Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Effective Treatments

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles around your joints. When a bursa becomes irritated, it can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement, often affecting daily activities. Understanding bursitis — its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention — is crucial for managing the condition effectively and improving joint health.

Bursitis Infographic – Joint Pain, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

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What is Bursitis?

Bursitis occurs when the protective bursae become inflamed due to repetitive movement, injury, infection, or underlying health conditions. These sacs reduce friction in joints like the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel.

• Acute bursitis: Short-term, often caused by sudden injury

• Chronic bursitis: Long-term, due to repetitive stress or underlying medical conditions

Untreated bursitis can lead to persistent pain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility, making early detection and management essential.

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Anatomy of Bursae

A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning between:

• Bone and tendon

• Bone and muscle

• Bone and skin

They are lined with a synovial membrane that produces fluid for smooth movement. Inflammation can occur in any bursa, but some joints are more commonly affected:

• Shoulder (subacromial bursa)

• Elbow (olecranon bursa)

• Hip (trochanteric bursa)

• Knee (prepatellar bursa)

• Heel (retrocalcaneal bursa)

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Types of Bursitis

Bursitis is categorized based on the joint affected:

1. Shoulder Bursitis

• Often caused by repetitive overhead activity or rotator cuff injuries

• Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm, tenderness, swelling

2. Elbow Bursitis

• Known as olecranon bursitis, caused by resting elbows on hard surfaces or trauma

• Symptoms: Swelling, warmth, and tenderness over the elbow

3. Hip Bursitis

• Common in runners, cyclists, or people with uneven gait

• Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the hip, worsening when lying on the affected side

4. Knee Bursitis

• Often affects the prepatellar bursa from kneeling or injury

• Symptoms: Swelling over the kneecap, stiffness, and difficulty bending the knee

5. Heel Bursitis

• Known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, often from tight shoes or repetitive running

• Symptoms: Pain behind the heel, swelling, tenderness

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Causes of Bursitis

Several factors can trigger bursitis:

1. Repetitive Motion or Overuse

• Frequent repetitive movements, like lifting, kneeling, or throwing, irritate bursae

• Most common in athletes and labor-intensive occupations

2. Direct Trauma

• A fall, bump, or blow can cause acute bursitis

• Often affects superficial bursae like elbow or knee

3. Infection (Septic Bursitis)

• Occurs when bacteria enter the bursa, usually through a cut or scrape

• Symptoms: Redness, warmth, swelling, fever

• Requires immediate medical attention

4. Medical Conditions

• Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes increase bursitis risk

• Age-related changes can reduce joint cushioning and make bursae more vulnerable

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Risk Factors

• Age: Bursae become less resilient with age

• Occupation: Jobs involving repetitive motion (carpentry, plumbing, gardening)

• Sports: Baseball, tennis, running, and cycling

• Obesity: Extra stress on joints

• Underlying illnesses: Diabetes, arthritis, or infection susceptibility

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Symptoms of Bursitis

Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the affected joint, often worsening with movement

• Swelling and tenderness over the bursa

• Redness or warmth in infected bursitis

• Stiffness and limited range of motion

• In severe cases, fever and malaise if infection is present

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Complications

If left untreated, bursitis can lead to:

• Chronic pain and reduced mobility

• Joint stiffness affecting daily activities

• Septic bursitis, which can spread infection to surrounding tissues

• Recurring bursitis if the underlying cause is not addressed

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Diagnosis of Bursitis

Diagnosis typically involves:

1. Physical Examination

• Checking swelling, tenderness, warmth, and range of motion

• Identifying the most affected bursa

2. Imaging Tests

• X-ray: To rule out bone fractures

• Ultrasound: Detects fluid accumulation in the bursa

• MRI: Detailed view of soft tissues and chronic bursitis

3. Laboratory Tests

• Blood tests to check for infections or inflammation markers

• Fluid aspiration from the bursa (if infection is suspected)

For more info, see Mayo Clinic – Bursitis.

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Treatment of Bursitis

Treatment depends on severity, location, and cause:

1. Home Care and Lifestyle Adjustments

• Resting the affected joint

• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling

• Avoiding activities that aggravate pain

2. Medications

• NSAIDs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation

• Topical anti-inflammatory creams

• Antibiotics for septic bursitis

3. Physical Therapy

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Improving joint stability and preventing recurrence

4. Corticosteroid Injections

• Reduce inflammation in persistent cases

• Usually done under medical supervision

5. Surgical Intervention

• Rarely needed, only if chronic bursitis does not respond to other treatments

• Involves removing inflamed bursa or draining infection

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Prevention & Lifestyle Tips

• Avoid repetitive stress on joints

• Use proper ergonomics and supportive equipment

• Warm-up and stretch before sports or exercise

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint pressure

• Wear protective gear for high-risk activities

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Frequently asked Questions

1. What is bursitis?
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, causing pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints like shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or heel.

2. What causes bursitis?
Repetitive movements, trauma, infection, and medical conditions such as arthritis or gout can trigger bursitis.

3. How is bursitis treated?
Treatment includes rest, ice, NSAIDs, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery in severe or chronic cases.

4. Can bursitis go away on its own?
Mild bursitis often improves with rest and home care, but chronic or septic bursitis requires medical treatment.

5. How can I prevent bursitis?
Avoid repetitive stress, use proper ergonomics, stretch before activities, maintain healthy weight, and protect joints from injury.

About the Author

Asma Safdar is a licensed pharmacist and health content writer dedicated to sharing evidence-based information on diseases, symptoms, prevention, and healthy lifestyle practices. She writes in simple, clear language to help readers make informed health decisions. The content on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. The author, a licensed healthcare professional, aims to provide accurate and evidence-based information. Readers should consult a doctor for diagnosis and personalized treatment.