Key Takeaways
- Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints.
- It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, especially with repetitive motion or pressure.
- Pain, swelling, and stiffness near a joint are the most common symptoms of bursitis.
- Many cases improve with rest, ice, and activity changes, though some require medical treatment.
- Ignoring bursitis symptoms can lead to longer recovery times and repeated flare-ups.
- Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates (GPOA) specialists diagnose and treat bursitis at locations throughout the region. Request an appointment to find lasting relief for your joint pain.
1. What Bursitis Is and How It Develops
Bursitis is the painful inflammation of a bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between your bones and the surrounding tendons and muscles. According to the Mayo Clinic's overview of bursitis, these sacs act as a cushion near your joints, and irritation or overuse can cause them to become inflamed and painful.
Bursitis often develops gradually from repetitive motion, though it can also result from a direct injury, prolonged pressure on a joint, or an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
2. Common Symptoms and Affected Areas
Bursitis can occur near almost any joint, but it's most common in areas that experience frequent movement or pressure. According to Cleveland Clinic, bursitis frequently affects the:
- Shoulder: often linked to repetitive overhead motion
- Elbow: sometimes called 'student's elbow,' from leaning on hard surfaces
- Hip: causes aching pain along the outer hip
- Knee: common in jobs or activities involving frequent kneeling
Typical symptoms include:
- A dull ache or stiffness that worsens with movement
- Swelling or a visible lump near the joint
- Tenderness when pressing on the affected area
- Pain that increases with pressure or prolonged activity
3. What Increases Your Risk of Bursitis?
Certain factors make bursitis more likely to develop. Age is one of the biggest risk factors, because bursitis becomes more common as tissue naturally wears down over time. Occupations and hobbies that involve repetitive motion or sustained pressure on a joint, such as gardening, tile setting, carpet laying, or playing an instrument, also raise your risk. Underlying joint conditions, including arthritis, can make certain bursae more prone to irritation as well.
4. Bursitis Treatment Options in Pittsburgh, PA
Most cases of bursitis improve with simple, at-home care, including rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. When symptoms don't improve, or bursitis keeps coming back, GPOA's Pittsburgh orthopaedic specialists offer additional treatment options, such as:
| Approach | What It Involves |
|---|---|
| Activity modification | Adjusting or temporarily avoiding motions that irritate the joint |
| Physical therapy | Targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and joint mechanics |
| Corticosteroid injections | Steroid medicine injected at the affected bursa to reduce inflammation directly |
| Aspiration | Removes excess fluid from a swollen bursa to relieve pressure |
GPOA's general orthopaedic care team can evaluate which joint is affected and recommend the right treatment path based on your symptoms and activity level.
5. How to Help Prevent Bursitis Through Lifestyle Changes
While not every case of bursitis can be prevented, a few habits can lower your risk of developing it or having it return:
- Use kneepads or padding for activities that put pressure on your knees or elbows.
- Take breaks during repetitive tasks to give joints time to rest.
- Warm up before exercise and strengthen the muscles that support your joints.
- Maintain good posture and body mechanics during physical activity.
- Address joint pain early, rather than pushing through discomfort.
Find Relief From Bursitis Pain With GPOA
Bursitis pain can make everyday movement uncomfortable, but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people find meaningful relief. GPOA's Pittsburgh-area orthopaedic specialists have decades of experience diagnosing and treating bursitis in the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, and beyond.
Dealing with joint pain that won't go away? Request an appointment with GPOA at one of our locations throughout the Pittsburgh Metro area.
Request an Appointment with GPOA
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bursitis pain feel like?
Bursitis typically causes a dull, aching pain near a joint that worsens with movement or pressure on the area. Some people also notice swelling, stiffness, or tenderness when touching the affected spot.
What is the fastest way to relieve bursitis pain?
Resting the joint and applying ice for the first 48 hours can help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication may also provide relief, though persistent or severe bursitis should be evaluated by an orthopaedic provider.
Is bursitis the same as arthritis?
No. Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions a joint, while arthritis involves inflammation or breakdown of the joint itself. The two conditions can cause similar pain and sometimes occur together, which is why a proper evaluation is important.
How long does bursitis usually last?
Many cases of bursitis improve within a few weeks with rest and non-surgical treatment, though flare-ups can return if the underlying cause isn't addressed. Chronic or recurring bursitis may need additional treatment from an orthopaedic specialist.
Can bursitis go away on its own?
Mild bursitis can sometimes improve on its own with rest and activity changes. However, if pain persists, worsens, or keeps coming back, it's best to see an orthopaedic specialist to determine the underlying cause and prevent it from becoming a recurring problem.
