises may also be used to strengthen muscles around the inflamed joint.

In more severe cases of bursitis, corticosteroid medications may be administered to relieve inflammation and pain.^1,7 Surgery may be necessary to drain an inflamed bursa or even to remove the bursae. Finally, a cane or crutches can be used by bursitis patients as temporary measures to take the pressure off of the affected joints during the healing process.

As children, many people are taught to sit up straight and practice good posture. But these lifelong habits do much more than just exude confidence and make a good first impression.

Bad posture is one of the most common causes of neck and back pain, especially when one slouches while sitting, standing, and walking.

On the contrary, good posture involves maintaining a neutral spine with natural curves at the base of the neck, the middle back, and the lower back. Good posture also vertically aligns the ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. This article will address poor posture pain, ways for improving posture, and easy exercises for posture that can be practiced every day.

The Perils of Poor Posture Pain

Aside from whiplash, poor posture is one of the most common causes of neck pain.^1,2 There are many muscles in the neck that become stiff and tight when the head and spine are not optimally aligned. Many people sit with their heads extending out in front of the shoulders. This position contributes to degenerative disc disease because the weight of the head puts excess pressure on the vertebrae.³

Slouching also puts a strain on the various parts of the back by constricting nerves and blood vessels.⁴ This type of back pain often comes and goes when a person switches positions and starts in the neck before moving down to the lower back.⁵

How to Fix Posture in Daily Life

For people who work in an office, consider switching from a sitting desk to a standing desk to change positions throughout the work day. One easy way to start fixing posture with daily activities is to use a chair support for the lower back while sitting in an office chair.^6,7 Simply keeping the shoulders relaxed and remembering to stand tall can help improve posture with minimal effort.

Doing simple stretches and exercises while at work will keep the body limber and also provide mental stimulation. Breathing in slowly through the nose and filling the belly with air helps establish better posture too. For joint stiffness caused by poor posture over the years, try JointFlex, a powerful pain relief cream that helps people keep moving without a prescription.

The Benefits of Improving Posture

Perhaps the most convincing benefit of improving posture is less pain, but there are many other good reasons to learn how to fix posture as well. Better posture will keep the bones, muscles, and joints aligned and working well for many years. It helps prevent abnormal wear and tear of joint surfaces and decreases the amount of stress put on the spine. Also, good posture helps prevent fatigue because the body doesn’t need to use extra energy to function and the muscles are being utilized more efficiently.

Great Exercises for Posture

Yoga, Pilates, and core fitness programs are excellent workouts for improving posture and reducing posture pain.⁹ Meanwhile, leg extensions work the core muscles to help stabilize the hips, curl-up crunches work the abdominal muscles and obliques to align the core,¹⁰ and back extension exercises strengthen the muscles that extend the spine and the lower back.¹¹ Other great yoga-style exercises for better posture are plank pose, cat/cow pose, and reverse tabletop pose.

Consider attending a yoga class led by an experienced instructor and asking for individual guidance on posture-improving poses that are unfamiliar or challenging. It’s never too late to correct one’s posture and to start incorporating exercises for posture into daily life.

Lyme disease is spread by ticks and can usually be treated with antibiotics if the symptoms are caught early.^1,2

However, if Lyme disease is not treated, the bacteria can spread to the joints and cause Lyme disease joint pain.^3,4 This is just one of many symptoms of the disease but one that can be particularly painful and debilitating.

Many people wonder if this type of joint pain truly is arthritis or whether it will only last as long as Lyme disease is present in the body.

This article will address the question of whether Lyme disease can cause arthritis and some effective ways to cope with Lyme disease joint pain.

Lyme Disease Joint Pain

The most common symptoms of Lyme disease are fatigue, skin rashes, headaches, sleep problems, neurological problems, and joint pain.^1,2,3 Unexplained pain and stiffness in the joints is sometimes one of the earliest signs of Lyme disease and may prompt sufferers to seek medical attention.⁵ However, other physicians have found that Lyme disease arthritis often occurs several months after the onset of the disease. Severe and permanent joint damage can occur if the condition remains untreated.

Individuals with Lyme disease may experience joints that are inflamed, swollen, and warm to the touch. The researchers in one scientific study concluded that approximately 60 percent of individuals with untreated Lyme disease had joint and muscle symptoms,⁶ and another study found that about half of people with Lyme disease felt arthritis symptoms intermittently.^2,7

Lyme Disease Knee Pain

The joint pain caused by Lyme disease primarily occurs in the knees and other larger joints. Other commonly affected joints are the hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and ankles. This pain occurs because the bacteria that causes Lyme disease invades the joints and causes the tissues that line them to become inflamed. Many patients with this condition describe their experience as joint pain that moves from one joint to another and pain that comes and goes throughout the day.

