Definition

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.

Alternative names

Student's elbow; Olecranon bursitis; Housemaid's knee; Prepatellar bursitis; Weaver's bottom; Ischial gluteal bursitis; Baker's cyst; Gastrocnemius - semimembranosus bursa; trochanteric bursitis; hip bursitis; septic bursitis ; elbow bursitis

Causes

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, although sometimes a cause cannot be found.

Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip, depending on where the affected joint is located. Other areas that may be affected include the area around the Achilles tendon and the foot.

Symptoms

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

Exams and tests

The health care provider will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine if the joint pain is caused by bursitis or another issue.

Tests that may be ordered include:

• Laboratory tests to check for infection
• Removing fluid from the bursa
• Analysis including culture of the fluid
• Ultrasound to examine the affected joint
• MRI to get a better look into the affected joint

Treatment

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 to relieve joint pain.
• 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 to help alleviate bursitis symptoms.
• When sleeping, do not lie on the side that has bursitis as this can increase bursitis pain.

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 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 movement in the painful area.

In rare cases, surgery with an orthopaedic surgeon is done.

Outlook (prognosis)

Some people do well with treatment. When the cause cannot be corrected, you may have long-term pain or chronic bursitis.

Possible complications

If the bursa is infected, it becomes more inflamed and painful. This often requires antibiotics or treatment from an orthopaedic surgeon.

When to contact a medical professional

Contact your provider if symptoms recur or do not improve after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, or if the pain is getting worse.

Prevention

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.

References

Biundo JJ. Bursitis, tendinitis, and other periarticular disorders and sports medicine. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 247.

Hogrefe C, Jones EM. Tendinopathy and bursitis. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, Erickson TB, Wilcox SR, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 103.

Last reviewed September 20, 2022 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.