Bursitis

Overview

Bursitis is a condition where the small, fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) that cushion your bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints become swollen and painful. Think of them as little pillows that help parts of your body glide smoothly. When they get irritated, they swell, which can make movement hurt.

Yes, bursitis is quite common. Many people experience it at some point, especially if they do repetitive activities or put prolonged pressure on a joint.

It can affect anyone, but it is more likely in adults over 40, people with physically demanding jobs or hobbies, athletes, and those with certain health conditions like diabetes or arthritis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain and tenderness around a joint, especially when you press on it or move it.
• Swelling that may feel spongy or like a soft lump.
• Warmth or redness over the joint.
• Stiffness that makes it hard to move the joint fully.
• Pain that gets worse at night or when lying on the affected area.

Symptoms in children

• Children can get bursitis, especially from overuse in sports.
• They may complain of pain when moving a joint, like the knee or elbow.
• Swelling may be more obvious than pain in younger children.
• If a child refuses to use an arm or leg, or has a fever, seek medical care soon.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may feel pain or stiffness that they mistake for regular arthritis.
• Reduced mobility and weaker muscles can make bursitis more likely.
• Serious infections can develop more quickly, so watch for fever or red, hot skin.
• Falls or bumps that might seem minor can still cause bursitis in older age.

Causes

Main causes

• Repetitive motions that overuse a joint, like throwing, lifting, kneeling, or gardening.
• Prolonged pressure on a joint, like kneeling on hard floors or leaning on elbows.
• A direct injury or bump to a joint.
• An infection in the bursa, often from a cut or scratch nearby.
• Other conditions like gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid problems that increase risk.

Risk factors

• Jobs that involve kneeling, squatting, or repetitive arm movements (e.g., gardeners, roofers, carpenters).
• Sports like running, tennis, or baseball that repeat the same motion.
• Being overweight or obese, which puts extra pressure on joints.
• Age over 40, as bursae become less flexible.
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
• Poor posture or muscle weakness around a joint.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have severe pain or swelling that makes it impossible to use the joint.
• The joint is red, hot, or you have a fever — this could mean an infection.
• You recently had a cut or bite near the joint and now it hurts.
• You have diabetes or a weak immune system and develop joint pain with swelling.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Pain lasts longer than two weeks despite rest and home care.
• Swelling keeps getting worse or does not go down.
• You keep getting the same bursitis again and again.
• You are unsure what is causing the pain.

Diagnosis

A doctor will usually diagnose bursitis by asking about your symptoms, activity, and health history, then gently examining the joint. They will look for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.

Tests that may be done

• No test is usually needed for typical bursitis.
• An ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show swollen bursae if the diagnosis is unclear.
• If infection is suspected, the doctor may draw fluid from the swollen area with a needle to send to a lab.

What to expect at your appointment

The visit is usually quick. The doctor will ask about your daily activities and any recent injuries. They may press around the joint to find the exact spot that hurts. You might have a blood test or imaging, but often you can be treated without extra tests.

Treatment

Treatment for bursitis focuses on reducing pain and swelling, and then slowly returning to normal activity. Most cases improve with home care and rest, but a doctor can offer extra help if needed.

Self-care at home

• Rest the joint and avoid movements that cause pain.
• Apply an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) for 10–15 minutes several times a day.
• Elevate the affected joint when possible to help reduce swelling.
• Use a cushion or pad when kneeling or leaning on hard surfaces.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you have other health conditions.

Medical treatments

If home care is not enough, a doctor may suggest physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion. They might also drain extra fluid from the bursa with a needle. For more stubborn or painful cases, a corticosteroid injection can reduce inflammation. If there is an infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. Always follow your doctor's advice and ask questions about any treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for bursitis. It might be considered if the bursa is chronically infected and does not respond to treatment, or if repeated episodes severely affect your quality of life.

Living with this condition

While recovering, you can still do light activities that do not hurt. Avoid the movement that caused the problem. Use supportive shoes, cushions, or ergonomic tools to protect the joint. Go back to heavier activities gradually, and stop if pain returns.

Lifestyle tips

• Take frequent breaks during repetitive tasks.
• Use padded mats for kneeling or elbow supports for leaning.
• Adjust your workstation, chair, or keyboard so your joints are not bent unnaturally.
• Warm up before exercise and cool down after.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep your body strong. Regular, gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling can improve joint health without stressing the bursae. Strengthening the muscles around the joint helps protect it.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with ongoing pain can be frustrating and may affect your mood, sleep, or motivation. It is normal to feel down when pain limits your daily life. Be kind to yourself, set small goals, and talk to your doctor if you feel anxious or depressed.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of bursitis by avoiding repeated stress or long pressure on joints. Warm up before exercise, use proper form, and increase activity gradually. If your job involves kneeling or repetitive motions, use knee pads and take regular breaks.

Complications

If left untreated

• The condition may last longer and become harder to treat.
• Chronic bursitis can lead to weakness or muscle loss in the affected limb.
• An infected bursa can spread infection into the bloodstream or bone, which is serious.
• Stiffness may develop if you stop moving the joint for a long time.

Long-term outlook

With proper care, most people with bursitis feel better within a few weeks to a couple of months. The outlook is very good, especially if you start treatment early and avoid the activities that caused it. Even if it returns, you can usually manage it well with simple strategies.

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