What is Bursitis? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Bursitis happens when small, fluid-filled sacs in your joints become swollen and irritated. These tiny cushions, called bursae, normally help your bones, tendons, and muscles glide smoothly against each other.

When bursae get inflamed, everyday movements can become painful and stiff. The good news is that most cases of bursitis respond well to simple treatments and rest.

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are small sacs filled with lubricating fluid. Think of bursae as tiny pillows that sit between your bones and soft tissues like muscles and tendons.

Your body has over 150 bursae, but bursitis most commonly affects areas that move frequently. This includes your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and heels.

The inflammation causes these normally smooth cushions to become swollen and tender. This makes movement painful because the inflamed bursa can't do its job of reducing friction properly.

What are the Symptoms of Bursitis?

The main symptom you'll notice is pain that gets worse when you move the affected joint. This pain often feels like a deep ache or burning sensation right at the joint.

Here are the common signs your body might be telling you about bursitis:

• Joint pain that worsens with movement or pressure
• Stiffness in the affected area, especially in the morning
• Swelling or puffiness around the joint
• Tenderness when you touch the area
• Limited range of motion in the joint
• Warmth over the affected bursa

In some cases, you might also notice redness around the joint. If you develop fever along with these symptoms, this could signal an infection and needs immediate medical attention.

The pain typically develops gradually over days or weeks. However, if you've had a direct injury to the area, symptoms might appear more suddenly.

What are the Types of Bursitis?

Bursitis gets its name from where it occurs in your body. Each type affects different daily activities and has slightly different symptoms.

The most common types include:

• Shoulder bursitis (subacromial bursitis): Causes pain when lifting your arm overhead or reaching behind your back
• Elbow bursitis (olecranon bursitis): Creates swelling at the tip of your elbow, sometimes called "student's elbow"
• Hip bursitis (trochanteric bursitis): Causes pain on the outside of your hip that may radiate down your thigh
• Knee bursitis (prepatellar bursitis): Affects the front of your kneecap, often called "housemaid's knee"
• Heel bursitis (retrocalcaneal bursitis): Creates pain at the back of your heel near the Achilles tendon

Less common types can affect your wrists, ankles, and other joints. The symptoms remain similar, but the specific movements that trigger pain will depend on which joint is involved.

What Causes Bursitis?

Bursitis usually develops when you repeat the same motion over and over, putting stress on the bursa. This repetitive use gradually irritates and inflames the tiny sac.

Several factors can lead to this inflammation:

• Repetitive motions: Activities like throwing, lifting, or kneeling frequently
• Direct trauma: A fall or blow to the joint area
• Prolonged pressure: Leaning on your elbows or kneeling for extended periods
• Poor posture: Sitting or standing incorrectly for long periods
• Sudden increase in activity: Jumping into intense exercise without proper conditioning

Sometimes, other conditions can trigger bursitis. Arthritis, gout, or thyroid disorders can make your bursae more prone to inflammation.

In rare cases, bacteria can infect a bursa, usually through a cut or scrape near the joint. This type of infectious bursitis requires immediate antibiotic treatment.

When to See a Doctor for Bursitis?

You should contact your healthcare provider if your joint pain persists for more than a few days despite rest and home care. Early treatment can prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

Seek medical attention sooner if you experience:

• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Fever along with joint pain and swelling
• Redness and warmth around the joint
• Inability to move the joint normally
• Sharp, shooting pains that don't improve with rest

These symptoms could indicate an infection or more serious underlying condition. Your doctor can determine the exact cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Don't wait if you suspect the bursa might be infected. Infected bursitis can spread to surrounding tissues and become a serious health concern.

What are the Risk Factors for Bursitis?

Certain factors make some people more likely to develop bursitis than others. Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive steps.

Age plays a significant role, as your tendons become less elastic and more prone to injury as you get older. People over 40 are more susceptible to bursitis.

Your daily activities and lifestyle choices also influence your risk:

• Repetitive work or hobbies: Jobs requiring repetitive motions like painting, carpentry, or gardening
• Sports participation: Activities involving throwing, running, or jumping
• Poor conditioning: Starting intense activity without proper warm-up or fitness level
• Underlying health conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or gout
• Previous joint injuries: Areas that have been injured before are more vulnerable

Some occupations carry higher risk, including construction work, music performance, and professional sports. However, even desk workers can develop bursitis from poor ergonomics.

The good news is that many of these risk factors are within your control through proper technique, conditioning, and workspace setup.

What are the Possible Complications of Bursitis?

Most cases of bursitis heal completely with proper treatment and don't cause long-term problems. However, ignoring the condition or returning to aggravating activities too soon can lead to complications.

The most common complication is chronic bursitis, where the inflammation becomes ongoing. This happens when the bursa wall thickens and doesn't return to normal even after the initial inflammation subsides.

Other potential complications include:

• Permanent joint stiffness: Limited range of motion that persists even after pain resolves
• Muscle weakness: From avoiding movement due to pain
• Calcification: Calcium deposits forming in the bursa, making it permanently thick
• Adhesions: Scar tissue that restricts normal joint movement

In rare cases, untreated infectious bursitis can spread to nearby bones or bloodstream. This serious complication requires immediate hospitalization and intensive antibiotic treatment.

