Bursitis

Bursitis is when the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that cushion the joints have become painful and swollen (inflamed). It can usually be treated at home and should go away in a few weeks.

You might have bursitis if 1 of your joints is:

  • painful – usually a dull, achy pain
  • tender or warmer than surrounding skin
  • swollen
  • more painful when you move it or press on it

The area may also be red. This can be harder to see on brown or black skin.

Bursitis can affect any joint, but it's most common in the shoulders, hips, elbows or knees.

If you have bursitis, to help bring down swelling and pain you can:

  • rest – try not to move the joint too much and avoid activities that put pressure on it
  • use ice – gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel on the area for around 10 minutes at a time and repeat every few hours during the day
  • take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to ease any pain

It may also help to put extra cushions around the affected joint while you sleep, to help protect and support it.

See a GP if:

  • your bursitis symptoms have not improved or are getting worse after treating it yourself for 1 to 2 weeks
  • you have a high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
  • you cannot move the affected joint
  • you have very severe, sharp or shooting pains in the joint

A GP will examine the affected joint to check for bursitis.

They may take a sample of fluid from the joint using a needle (aspiration).

This will be sent off to test for an infection and conditions such as gout.

The aspiration may also help your symptoms. It might be done in your GP surgery or you may be referred to the hospital.

You may also have other tests such as a blood test or a scan.

Treatments you may have for bursitis include:

  • antibiotics – usually taken for at least 7 days if bursitis is caused by an infection
  • a steroid injection given into the affected joint to reduce the swelling – this will not be done if bursitis is caused by an infection
  • taking fluid from the joint using a needle (aspiration) to ease symptoms

If bursitis is severe or keeps coming back, the inflamed bursa may need to be surgically drained or even removed (but this is rare).

Self-refer for treatment

If you have bursitis, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB
  • search online for NHS treatment for bursitis near you

There are some things you can do to help stop bursitis coming back.

Do

  • maintain a healthy weight – being overweight puts more pressure on your joints

  • clean any cuts on the joints to prevent infections

  • warm up properly before exercising and playing sport

  • use padding when putting a lot of pressure on joints (for example, when kneeling)

  • take regular breaks if you do things that put pressure on a joint, like kneeling

Don't

  • do not knock or bang your joints