What Is Bursitis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What Is Bursitis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, nagging pain around a joint—especially the shoulder, hip, elbow, or knee—you might be dealing with bursitis. It’s a common but often misunderstood condition that can make even simple movements uncomfortable. 

The good news is that bursitis is highly treatable, especially when identified early. Whether you’re an active individual, a manual worker, or simply noticing joint stiffness with age, understanding bursitis is the first step toward lasting relief. 

 

What Exactly Is Bursitis? 

Inside your body are more than 150 tiny, fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These cushions sit between bones, tendons, and muscles, allowing them to glide smoothly during movement—like oil between mechanical parts. 

Bursitis occurs when one of these sacs becomes inflamed, swollen, and irritated. The inflamed bursa produces excess fluid, increasing pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves, resulting in pain, tenderness, and stiffness. 

Think of a bursa like a soft water balloon designed to reduce friction. When overfilled or inflamed, it stops gliding and starts grinding—causing discomfort with every movement.

 

Common Causes of Bursitis 

Repetitive Movement and Overuse 

Repetitive activities such as lifting, kneeling, typing, or throwing can overload certain joints, leading to micro-irritation of the bursa. This is why athletes, gardeners, and people with physically demanding jobs are more prone to bursitis. 

Direct Injury or Trauma 

A sudden bump or fall can cause a bursa to swell and fill with fluid, particularly around the knee or elbow. This type of bursitis often develops quickly and can appear visibly swollen or warm. 

Age-Related Changes 

As we age, tendons and surrounding tissues lose elasticity, placing more strain on bursae. Older adults commonly develop bursitis in the hips or shoulders due to cumulative wear and reduced resilience of soft tissues. 

Underlying Conditions 

Systemic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes increase the risk of bursitis. In these cases, inflammation is not purely mechanical—it’s biochemical, spreading through the body’s immune or metabolic systems. 

Poor Posture or Biomechanics 

Slouched sitting, improper lifting technique, or uneven gait (for example, from leg length difference) can cause continuous stress on joints and soft tissue. Over time, this misalignment irritates the bursae, especially in the shoulder and hip regions. 

 

Symptoms: How to Recognise Bursitis 

Bursitis symptoms can mimic other joint conditions, so knowing the telltale signs helps with early recognition and effective treatment. 

Localised Pain and Tenderness 

Pain usually occurs directly over the affected bursa. It may feel sharp during movement or a deep, aching soreness at rest. 

Swelling or Visible Inflammation 

The joint may appear puffy, red, or feel warm to the touch. In superficial bursae—like at the elbow or knee—the swelling may be visibly prominent. 

Reduced Mobility and Stiffness 

Movement becomes difficult, particularly when bending or pressing on the affected area. Many patients describe a “catching” sensation or stiffness that worsens after inactivity. 

Flare-Ups with Activity or Pressure 

Symptoms often worsen when lying on the affected side, leaning on elbows, or kneeling—depending on the location of the inflamed bursa. 

Bursitis vs Arthritis:

While arthritis affects the joint itself (cartilage and bone surfaces), bursitis affects the cushioning tissue around the joint. Arthritis usually causes deeper, more widespread stiffness, while bursitis pain is often localised and tender to touch. 

 

Common Sites of Bursitis 

  • Shoulder (Subacromial bursitis): Pain when lifting the arm overhead; common in painters, swimmers, and office workers. 

  • Hip (Trochanteric bursitis): Pain on the outer thigh or hip, worse when lying on one side or climbing stairs. 

  • Elbow (Olecranon bursitis): Swelling at the tip of the elbow, often called “student’s elbow.” 

  • Knee (Prepatellar bursitis): Swelling in front of the kneecap, common in people who kneel frequently—sometimes known as “housemaid’s knee.” 

  • Heel (Retrocalcaneal bursitis): Pain at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon inserts, often confused with tendonitis.  

