BursitisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Bursitis
Bursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones.
Student's elbow; Olecranon bursitis; Housemaid's knee; Prepatellar bursitis; Weaver's bottom; Ischial gluteal bursitis; Baker's cyst; Gastrocnemius - semimembranosus bursa
Bursitis is often a result of overuse. It can also be caused by a change in activity level, such as training for a marathon, or by being overweight.
Other causes include trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection. Sometimes, the cause can't be found.
Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip. Other areas that may be affected include the area around the Achilles tendon and the foot.
Symptoms of bursitis may include any of the following:
- Joint pain and tenderness when you press around the joint
- Stiffness and aching when you move the affected joint
- Swelling, warmth or redness over the joint
- Pain during movement and rest
- Pain may spread to the nearby areas
Your provider will talk to you about a treatment plan to help you resume your normal activities, including some of the following tips.
Tips to relieve bursitis pain:
- Use ice 3 to 4 times a day for the first 2 or 3 days.
- Cover the painful area with a towel, and place the ice on it for 15 minutes. Do not fall asleep while applying the ice. You can get frostbite if you leave it on too long.
- Rest the joint.
- When sleeping, do not lie on the side that has bursitis.
For bursitis around the hips, knees, or ankle:
- Try not to stand for long periods.
- Stand on a soft, cushioned surface, with equal weight on each leg.
- Placing a pillow between your knees when lying on your side can help decrease pain.
- Flat shoes that are cushioned and comfortable often help.
- If you are overweight, losing weight may also be helpful.
You should avoid activities that involve repetitive movements of any body part when possible.
Other treatments include:
- Medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Physical therapy
- Wearing a brace or splint to support the joint and help reduce inflammation
- Exercises you do at home to build strength and keep the joint mobile as pain goes away
- Removing fluid from the bursa and getting a corticosteroid shot
As the pain goes away, your provider may suggest exercises to build strength and keep mobility of movement in the painful area.
In rare cases, surgery is done.
Orthopedic Surgery Specialists - Denton
Jay Bender is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Denton, Texas. Dr. Bender is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bursitis. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.
Orthopaedic Associates Of Reading, Ltd
. Dr. Michels is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bursitis. He is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Caffey Disease, Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Michels is board certified in American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Orthopedic Physician Associates - First Hill
Dr. Jurek is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon fellowship trained in advanced shoulder surgery, arthroscopy and sports medicine. She served as a team physician for the LA Lakers, LA Galaxy and LA Sparks professional sports teams. With each and every patient interaction, she focuses on providing the highest quality of care while fostering an honest, informed relationship and dialogue. As a physician and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jurek's goal is to return her patients to their activities as safely and efficiently as possible. Dr. Jurek is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bursitis. She is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Frozen Shoulder, Bursitis, Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Jurek is board certified in American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Jurek is currently accepting new patients.
Most people do well with treatment. When the cause cannot be corrected, you may have long-term pain.
If the bursa is infected, it becomes more inflamed and painful. This often requires antibiotics or surgery.
Contact your provider if symptoms recur or do not improve after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, or if the pain is getting worse.
When possible, avoid activities that include repetitive movements of any body parts. Be aware of your posture when doing the activities. Strengthening your muscles and working on your balance may help decrease the risk of bursitis.
Summary: The purpose of this clinical study is to investigate the efficacy of losartan as an antifibrotic approach in addition to a physiotherapy program in patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder. The effects of losartan use on pain intensity, shoulder joint range of motion, functional status, and pain catastrophizing level will be evaluated and compared with the outcomes of patients participating in a ph...
Summary: Survival after breast cancer has increased due to early diagnosis and advances in treatment methods. Musculoskeletal problems related to cancer and its treatment constitute a significant part of the daily practice of physiatrists and rehabilitation specialists involved in oncological rehabilitation. Lymphedema can occur at any stage of a patient's life following breast cancer. Patients with breast...
Published Date: August 27, 2024
Published By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Biundo JJ, Canoso JJ. Bursitis, tendinopathy, other periarticular disorders, and sports medicine. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 242.
Hogrefe C, Jones EM. Tendinopathy and bursitis. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 103.