Sore hips and shoulders?

  Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints). The different types of bursitis can be classified on the part of the body that was affected and whether they are chronic (long-term or regular) or acute (short-term or sudden). Acute bursitis is more likely to cause pain while moving the affected joint while chronic bursitis is characterized by pain that varies in intensity. The main symptoms are pain, stiffness and soreness. However sometimes one can also have swelling, redness and thickening of the affected areas. The common bursar that get affected are those of the knees, elbows, hips, and the heels. With shoulder bursitis, people complain of sore shoulders, especially when lying on the shoulder at night, and also difficulty raising the arms above the head.  Often complaints of hip soreness on the sides of the hip can indicate hip bursitis. Causes of bursitis include injury, strain due to repetitive motions, and repeated pressure on a joint when kneeling, sitting or leaning. Certain conditions such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, gout, pseudogout, thyroid disease and diabetes can also cause put you at higher risk for getting bursitis. Bursitis is treated using the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation). The affected area should be rested if possible, iced if the bursitis is superficial (close to the skin), compressed using an elastic bandage, and kept elevated. Alternatively, heat can be used instead of ice if the bursae affected are deeper in the body. Splints, braces or bands may also be used to protect the joint underlying the bursa. Stretching and avoiding repetitive activities that aggravate the area are also recommended. Physical therapy may also be helpful. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen, or ibuprofen may also be taken as they will help with the inflammation. In some cases, if the above measures are ineffective, a corticosteroid drug is injected into the bursa to reduce pain and inflammation.  In rare cases, bursitis may require surgery.