Finding Lyme Disease Joint Pain Relief

If Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated right away, it is far less likely that arthritis symptoms will occur.^1,7 But unfortunately, it is very easy to misdiagnose Lyme disease arthritis and mistake it for another condition.⁸ A single course of antibiotics may be sufficient in curing the Lyme disease and alleviating the arthritis symptoms that it causes.⁹ But if long-term joint damage is sustained by the disease, additional treatment options may need to be pursued. Chronic arthritis may develop after periods of continuous joint inflammation even after the Lyme disease bacteria has been flushed from the body.

For example, it may help to apply an arthritis pain relief cream, such as JointFlex, to the large joints affected by Lyme disease. Anti-inflammatory oral medications may also be recommended to reduce levels of swelling in the joints. If joint pain symptoms persist after two to three months of antibiotics, DMARDs or synovectomy may be recommended as well for some patients. The best way to prevent these symptoms and Lyme disease, in general, is to avoid tall grass and brush habitats that are favored by ticks, use insect repellents while spending time outdoors, and inspect the body for ticks so that they can be promptly removed before spreading disease.

Sleep and back pain often go hand-in-hand because this type of pain makes it very difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. A lack of sleep and sleepless nights can make pain worse, and even sleeping in certain positions can exacerbate the issue. Without sleep, individuals are not able to function in daily life and enjoy the activities they love. But with effective pain management and a supportive mattress, people with arthritis and joint pain can get the rest they need to feel great all throughout the day. This article will address the issue of sleeping with back pain, as well as recommendations for the best sleeping positions and comfortable mattresses.

But with effective pain management and a supportive mattress, people with arthritis and joint pain can get the rest they need to feel great all throughout the day. This article will address the issue of sleeping with back pain, as well as recommendations for the best sleeping positions and comfortable mattresses.

Lower Back Pain While Sleeping

One common complaint among arthritis sufferers is lower back pain while sleeping. This type of pain can be caused by an issue with the spine, such as disc degeneration. Nocturnal back pain can also be caused by various forms of arthritis, sprains, fractures, pregnancy, and scoliosis. In serious cases, it may also be a sign of a spinal tumor. Some people experience the pain as soon as they lie down, while others are woken up by it in the middle of the night.

How to Relieve Back Pain While Sleeping

Choosing a good mattress is a great first step to having restful nights in spite of back pain. It is also necessary to find a sleeping position that works well for your body.

Powerful arthritis pain relief creams, like JointFlex, can be applied shortly before bed to ease the pain quickly and continue to work while drifting off to sleep. It also helps to get in and out of bed slowly while supporting the back with the hands, bending the knees, and rolling onto one’s side.

Best Sleeping Position for Lower Back Pain

What many people don’t realize is that lying the wrong way in bed can actually make pain worse. For most individuals, the best sleeping position for lower back pain is on the back. Many people find relief by placing a pillow under the knees for extra support and to prevent the back from arching.

The stomach is considered to be the worst position for sleeping if one has back pain. Side sleeping is not ideal, but better than stomach sleeping if one is unable to sleep on the back.

Mattress Buying Tips for Back Pain Sufferers

The mattress that one chooses for the bedroom makes a big difference in how restful the night’s sleep will be. Firm or medium-firm mattresses are typically best for back pain sufferers because they offer extra support for the back. Just because a mattress is marketed as having a 20-year lifespan doesn’t mean that it is supportive enough for that length of time. Back pain experts have recommended the Saatva Mattress, Amerisleep AS2, the Helix Mattress, and the Bear Mattress for people with back pain.

However, it is important to test various mattress brands and level of firmness with various sleeping positions before choosing a new one to purchase. Many mattress purchases include a risk-free home trial to allow customers to try out a mattress for a month or more in order to determine its level of comfort and support.

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement, involves a structural or mechanical issue with one’s hip joint and can affect people of all ages.^1,2,3 In fact, this condition commonly affects active teenagers and young adults. This condition causes increased friction in the hip joint that can wear it down and cause pain in the short term and extensive damage in the long term.

This article will explore the early signs of hip impingement to help hip pain sufferers recognize the symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible. It will also discuss how this condition can lead to arthritis if untreated due to cartilage being broken down and worn away with repetitive use

What Is Hip Impingement?

The human hip naturally allows for the top of the thigh bone to connect to the hip socket so that it can move smoothly in the socket.⁴ This smooth movement is facilitated by a smooth layer of cartilage that prevents bones from grinding on each other and to secure the thigh bone in its place.⁵

But in individuals with hip impingement, these bones do not move together smoothly and pain results.^2,3 Deformities at the ball at the top of the femur and deformities of the hip socket are two common causes of hip impingement.

