LOWER-EXTREMITY BURSITIS

Bursitis is a common cause of lower extremity pain in patients present ing to primary care physicians. Several bursae in the lower extremity account for most of these injuries, including the ischiogluteal, great er trochanteric, pes anserine, medial collateral, prepatellar, poplite al and retrocalcaneal. Often the symptoms are mild, with the patient s uccessfully self-treating through activity modification and other cons ervative measures. A systematic approach to the evaluation and treatme nt of patients with bursitis, including prevention, relative rest, ice , compression, elevation, anti-inflammatory medication and treatment m odalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, combined with a structured rehabilitation program, will greatly facilitate the heal ing process.