What is "bursitis"

Bursitis \Bur*si"tis\, n. [NL., fr. E. bursa + -itis.] (Med.) Inflammation of a bursa.

1834, "inflammation of the bursa;" also see -itis.

n. (context medicine English) An inflammation of a bursa, most common in the shoulder, elbow or knee

n. inflammation of a bursa; frequently in the shoulder

Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs) of synovial fluid in the body. They are lined with a synovial membrane that secretes a lubricating synovial fluid. There are more than 150 bursae in the human body. The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement painless. When bursitis occurs, however, movement relying on the inflamed bursa becomes difficult and painful. Moreover, movement of tendons and muscles over the inflamed bursa aggravates its inflammation, perpetuating the problem. Muscle can also be stiffened.