Early Symptoms of Hip Impingement

Many people who have hip impingement do not experience any symptoms at all in the very early stages of the disorder. But over time, individuals may begin to notice a limited range of motion in the hip and stiffness in the front thigh region and in the groin. Other individuals may notice a clicking or popping sensation in the hip joint during movement.

Although many hip conditions affect elderly adults, this one is most common among active people under the age of 40.^6,8 Once symptoms are felt, it is likely that some cartilage damage has already occurred.

How Can Hip Impingement Lead to Arthritis?

People who have arthritis, as well as those who do not, can develop hip impingement. However, an untreated condition of hip impingement is actually a common cause of osteoarthritis.⁷

This is because hip impingement causes cartilage damage that is characterized by this painful form of arthritis. Hip impingement is often considered to be a pre-arthritic condition, which means that further damage may be prevented before the cartilage damage is very severe.⁸

The Importance of Early Detection

It can be very difficult to diagnose hip impingement, but early detection is the key to preventing osteoarthritis for many patients. A physician will typically conduct a physical exam to test the hip’s range of motion and order an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI to further inspect the health of the hip joint.⁹

When hip impingement is detected early, it may be possible to manage the condition by simply reducing certain physical activities and trying physiotherapy or injections. Many people with hip impingement pain use topical arthritis creams, such as JointFlex, to relieve their pain quickly and throughout the day. However, surgical intervention may be recommended for more serious cases of hip impingement, especially arthroscopic treatment to correct an impingement deformity.

Unlike some forms of arthritis, septic arthritis has a very specific and well-known cause. Although known as infectious arthritis, this form of arthritis is marked by a painful infection in one of the body’s joints.^1,2 Surveys show that at least 20,000 cases of this condition occur in the U.S. each year. However, certain types of people are more likely to develop this condition than others.³

In the paragraphs that follow, this article will cover the most important things to know about septic arthritis. This includes what the condition is, who it affects, what the symptoms are, and how people suffering from septic arthritis can find relief.

Causes of Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is commonly caused by a fungus or bacteria and involves a joint that has become inflamed due to an infection.^1,2,3 This condition most commonly affects a single large joint in the body, like a hip or knee. However, in some cases, septic arthritis affects more than one joint in the body.

Bacteria can be spread through the bloodstream from an infected part of the body or from an open wound following surgery or injury.⁴ Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are common bacteria that can cause septic arthritis. Certain types of fungi, like Histoplasma and Blastomyces dermatitis, can also lead to infections that cause septic arthritis.⁵

Who Develops Septic Arthritis

Interestingly, infants and the elderly are the most common demographic groups that develop septic arthritis.² People who have certain viruses are also more susceptible to this condition. These conditions include hepatitis A, B, and C, HIV, mumps, and herpes viruses.

Individuals who have weak immune systems, immune deficiency disorders, or who use drugs intravenously are also at risk. Other risk factors include having fragile skin, suffering a prior joint trauma, currently taking medications for rheumatoid arthritis, or having other existing joint problems.

Symptoms of Septic Arthritis

Unfortunately, the symptoms of septic arthritis are not only limited to joint pain and swelling.^1,2 The pain in the affected joint is usually very severe and accompanied by warmth and redness in the joint due to the increase in blood flow. Also, accompanying symptoms include fatigue, chills, fever, and a lack of mobility in the affected joint. It is most common for septic arthritis to affect the knees, it is also possible in the hips, shoulders, and other joints.

Diagnosing and Treating Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is typically diagnosed by conducting a procedure known as arthrocentesis, which involves drawing a sample of fluid from a joint for evaluation.^6,7 X-rays will indicate if joint damage is present, and blood tests can help monitor inflammation levels.^2,4

Physicians may recommend various types of treatment for this condition. Antibiotics are often used to kill the infection causing the joint pain, and the fluid can be drained from a joint to alleviate the pressure.^2,7 Over-the-counter pain relief creams like JointFlex and oral medications may be recommended as well help reduce pain on an ongoing basis. But overall, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as pain in a joint begins to minimize the risk of long-term joint damage.

It has been estimated that approximately 3.9 percent of adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with a condition known as gout.¹ This condition was once known as a disease of kings because it was associated with overindulgence in food and drink. However, gout diagnoses have been on the rise in this country, and it’s important to understand how and why this is happening.

This article aims to address the important things to know about gout, such as what it is, who it affects, and whether it is considered to be a form of arthritis. It will also cover gout attack triggers and possible treatments for the condition.