The key to preventing complications is following your treatment plan completely and gradually returning to normal activities as your doctor recommends.

How Can Bursitis Be Prevented?

You can significantly reduce your risk of developing bursitis by making simple adjustments to how you move and work. Prevention focuses on reducing repetitive stress and protecting your joints.

Start by paying attention to your posture and body mechanics during daily activities. Use proper lifting techniques, take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, and avoid prolonged pressure on your joints.

Here are practical prevention strategies:

• Warm up properly: Always stretch and prepare your joints before exercise or physical activity
• Use protective gear: Knee pads for kneeling, elbow pads for leaning, proper footwear for walking
• Strengthen supporting muscles: Regular exercise to build muscle strength around vulnerable joints
• Vary your activities: Avoid doing the same motion repeatedly for extended periods
• Maintain healthy weight: Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees

If your work involves repetitive motions, talk to your employer about ergonomic improvements. Simple changes like adjustable chairs, proper tool design, or job rotation can make a big difference.

Listen to your body and don't ignore early warning signs of joint discomfort. Addressing minor issues promptly prevents them from developing into full bursitis.

How is Bursitis Diagnosed?

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and examining the affected joint. They'll look for swelling, test your range of motion, and check for tenderness in specific areas.

The physical examination often provides enough information to diagnose bursitis. Your doctor will gently move your joint and apply pressure to identify exactly where the pain originates.

Sometimes additional tests help confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions:

• X-rays: Can show if bone problems are contributing to your symptoms
• Ultrasound: Provides clear images of soft tissues and can show bursa inflammation
• MRI: Offers detailed views of all joint structures when diagnosis is unclear
• Blood tests: May be needed if infection or inflammatory disease is suspected

If your doctor suspects infectious bursitis, they might remove a small sample of fluid from the bursa. This fluid can be tested for bacteria and help guide antibiotic treatment.

The diagnostic process is usually straightforward and helps ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.

What is the Treatment for Bursitis?

Treatment for bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation and pain while allowing the bursa to heal. Most cases respond well to conservative treatments that you can often start at home.

The foundation of treatment involves rest and avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms. This gives the inflamed bursa time to calm down and begin healing naturally.

Your treatment plan may include several approaches:

• Rest and activity modification: Temporary break from aggravating activities
• Ice therapy: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times daily
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce swelling
• Physical therapy: Exercises to restore strength and flexibility
• Corticosteroid injections: For severe cases that don't respond to other treatments

Most people notice improvement within a few days to weeks with proper treatment. However, complete healing may take several weeks, especially for chronic cases.

In rare situations where conservative treatment fails, your doctor might recommend removing the affected bursa surgically. This procedure is typically outpatient and has good success rates.

How to Take Home Treatment During Bursitis?

You can manage many cases of bursitis effectively at home with simple, proven techniques. The key is being consistent with your self-care and knowing when to seek professional help.

Start with the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression (if appropriate), and Elevation. This approach helps control inflammation and provides pain relief.

Here's your home treatment toolkit:

• Apply ice regularly: Use ice packs wrapped in a thin towel for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce both pain and inflammation
• Gentle range-of-motion exercises: Move the joint through its full range once pain allows
• Use supportive devices: Slings, braces, or cushions to reduce stress on the affected area
• Apply heat after acute phase: Warm compresses can help once initial inflammation subsides

Avoid activities that caused the bursitis until symptoms completely resolve. Returning too quickly often leads to recurring problems.

Keep track of your symptoms and progress. If pain worsens or you develop fever, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

How Should You Prepare for Your Doctor Appointment?

Preparing for your appointment helps ensure you get the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Bring relevant information about your symptoms and medical history.

Write down when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and any activities that might have triggered the problem. This timeline helps your doctor understand the pattern.

Come prepared with these important details:

• Complete symptom list: Include pain level, stiffness, swelling, and any limitations
• Activity history: Recent changes in exercise, work duties, or hobbies
• Current medications: Include over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Previous treatments tried: What you've done at home and how it worked
• Questions about your condition: Write them down so you don't forget

If possible, demonstrate the movements that cause pain during your examination. This helps your doctor see exactly what's happening with your joint.

Don't hesitate to ask about treatment options, expected recovery time, and ways to prevent future episodes. Your doctor wants to help you understand your condition fully.

What's the Key Takeaway About Bursitis?

Bursitis is a common, treatable condition that responds well to proper care and patience. While painful and frustrating, most people recover completely with appropriate treatment.

The most important thing to remember is that early intervention leads to better outcomes. Don't ignore persistent joint pain, but also don't panic if you develop symptoms.

With proper rest, treatment, and gradual return to activities, you can expect to regain full function of your affected joint. Many people also find that the experience teaches them valuable lessons about body mechanics and injury prevention.

Stay positive and follow your treatment plan consistently. Your body has remarkable healing abilities when given the right support and time to recover.