Bursitis: Fast Facts, Symptoms, and What Helps

Bursitis happens when small fluid-filled sacs called bursae get inflamed. These sacs sit near joints to reduce friction. When they swell, you get pain, stiffness, and trouble moving the joint. Common spots are the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. Bursitis can be sudden or come on slowly.

Symptoms often include sharp pain with movement, swelling, warmth, and reduced range of motion. Pain can be worse at night or when you press the area. If you have fever, severe redness, or spreading warmth, that could mean an infection — see a doctor fast.

Most bursitis cases come from repetitive movement or too much pressure on a joint — think painting a ceiling, leaning on elbows at a desk, or long runs. Direct injury and arthritis can trigger bursae to flare. Sometimes bacteria cause septic bursitis, which needs antibiotics.

How Doctors Diagnose Bursitis

A doctor will check your history and move your joint to reproduce pain. They may use ultrasound or an X-ray to rule out other problems like a tendon tear or bone issue. If infection is suspected, the doctor can remove fluid from the bursa with a needle to test it. Lab tests guide the right treatment.

Treatment: What Works at Home and When to Seek Help

Start with rest and stop the activity that caused the pain. Ice the area 15–20 minutes every few hours for the first 48–72 hours. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen can ease pain and swelling — follow the label and your doctor’s advice. Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises help once pain calms down.

If symptoms are stubborn, doctors may inject a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation or prescribe physical therapy to fix movement patterns. In septic cases you’ll need antibiotics; some infections require hospital care. Rarely, surgery removes the bursa when other treatments fail.

Prevent flare-ups by changing how you move: use padding, take frequent breaks, and build strength around the joint. Warm up before sports and use proper tools to avoid awkward positions. Losing excess weight reduces joint stress.

Watch for warning signs: fever, intense swelling, rapidly worsening pain, or loss of feeling or movement. Also see a doctor if symptoms don’t improve after two weeks of conservative care. Early treatment usually keeps things simple and short-lived.

If you want specific tips for your shoulder or knee, tell me where it hurts and what you do that triggers it. I can suggest stretches, strengthening moves, and when to get medical help.

Try these simple moves once pain allows: wall push-ups for shoulder stability (2 sets of 10), straight-leg raises for hip support (3 sets of 8), and slow calf stretches for ankle bursitis (hold 20–30 seconds). Start gently and stop if pain spikes. Keep a pain diary — note activities that make it worse and what helps. Bring that diary to your appointment; it speeds up diagnosis.

Want tailored stretches or a doctor-visit checklist? Tell me your age, activity level, and where it hurts — I’ll make a safe plan you can use.