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Bursitis
Mild
Bursitis is inflammation or irritation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions tissues around joints and reduces friction during movement. It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or heel. Repetitive movement, prolonged pressure, injury, infection, or inflammatory conditions may contribute. Symptoms usually include localized pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort with movement or pressure. Treatment depends on the cause and may include activity modification, physical therapy, medicines, drainage, or treatment of an underlying condition.
Body System
Bones & Joints
When to Seek Medical Attention
Bursitis is usually not an emergency and often improves with appropriate care. Seek medical assessment if pain or swelling persists, recurs, or worsens despite treatment. Prompt evaluation is important when a bursa becomes very red, hot, increasingly painful, or is accompanied by fever because infection may be present.
Symptoms
2
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Bursitis is inflammation or irritation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions tissues around joints and reduces friction during movement. It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or heel. Repetitive movement, prolonged pressure, injury, infection, or inflammatory conditions may contribute. Symptoms usually include localized pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort with movement or pressure. Treatment depends on the cause and may include activity modification, physical therapy, medicines, drainage, or treatment of an underlying condition.
Symptoms 2
Back Pain
Bone Pain
Causes 2
Bursitis can result from repeated pressure, friction, or movement involving a joint. Activities that require frequent kneeling, leaning on the elbows, throwing, lifting, or repetitive shoulder movements can irritate a bursa. Direct trauma can also cause inflammation. Bursae may become inflamed in people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. In some cases, bacteria enter a bursa and cause septic bursitis, which requires prompt medical treatment. The underlying cause determines the appropriate treatment approach.
Chronic Disease
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk factors for bursitis include repetitive joint movements, prolonged pressure on a joint, occupations or sports involving repetitive activity, direct trauma, increasing age, and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Infection can cause septic bursitis, particularly when bacteria enter through damaged skin. Previous bursitis may increase the likelihood of recurrence if the activity or underlying condition continues. Proper technique, gradual conditioning, and protection from repeated pressure may reduce some risks.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Bursitis is usually diagnosed through history and physical examination. The location of pain, tenderness, swelling, movement-related symptoms, and recent activities help identify the affected bursa. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain or another injury is suspected. If the bursa is significantly swollen or infection is suspected, fluid may be removed with a needle for laboratory analysis. Fever, redness, warmth, or rapidly increasing swelling can suggest septic bursitis.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Bursitis risk can sometimes be reduced by avoiding prolonged pressure on joints, using protective padding when kneeling or leaning, taking breaks during repetitive activities, and gradually increasing exercise intensity
Proper technique and conditioning can reduce excessive stress on joints and surrounding tissues
Treating underlying inflammatory diseases may also reduce recurrence
Cuts or skin infections near a bursa should be managed appropriately because bacteria can enter the bursa
Persistent swelling, warmth, redness, or fever should be evaluated promptly
Prevention Guidance
Bursitis risk can sometimes be reduced by avoiding prolonged pressure on joints, using protective padding when kneeling or leaning, taking breaks during repetitive activities, and gradually increasing exercise intensity. Proper technique and conditioning can reduce excessive stress on joints and surrounding tissues. Treating underlying inflammatory diseases may also reduce recurrence. Cuts or skin infections near a bursa should be managed appropriately because bacteria can enter the bursa. Persistent swelling, warmth, redness, or fever should be evaluated promptly.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Omega-3 Foods
Support joint health
Fresh Fruits
Support healing
Vegetables
Provide nutrients
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May worsen inflammation
Processed Foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around joints.
Overuse, injury, or infection may cause it.
Shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
Yes, rest may reduce symptoms.
Yes, repeated strain may cause recurrence.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.