Bursitis in Northampton & Corby
Your Local Experts in Bursitis
Are you struggling with Bursitis PAIN and looking for effective, professional treatment? At Team Rehab UK Ltd, our dedicated clinics in Brixworth and Corby offer premium physiotherapy services to help you regain your mobility and live pain-free. With a minimum of 24 years of experience each, our highly skilled chartered physiotherapists are committed to providing personalised care tailored to your specific needs.
Understanding Bursitis
Introduction to Bursitis
What is a Bursa?
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac located at key points where muscles, tendons, and bones rub against each other. These sacs act as cushions, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement. Over 150 bursae exist throughout the body, with many located around major joints such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Each bursa is lined with a synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and softens the impact of movements.
How Do Bursae Work?
Bursae are strategically placed to facilitate movement in areas where there is a lot of friction. For example, in the shoulder, the subacromial bursa lies beneath the acromion and above the rotator cuff tendons, allowing smooth, pain-free lifting of the arm. Similarly, in the knee, the prepatellar bursa sits in front of the kneecap and reduces friction when you bend your knee. The lubricating fluid within a bursa allows tendons and muscles to glide over bones effortlessly, preventing wear and tear.
Why Might a Bursa Become Inflamed?
Bursitis, or inflammation of a bursa, occurs when these sacs become irritated. This can happen due to repetitive motions, prolonged pressure, sudden trauma, or underlying health conditions. For instance, repeatedly kneeling on hard surfaces can lead to prepatellar bursitis, commonly known as "housemaid's knee." Other causes include:
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Repetitive Movements: Activities like painting, gardening, or running can lead to overuse of certain joints, causing bursitis. Shoulder bursitis is common in athletes, particularly swimmers and tennis players, due to repetitive overhead motions.
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Prolonged Pressure: Leaning on elbows or kneeling for extended periods can inflame the bursae in these areas.
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Traumatic Injury: A sudden fall or blow to a joint can irritate the bursa, leading to swelling and pain.
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Underlying Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes can predispose individuals to bursitis due to systemic inflammation.
Common Types of Bursitis
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Shoulder Bursitis: Often caused by repetitive overhead activities, shoulder bursitis can result from sports like swimming or jobs that involve frequent lifting. Patients may experience pain during shoulder movements, particularly when lifting the arm.
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Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis): Common in people who lean on their elbows frequently, this condition causes swelling at the tip of the elbow, making it difficult to fully extend the arm.
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Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis): Typically affecting runners or individuals who walk long distances, hip bursitis causes pain on the outside of the hip, which may worsen with prolonged standing or climbing stairs.
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Knee Bursitis (Prepatellar Bursitis): Known as "housemaid’s knee," this condition is common in people who kneel for extended periods, such as gardeners or carpet layers. It causes swelling and tenderness at the front of the knee.
Ensuring Optimal Treatment Outcomes
At Team Rehab UK, we emphasise that treatments which are not effective should not continue beyond accepted clinical timescales without further in-depth investigations. We prefer these additional assessments to be conducted by consultant specialists outside our company’s financial interests. This approach ensures we receive an unbiased second opinion, guaranteeing that the care you receive is the most clinically appropriate.
Diagnosis of Finger Fractures
Diagnosing a finger fracture can be challenging because the symptoms often resemble those of a bone dislocation or severe sprain. A physiotherapist or specialist in Northampton will typically perform a thorough examination, comparing the injured finger with its uninjured counterparts to check for discrepancies in length or alignment. A common diagnostic sign is when the injured finger overlaps with others when making a fist.
To confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the exact location of the fracture, an X-ray is usually ordered. In more complex cases, additional imaging techniques like CT scans or MRI may be employed to assess the extent of the injury and plan the appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options for Finger Fractures
The treatment approach for a finger fracture depends on the severity of the injury. The primary goal is to realign the bone and stabilise it to ensure proper healing.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For less severe fractures, where the bone fragments remain in alignment, non-surgical treatment is often effective:
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Closed Reduction: Under local anesthesia, the physiotherapist or consultant will manually realign the bone fragments without making an incision in the skin. This procedure is known as a closed reduction.
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Immobilisation: After realignment, the finger is immobilised using a splint or plaster cast to keep it in the correct position during healing. In some cases, the adjacent finger may be included in the splint for additional support, a technique known as buddy taping.
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Healing Time: The finger typically heals within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture and the patient’s adherence to care instructions. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid activities that could disrupt the healing process.