 

Treatment Options for Bursitis 

Most bursitis cases resolve with non-surgical, conservative management, though treatment should always be guided by a qualified healthcare professional. 

Conservative Care (RICE Method) 

  • Rest: Avoid aggravating movements or repetitive strain. 

  • Ice: Apply cold packs for 10–15 minutes several times daily to reduce inflammation. 

  • Compression: Use elastic wraps or sleeves to control swelling. 

  • Elevation: Keep the affected joint raised when possible. 

These simple measures often provide quick relief during the first few days of a flare-up. 

Medications 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can ease pain and swelling. 
In more severe cases, a corticosteroid injection directly into the bursa may rapidly reduce inflammation, often performed by a pain specialist or orthopaedic doctor. 

Physiotherapy and Exercise 

Physiotherapy helps restore mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and correct posture or movement patterns contributing to bursitis. 
Gentle stretches, resistance training, and mobility work prevent stiffness and recurrence. 

Aspiration or Surgical Intervention 

If the bursa remains significantly swollen, aspiration (removing fluid with a needle) may be performed to relieve pressure and confirm diagnosis. Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered in chronic or infected cases. 

Assistive Devices 

Ergonomic aids like cushions, elbow protectors, supportive footwear, or hip braces can prevent further irritation. These are especially useful for individuals with recurring bursitis linked to occupation or sport. 

 

Prevention Tips and Home Care 

Avoid Repetitive Strain and Overuse 

Alternate tasks, use supportive equipment, and take frequent breaks during repetitive activities. 

Optimise Posture and Joint Alignment 

Maintain an upright posture when sitting or standing. Use lumbar supports at desks and adjust monitor height to avoid neck strain. 

Gradual Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs 

Always warm up before physical activity and stretch afterwards. This keeps muscles and joints supple and less prone to irritation. 

Supportive Footwear and Work Environments 

Cushioned shoes and shock-absorbing insoles help prevent lower limb bursitis. 
At work, use padded mats for standing tasks and avoid prolonged kneeling or leaning on hard surfaces. 

 

When to See a Healthcare Professional 

Seek medical advice if you experience: 

  • Severe or rapidly worsening pain 

  • Significant swelling or redness 

  • Fever or chills (possible infection) 

  • Recurrent bursitis despite rest 

  • Inability to move the joint normally 

A healthcare professional may use ultrasound or MRI to confirm bursitis and rule out other conditions such as tendon tears or arthritis. 

 

Conclusion:

Bursitis Is Treatable with the Right Approach 

Bursitis can be painful and disruptive, but it’s rarely permanent. With early intervention, proper rest, and guided rehabilitation, most people recover fully without surgery. 

Whether caused by overuse, posture, or ageing, the key is listening to your body and addressing the source of irritation. By combining medical treatment with lifestyle adjustments, you can protect your joints and return to comfortable, pain-free movement. 

 

FAQs 

1. What is the fastest way to heal bursitis? 

Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication are the quickest ways to relieve pain and swelling. In stubborn cases, a corticosteroid injection or physiotherapy can accelerate recovery. 

2. How do I know if I have bursitis or arthritis? 

Bursitis causes localised pain and tenderness around a joint, often linked to specific movement or pressure. Arthritis tends to cause deeper, more widespread stiffness that affects multiple joints. 

3. Can you treat bursitis without medication? 

Yes. Many people recover through rest, ice therapy, stretching, and posture correction alone. Physiotherapy and ergonomic changes at home or work are effective non-drug options. 

4. What causes bursitis to flare up? 

Repetitive strain, prolonged pressure, poor posture, or sudden trauma can trigger a flare-up. Cold weather and underlying inflammation (such as from arthritis or gout) may also contribute. 

5. How long does bursitis take to go away? 

With proper treatment, most cases resolve within 2 to 6 weeks. Chronic bursitis can last longer but usually responds well to physiotherapy and lifestyle modification. 

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