Which joint is most commonly affected by bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between moving parts in the body, such as bones and tendons. Among the various joints in the body, the shoulder joint is particularly susceptible to developing bursitis. This is largely due to the shoulder's extensive range of motion and the numerous tendons and muscles surrounding it, which can lead to repetitive movements and strain.

The subacromial bursa, located above the shoulder joint, is specifically prone to inflammation due to activities that require lifting the arm or overhead reaching. This inflammatory response can result in pain and restricted movement, which are characteristic symptoms of bursitis in the shoulder. While other joints like the elbow, hip, and knee can also experience bursitis, the shoulder is statistically the most commonly affected site, particularly among individuals involved in activities that stress the shoulder region.