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Home Blog Bursitis: Types, Treatment & Prevention Guide
Created At: Oct 24, 2025 Updated At: Oct 24, 2025
Author: Dr. Garima Bishwas
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What is bursitis?

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa — a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between your bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. When this sac becomes irritated or swollen, it leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness, commonly around the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee.

The meaning of bursitis comes from the Latin word bursa, meaning “purse” or “sac.” When inflamed, this sac loses its ability to reduce friction smoothly, resulting in joint pain and discomfort during movement.

In simple terms, bursitis is your body’s way of saying, “You’re overusing this joint — it needs a break.”

Types of Bursitis

Bursitis can affect any joint with a bursa, but certain areas are more prone to inflammation. Below are the main types of bursitis, their common symptoms, and affected joints:

  • Shoulder Bursitis (Subacromial Bursitis):

Inflammation under the shoulder bone causes pain when lifting or rotating the arm. Common in swimmers, painters, and athletes.

  • Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis):

 Swelling at the tip of the elbow, often from leaning on hard surfaces or direct injury. Also called “student’s elbow.”

  • Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis):

Pain on the outer side of the hip, especially while lying on the affected side or climbing stairs. Common among runners and women over 40.

  • Knee Bursitis (Prepatellar Bursitis):

          Swelling in front of the kneecap, also known as “housemaid’s knee.” Often seen in       people who kneel frequently.

  • Heel Bursitis (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis):

 Pain behind the heel, near the Achilles tendon. Frequently affects runners or those wearing tight shoes.

Each of these types of bursitis requires specific management strategies, though the underlying cause — inflammation of the bursa — remains consistent.

Causes of Bursitis

The causes of bursitis vary, but most cases stem from repetitive strain or pressure on a joint. Below are the most common triggers:

  • Repetitive motion or overuse: Activities like throwing, kneeling, or lifting can overwork the bursa.

  • Prolonged pressure on joints: leaning on elbows or kneeling for extended periods.

  • Injury or trauma: A direct hit to a joint can inflame or irritate the bursa.

  • Infection (Septic bursitis): Bacteria entering the bursa through a wound can cause infection, especially in the elbow or knee.

  • Underlying conditions: Diseases such as arthritis, gout, or diabetes increase the risk of developing bursitis.

These factors create a repetitive strain injury that, over time, leads to joint inflammation and pain.

Symptoms of Bursitis

Recognizing bursitis symptoms early can help you manage pain before it worsens. Typical signs include:

  • Localized joint pain – Usually around the affected joint, worsening with movement or pressure.

  • Swelling and tenderness – The area may appear puffy or swollen.

  • Warmth or redness – A sign of inflammation or possible infection.

  • Restricted movement – Pain limits flexibility and joint mobility.

  • Pain aggravated by activity – Discomfort increases when performing repetitive motions or pressing on the joint.

If you notice persistent joint swelling and stiffness, seek medical advice to confirm the diagnosis and rule out infection.

Bursitis Diagnosis

The diagnosis of bursitis typically involves both physical and imaging assessments. Doctors follow a structured approach to confirm the condition:

  • Physical Examination:
    The physician checks for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion around the joint.

  • Medical History Review:
    Questions about your daily activities, occupation, and previous injuries help pinpoint the cause.

  • Imaging Tests:

    • X-ray: Helps rule out other conditions such as arthritis or fractures.

    • Ultrasound or MRI for bursitis: Detects fluid buildup and inflammation in soft tissues.

  • Fluid Analysis:
    If infection is suspected, the doctor may draw fluid from the bursa to check for bacteria — confirming septic bursitis.

A correct bursitis test ensures proper treatment and faster recovery.

Treatment for Bursitis

The good news? Bursitis treatment is usually simple and effective. Most cases resolve with rest and non-invasive therapies.

1. Home Remedies for Bursitis

  • Rest and avoid overuse: Give the affected joint time to heal.

  • Ice compress: Apply for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily to reduce swelling.

