Key Takeaways
- You should consider seeing a specialist for bursitis if your pain is severe, lasts longer than one to two weeks, or significantly impacts your daily activities.
- Warning signs that require a specialist's attention include sudden inability to move a joint, sharp shooting pains, excessive swelling, or fever.
- Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints.
- Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates (GPOA) provides state-of-the-art, compassionate surgical care for bursitis in PA. To get a diagnosis and start your journey to relief, schedule an appointment today.
Understanding and Treating Bursitis
Dealing with joint pain can be frustrating, especially when it starts to interfere with your everyday life. One common cause of this discomfort is bursitis, an inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs—called bursae—that cushion your joints. While many cases of bursitis can be managed at home, there are times when the pain and swelling signal the need for professional medical help.
Knowing when to seek specialized care is crucial for effective treatment and preventing long-term complications. This guide will walk you through the symptoms of bursitis, explain the differences between home care and specialist treatment, and clarify when it's time to consult an orthopedic specialist in the Pittsburgh area.
What is Bursitis?
Your body has more than 150 bursae. They act as gliding surfaces to reduce friction between tissues of the body. Bursitis occurs when these sacs become inflamed. The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow, and hip. However, you can also have bursitis by your knee, heel, and the base of your big toe.
Bursitis is often caused by repetitive motions or positions that put pressure on the bursae around a joint. Activities like throwing a baseball, leaning on your elbows for long periods, or extensive kneeling for tasks like gardening can increase your risk.
Common Symptoms of Bursitis
The symptoms of bursitis can vary depending on the location and severity of the inflammation, but they generally include:
- Achy or stiff joints
- Pain that increases with movement or pressure
- Swelling and redness around the affected area
- Limited range of motion
If you experience these symptoms, especially after a repetitive activity, bursitis could be the culprit.
Home Remedies vs. Specialist Treatment for Bursitis
Many mild cases of bursitis respond well to conservative, at-home treatments. However, persistent or severe symptoms require a more advanced approach from a medical professional.
Comparing Home Remedies and Specialist Treatment for Bursitis
Home Remedies:
- Resting the affected area to reduce irritation and allow healing.
- Applying ice packs to alleviate pain and minimize swelling.
- Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to manage discomfort.
- Gentle stretching or physical therapy to improve range of motion and prevent stiffness.
- Avoiding repetitive activities that may have contributed to the condition.
Specialist Treatment:
- Prescription medications, such as stronger anti-inflammatories or corticosteroids, for severe inflammation.
- Aspiration, a procedure where fluid is removed from the bursa to relieve pressure.
- Physical therapy guided by a professional to strengthen the surrounding muscles and prevent recurrence.
- Surgical intervention in rare cases where chronic bursitis does not respond to other treatments.
- Advanced diagnostic tools, such as imaging, to pinpoint the cause and severity of the condition.
Understanding the difference between these approaches can help guide appropriate care depending on the severity of the symptoms and individual needs.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?
Persistent joint pain should never be ignored. An orthopedic specialist can provide a definitive diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan. You should schedule an appointment with a specialist if you experience any of the following:
Your Pain is Severe or Worsening
If your joint pain is intense enough to wake you up at night or limit your ability to perform simple tasks, it’s a clear sign that you need medical attention. Pain that escalates despite rest and home treatment indicates a more serious issue that requires a professional diagnosis.
The Pain Lasts Longer Than Two Weeks
While minor aches and pains often resolve on their own, bursitis pain that lingers for more than a week or two is a red flag. Chronic inflammation can lead to further complications, including calcium deposits and permanent thickening of the bursa, which can limit your mobility for good.
You Experience Limiting Symptoms
Pay close attention to symptoms that go beyond a simple ache. These warning signs warrant an immediate visit to a specialist:
- Excessive swelling, redness, or bruising around the joint
- Sharp or shooting pains
- A fever or chills, which could signal an infection (septic bursitis)
- A sudden inability to move the affected joint
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe health problems. The specialists at Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates have the diagnostic tools to determine the exact cause of your pain and recommend the right course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a doctor diagnose bursitis?
A doctor typically diagnoses bursitis through a physical exam and a review of your medical history. They may ask about your symptoms and recent activities. In some cases, imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions. If an infection is suspected, your doctor might take a fluid sample from the bursa for testing.
What happens if bursitis is left untreated?
If left untreated, bursitis can become chronic, leading to persistent pain and limited mobility. The inflamed bursa can thicken over time, making future flare-ups more likely. In rare cases of septic bursitis, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
Can bursitis go away on its own?
Mild cases of bursitis may resolve on their own with rest and home care within one to two weeks. However, if the activity causing the bursitis is not modified or stopped, the condition is likely to return. Persistent or severe cases require medical treatment to properly heal and prevent recurrence.
What is the fastest way to heal bursitis?
The fastest way to heal bursitis is to rest the affected joint and avoid activities that cause pain. Applying ice packs can reduce inflammation and swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also help. For more severe cases, a corticosteroid injection administered by a specialist can provide rapid relief.
Find Expert Bursitis Care in Pittsburgh
Don’t let persistent joint pain control your life. Getting a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan is the most important step toward recovery. The team at Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates is here to provide the expert care you need to relieve your pain and restore your mobility.
To begin your path to recovery, schedule an appointment with our orthopedic specialists for bursitis treatment.
