Yes, having RA absolutely makes you more prone to bursitis, and you're spot on — inflammation is the common thread tying it all together (frustrating as that is!).
RA causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, and that chronic inflammation doesn't just stay in the joints. It can spread to the bursae — the small Show Full Answer
Yes, having RA absolutely makes you more prone to bursitis, and you're spot on — inflammation is the common thread tying it all together (frustrating as that is!).
RA causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, and that chronic inflammation doesn't just stay in the joints. It can spread to the bursae — the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints — causing them to become inflamed and painful. In the hips especially, this can feel like a deep, achy pain that worsens with activity or after resting. Hip pain with RA can also radiate to surrounding areas, including:
- The groin
- The buttocks
- The outer thigh
- Down the inside of the leg
- The lower back
One myRAteam member shared that their "hips, legs, and lower back" all hurt at the same time, which sounds very familiar to what you're experiencing. The best way to reduce bursitis flares tied to RA is to keep overall inflammation under control. Working closely with your rheumatologist on your treatment plan — whether that's DMARDs, biologics, or other therapies — can help reduce the systemic inflammation that's likely driving many of your symptoms.
May 16
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