Surgical Treatment
In more severe cases, where the bone fragments are significantly displaced, or the bone is shattered into multiple pieces, surgical intervention may be necessary:
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Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This procedure involves making an incision over the fracture site to directly visualise and realign the bone fragments. Once the bones are in proper alignment, they are secured using plates, screws, or pins to hold them in place during healing.
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Bone Grafting: If the bone is severely shattered or missing, a bone graft may be required. This involves transplanting bone tissue from another part of the body or using a synthetic substitute to fill gaps and promote healing.
Post-Surgical Care:
After surgery, the finger is placed in a cast or splint to protect the repair. The healing process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, followed by a period of rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility.
Post-Operative Care and Rehabilitation
Following surgery or immobilisation, proper post-operative care is essential to ensure successful healing and regain full function of the finger:
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Elevation and Ice: For the first 2-3 days after the injury, it’s important to keep the hand elevated above heart level to reduce swelling. Applying ice to the cast or splint for 20 minutes at a time can also help manage swelling and discomfort.
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Avoid Smoking: Smoking can significantly slow down or prevent bone healing, particularly if a bone graft has been used. Patients are strongly advised to avoid smoking during the recovery period.
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Physiotherapy: Once the cast is removed, a physiotherapist in Northampton will guide the patient through rehabilitation exercises designed to reduce stiffness, restore range of motion, and strengthen the finger. Sports massage in Northampton may also be beneficial for improving circulation and relieving muscle tension in the hand.
Risks and Complications of Finger Fracture Surgery
While most finger fracture surgeries are successful, there are potential risks and complications, including:
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Pain: Some degree of pain is common after surgery, but persistent or worsening pain may indicate complications.
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Bleeding and Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding and infection, particularly if proper wound care is not followed.
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Stiffness: Post-operative stiffness can occur, particularly if rehabilitation exercises are not performed regularly.Non-Union: In some cases, the bone may fail to heal properly, leading to a condition known as non-union.
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Malunion: If the bones heal in an incorrect position, it may result in malunion, which can affect finger function and appearance.
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Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Surgery carries a risk of damaging the surrounding nerves or blood vessels, which can lead to numbness, tingling, or reduced circulation in the finger.
We have included this video animation to help you visualise the anatomy that we, as professionals, often take for granted. At Team Rehab UK, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand the causes of their symptoms, empowering them to effectively manage their condition both during and after their treatment.
Please note that some of our videos may be of American origin and might contain slightly different professional terms or approaches compared to those used in the UK. However, the content remains highly informative and beneficial. You should seek advice form your UK based specialist before trying any advice contained, or inferred, in the video you ensure it complies with UK best practice standards.
Summary
Finger fractures are among the most common injuries to the hand, and prompt, effective treatment is crucial for ensuring a full recovery. Whether the fracture is treated non-surgically or requires surgical intervention, proper care and rehabilitation are essential for restoring function and preventing long-term complications.
At Team Rehab in Northampton, our expert physiotherapists are dedicated to providing personalised care for finger fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries. We work closely with major insurance providers like Bupa Northampton and Axa Northampton as well as welcoming self-funding clients, to ensure that our services are accessible to all patients. support your recovery.
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WHY WE STAND OUT AT TEAM REHAB UK
Extensive Experience and Expertise
Our team of physiotherapists boast more than 24 years of hands-on experience each, in treating a wide range of back pain conditions. This extensive experience ensures that you receive the highest standard of care, utilising proven techniques and the latest advancements in physiotherapy.
Tailored Treatment Plans
At Team Rehab UK Ltd, we understand that every patient is unique. Our physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to develop personalised treatment plans that address the root cause of your back pain. Whether you're suffering from acute discomfort or chronic pain, we have the expertise to help.
Our Commitment to Your Well-Being with Patient-Centered Care
Your health and well-being are our top priorities. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and work collaboratively with you to achieve lasting relief from back pain. Our friendly and supportive team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ongoing Support and Education
We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain a healthy spine. Our physiotherapists provide ongoing support and education, helping you prevent future injuries and manage your condition effectively.
Convenient Locations in Brixworth and Corby
Brixworth Clinic
Our main rehabilitation centre in Northampton (Brixworth) was purpose built with the sole aim of providing the best opportunities for our expert team to provide you with the best recovery potential. Open in April 2024, the clinic is conveniently located and easily accessible, offering a welcoming environment where you can receive the highest standard of care. We are committed to making your visit as comfortable and effective as possible.
Corby Clinic
The Corby clinic is a much smaller set up within the Lakeside medical centre but we strive to deliver the same exceptional physiotherapy services, within the confines of the setting, ensuring that high-quality physiotherapy is available to the wider community. Our dedicated team is ready to help you overcome back pain and improve your quality of life.
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