Connection Between Gout & Arthritis

Rather than purely an error of overindulgence, gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis.² There are many other types of inflammatory arthritis as well, such as rheumatoid arthritis, for example. But gout is often first marked by an extreme feeling of pain in the big toe, accompanied by swelling.³

Causes of Gout

Unlike some types of arthritis that have seemingly mysterious causes, the cause of gout is well-established. Gout develops when uric acid in the body forms sharp crystals in a joint.^4,5 This phenomenon creates sudden and severe pain accompanied by warmth, swelling, and redness.  A diet high in purines can lead to gout, as well as a kidney malfunction that prevents them from getting rid of enough uric acid.^6,7

Who Develops Gout?

While gout among American adults is on the rise in general, it is more common for men to develop this condition than women.³ Gout attacks are often brought on by a trigger, such as another illness, drug use, alcohol use, or stress. Gout tends to run in families and is more common among men who drink an excessive amount of alcohol, who are overweight, who have been exposed to environmental lead, or who have had an organ transplant.

Symptoms of Gout

As mentioned above, the first symptom of gout is often pain and swelling of the big toe. However, these symptoms can present themselves in the knee or ankle instead. Fingers, elbows, wrists, and the heels and insteps of the feet may also be affected.

It is common for gout symptoms to go away on their own within a few days.⁸ However, it is impossible to know when the next attack will strike, as it could be months or years into the future.³ If the long-term symptoms of gout are not treated, long-term joint damage and kidney damage may result.

How to Treat Gout

Gout is typically diagnosed by conducting a blood test and imaging tests. Fluid can be removed from inflamed joints and examined for uric acid crystals. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and colchicine are often prescribed to treat acute attacks of gout. To manage the symptoms of pain associated with gout, it may be beneficial to massage an arthritis pain relief cream like JointFlex into the joint site a few times per day as necessary.

But choosing a healthy lifestyle is ultimately the key to keeping gout attacks at bay. It is essential for gout sufferers to avoid purine-rich foods, such as organ meats, game meats, gravy, and beer.^9,10 It is also advised to maintain a healthy weight, drink plenty of water, and exercise often. However, weight loss should be approached with caution and under the advisement of a physician because an extreme loss of weight can actually increase uric acid in the blood and trigger gout symptoms.

Inflammatory arthritis is not one single disease, but rather a group of diseases that are characterized by inflamed joints and tissues.^1,2 Many common types of arthritis are inflammatory in nature, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis are other forms of inflammatory arthritis that affect individuals.

The purpose of this article is to define and discuss inflammatory arthritis, including its symptoms and who is most at risk of developing this type of condition. The information below will also suggest ways for people with inflammatory arthritis to diagnose their pain and find relief through modern medicine, lifestyle changes, and home care.

Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis

Oftentimes, inflammatory arthritis is caused by an autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune system turns against itself and begins to attack itself. Other potential causes include hormones, infections, and even stress.^1,2,3 The exact causes of many types of inflammatory arthritis are unknown, and additional research is underway.

Who Does Inflammatory Arthritis Affect?

Research has shown that genetics play a part in who develops inflammatory arthritis, at least to some extent. Unlike osteoarthritis, which commonly affects older adults and ex-athletes who put excess wear and tear on their joints,^4,5 inflammatory arthritis can affect individuals of any age and level of activity. Studies have shown that women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, a common form of inflammatory arthritis, than men.⁶ Children also develop inflammatory arthritis, and it can even affect the eyes and lungs of their young, developing bodies.⁷

Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis

Inflammatory forms of arthritis are considered to be systemic, which means that they affect the whole body and not just a single part.¹ The most prevalent symptom of inflammatory arthritis, regardless of the type, is pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints. It is also common for people with this condition to feel stiffness in the morning that lasts for a few hours. In some cases, inflammatory arthritis sufferers may experience rashes on their skin, fever, and hair loss as well.

Finding Relief for Inflammatory Arthritis

As with any type of arthritis, the first step in finding relief for the inflammation and pain is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Doctors can make this diagnosis by a review of one’s medical history and a physical exam with lab tests, x-rays, and imaging technology.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often recommended to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with this condition. Also, arthritis pain relief creams like JointFlex deeply penetrate the site of pain to provide immediate relief and foster long-term improvements. In severe cases, doctors may recommend corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs to stop inflammation in order to protect the joints and organs.

For individuals living with inflammatory arthritis, daily life can be a challenge. Exercise is often recommended to support weight loss and muscle strengthening to support the joints and reduce the weight burden.⁸ It may also help to use a cane or walker for mobility and to use adaptive technology for household tasks like opening jars and using the shower.