BURSAL SYNOVITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Bursal synovitis, also known as retrocalcaneal bursitis or Achilles bursitis, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation or swelling of the bursa located at the back of the heel, near the Achilles tendon. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles, reducing friction and facilitating smooth movements in joints.
In the case of bursal synovitis, repetitive movement, excessive pressure, or trauma to the area may cause the bursa to become inflamed. This can result in pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness at the back of the heel, making it difficult to walk, run, or engage in physically demanding activities. The condition may also be associated with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or arthritis.
Treatment for bursal synovitis aims to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. This may involve resting and avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms, applying ice packs to the affected area, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling, or wearing supportive footwear or orthotics. In some cases, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections may be recommended to promote healing and relieve symptoms.
If the condition persists or becomes severe, surgery may be considered to remove the inflamed bursa or to address any underlying issues. However, most cases of bursal synovitis can be effectively managed with conservative measures and a gradual return to normal activities. It is advisable to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BURSAL SYNOVITIS
- vursal synovitis
- nursal synovitis
- hursal synovitis
- gursal synovitis
- byrsal synovitis
- bhrsal synovitis
- bjrsal synovitis
- birsal synovitis
- b8rsal synovitis
- b7rsal synovitis
- buesal synovitis
- budsal synovitis
- bufsal synovitis
- butsal synovitis
- bu5sal synovitis
- bu4sal synovitis
- buraal synovitis
- burzal synovitis
- burxal synovitis
- burdal synovitis
Etymology of BURSAL SYNOVITIS
The word "bursal synovitis" can be broken down into two parts: "bursal" and "synovitis".
- The term "bursal" comes from the Latin word "bursa", which means "purse" or "bag". In anatomy, a bursa refers to a small sac filled with fluid that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles, reducing friction.
- "Synovitis" is derived from the combining forms "synov-" and "-itis". "Synov-" comes from the Greek word "synovion", which means "synovial membrane". The synovial membrane lines the cavities of joints, secretes synovial fluid, and helps lubricate and cushion the joints. "-itis" is a suffix used to denote inflammation.
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