  • Elevation: Keep the joint raised to minimize fluid buildup.

  • Gentle stretching: Helps maintain flexibility without straining the joint.

2. Medical Treatments

If home care isn’t enough, doctors may recommend these medical options:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen or naproxen reduce pain and inflammation.

  • Corticosteroid injections: Provide fast, targeted relief in severe cases.

  • Antibiotics: Required for septic bursitis caused by infection.

  • Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles around the affected joint, improving support and mobility.

  • Surgery: Rarely needed but may be performed for chronic bursitis or recurring cases.

Physiotherapy plays a critical role in long-term management by correcting movement patterns and restoring full joint function.

Bursitis Prevention Tips

Preventing bursitis is all about protecting your joints from stress and repetitive pressure. Follow these bursitis prevention tips to keep your joints healthy:

  • Warm up before exercise: Gentle stretches prepare the muscles and joints.

  • Maintain joint flexibility: Regular movement keeps bursa sacs lubricated.

  • Use padding or support: Knee and elbow pads help if your job involves kneeling or leaning.

  • Avoid repetitive strain: Vary your activities and take frequent breaks.

  • Maintain a healthy body weight: Reduces pressure on hips and knees.

These ergonomic tips not only prevent bursitis but also protect against other musculoskeletal injuries.

When to See a Doctor for Bursitis

While mild bursitis can improve with rest, some signs indicate you need professional help. Consult a doctor for bursitis if:

  • Pain persists for more than a few days despite rest.

  • You notice redness, warmth, or fever (signs of infection).

  • Joint mobility is severely restricted, or pain interferes with daily activities.

Ignoring symptoms can lead to chronic bursitis or infection spreading to nearby tissues.

Conclusion

Bursitis may sound intimidating, but it’s one of the most manageable joint conditions when treated early. With rest, ice therapy, physiotherapy, and posture correction, most people recover completely and return to normal activities within a few weeks.

The key to long-term relief lies in bursitis prevention — staying active, maintaining flexibility, and avoiding repetitive stress on your joints.

Whether you’re an athlete, a desk worker, or someone recovering from injury, listening to your body and protecting your joints can keep bursitis — and the pain that comes with it — far away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory treatment help reduce swelling quickly. Physiotherapy ensures long-term recovery.

Yes, mild cases often heal with rest and self-care within 2–3 weeks.

Shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee bursitis are the most frequent.

Usually not, but if untreated, it can lead to chronic pain or infection.

Avoid repetitive motions, use joint padding, and strengthen supporting muscles through regular physiotherapy exercises.

Repetitive stress or overuse of a joint is the leading cause.

The shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee joints are most vulnerable.

Yes, minor cases may resolve naturally, but persistent pain should be evaluated.

Usually 2–6 weeks, depending on the severity and adherence to treatment

No. Arthritis affects the joint itself, while bursitis affects the cushioning bursa around it.

Pain, tenderness, and swelling around a joint after repetitive activity.

With proper treatment and prevention strategies, bursitis can be fully cured and recurrence prevented.

Overexertion can aggravate it, but gentle stretching and guided physiotherapy aid recovery.

Anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, turmeric, and leafy greens can help.

Limit processed foods, refined sugars, and red meat to reduce inflammation.

Yes, these may indicate infection — consult a doctor immediately.

Apply ice, rest the joint, and use NSAIDs for short-term pain relief.

Avoid lying on the affected joint; use supportive pillows for comfort.

Through physical exams, medical history, and imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI.

It can become chronic, limiting mobility and causing persistent pain.

Ice reduces inflammation during the acute phase; heat relaxes muscles later in recovery.

Yes, gentle massage can improve circulation and reduce stiffness when performed by a physiotherapist.

Rest, ice therapy, turmeric supplements, and gentle stretching are effective natural approaches.

No, but similar repetitive strain can cause bursitis in other joints over time.

Yes, due to repetitive joint use in sports like tennis, running, and swimming.
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