Medically reviewed by Holly McCain. Last updated on May 2, 2025
General Illness Information
Common Name:
BURSITIS
Medical Term: None Specified
Description: Inflammation of a bursa is known as bursitis and causes pain in the affected area.
A bursa is a soft fluid-filled sac that serves as a cushion between tendons and bones. They are located at sites of friction, especially where tendons or muscles pass over a bone, mostly near joints. A bursa normally contains very little fluid. However, when injured, it gets inflammed and fills up with fluid. Bursas most commonly affected are: elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, or the heel (near Achilles tendon).
Causes: The causes of bursitis are frequently unknown.
Possible causes include:
- Strenuous, unaccustomed exercise;
- Injury to a joint;
- Overuse of a joint;
- Acute or chronic infection;
- Arthritis;
- Gout;
- Calcium deposits in shoulder tendons with degeneration of the tendon.
Prevention:
- Avoid injuries or overuse of muscles whenever possible.
- Wear protective gear for contact sports.
- Appropriate warm-up and cool-down- during exercise.
- Maintain a high fitness level.
Signs & Symptoms
Pain, tenderness and limited movement in the affected area with radiation of pain into adjacent areas.
Risk Factors
Associated with:
- Vigorous and repetitive athletic training.
- Exercise or sports participants who suddenly increase their activity levels (“weekend warriors”).
- Improper preparation before exercise.
Diagnosis & Treatment
General Measures:
- Diagnosis of bursitis is considered when the area around the bursa is sore when touched and specific joint movements are painful. If the bursa is really swollen, then a sample of fluid may be extracted with a syringe and the fluid is sent to the laboratory to find out the cause of inflammation such as infection or gout. X-rays are not helpful except in cases where there is calcium deposit.
- RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation of affected joint).
- Apply ice packs to the affected area during a flare-up or after receiving injections in the joint.
- After the acute stage, continued ice treatment (until inflammation subsides) or heat application may be recommended. If you use heat, take hot showers, use a heat lamp, apply hot compresses or a heating pad, or rub in deep-heating ointment.
- Invasive therapy may include aspiration of the bursa, or surgical excision.
Medications:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs- such as naproxen, ibuprofen
- Cortisone injections (mixed with local anesthetic) into the bursa to reduce inflammation may be administered.
- Pain relievers if necessary.
Activity:
Rest the inflamed area as much as possible. If you must resume normal activity immediately, wear a sling until the pain becomes more bearable. To prevent a frozen joint (especially in the shoulder), begin normal, slow joint movement as soon as possible.
Diet:
No special diet.
Possible Complications:
Frozen joint or permanent limitation of joints’ mobility.
Prognosis
This is a common, but not a serious problem. Symptoms usually subside in 7 to 14 days with treatment. Bursitis tends to recur if the underlying cause such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or overuse is not corrected.
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