What is bursitis?
Bursitis is a condition where the fluid-filled sac, or bursa, that cushions and protects a joint becomes swollen and irritated. The job of a bursa is to keep your joints moving smoothly, but sudden injury, overuse or repetitive motions can irritate the bursa, causing bursitis.
Even something as simple as leaning on hard surfaces for a long time, gardening or washing the kitchen floor can cause bursitis. The pain from bursitis can develop suddenly or build up over time.
Types of bursitis
Bursae act as padding between your bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons. You can develop bursitis wherever you have swelling or inflammation in a bursa.
One type of bursitis, septic bursitis, occurs due to a bacterial infection. However, many types develop as a result of overuse. Commonly affected joints include:
- Elbows (olecranon bursitis)
- Hips (trochanteric bursitis)
- Knees (prepatellar bursitis)
- Shoulders (subacromial bursitis)
- Feet, especially in the Achilles tendon, heel or big toe.
Bursitis symptoms
Pain, swelling and lack of mobility in the joint are the most common symptoms of bursitis. If an infection is causing your bursitis, you may have other symptoms, including discoloration or redness of the skin around the affected joint, a feeling of warmth or heat in the joint area, fever and/or chills.
Common symptoms of bursitis include:
- Pain and discomfort, especially when you move the affected joint
- Limited mobility or range of motion in your affected joint area
- Swelling of the joint
When to see a doctor
If your bursitis causes discomfort that interferes with your day-to-day activities and doesn’t get better with over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s time to see your doctor. Your doctor should also know if you suddenly can’t move your joint, notice redness or swelling in the joint area, have a fever, or you’re experiencing sharp or shooting pain when you exercise.
What causes bursitis?
Bursitis is most commonly caused by repetitive motions or positions that put pressure on the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints. Common examples include throwing a baseball, repeatedly lifting objects overhead, leaning on your elbows for extended periods, or prolonged kneeling during tasks like laying carpet or scrubbing floors.
Poor posture, joint misalignment (due to leg length differences, bone spurs, or arthritis), and overuse are also common factors. In some cases, bursitis may result from injury, trauma, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, or even infection.
Bursitis risk factors
Bursitis is commonly associated with repetitive activities and jobs that require pressure on certain joints. If you participate in those activities or jobs, you have an increased risk of bursitis. However, bursitis can affect anyone. You may be at greater risk due to:
Age
Bursitis can affect people of all ages, but your risk may increase with age and age-related conditions, such as arthritis.
Medical conditions
Having a condition that causes bursitis, such as arthritis, can increase your risk. Conditions that increase your risk of infections, such as diabetes and HIV, can increase your risk for septic bursitis.
Obesity
Excess weight can strain bursae, increasing your risk for bursitis.
Occupations and hobbies
Activities that require repetitive motions and pressure can lead to bursitis. Painters, carpenters and mechanics are at higher risk, as are athletes who play baseball, tennis and golf. Gardening, painting and playing a musical instrument can also increase your risk.
Sex
Men and women are equally at risk for bursitis, but they are more likely to develop certain types. For example, men are more likely to develop elbow bursitis, while women are more likely to develop hip bursitis.
How is bursitis diagnosed?
Bursitis is diagnosed through a physical exam, a review of your medical history, and sometimes additional tests to confirm the condition or rule out other causes of your pain and swelling.
Getting a proper diagnosis is key to managing bursitis and relieving your symptoms. If you're dealing with ongoing joint pain or swelling, your doctor can help identify the cause and suggest the best treatment options to get you feeling better.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will review your medical history to see if you have underlying conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. They’ll also ask about the history of your symptoms, including when they started, if they have gotten worse over time, if your job or daily life requires repetitive motions and whether they get worse with certain activities.
During your physical exam, your doctor will feel your joint to see if touching it causes pain, whether the skin around the joint feels warm and whether your joint feels swollen. They may also test its range of motion by moving it in different directions and asking you to do the same. They may diagnose your condition based on which movements cause the most discomfort or seem to be the most difficult.
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Imaging and tests
After the physical exam, your doctor may order tests to learn more information about your condition, such as its cause. They may also need to rule out other conditions that cause symptoms similar to bursitis. Those tests include:
- Blood tests: Your doctor might order blood tests to check for an infection, which causes septic bursitis or systemic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Joint aspiration: If an infection is suspected, your provider may use a needle to withdraw fluid from the bursa for analysis. This procedure helps determine if bacteria or crystals, such as those found in gout, are causing the inflammation.
- X-ray: An X-ray can help your doctor see if you have a fracture or identify other potential causes of pain and swelling.
- Ultrasound or MRI scan: These imaging tests show soft tissues and can help your doctor see infections and inflamed bursae.
Bursitis treatment
Most cases of bursitis will heal on their own without intense medical treatment. Generally, doctors recommend resting your joint and avoiding activities that aggravate your bursitis. They may combine those treatments with physical therapy. Surgery is rarely needed, but your doctor may recommend surgical removal of a bursa if your symptoms don’t improve with rest, lifestyle changes and physical therapy.
RICE therapy
One common treatment for bursitis is the RICE method, or rest, ice, compression and elevation.
- Rest: Rest the affected joint and avoid activities that put pressure on it.
- Ice: Place an ice pack on the injured joint for about 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Compression: Depending on the joint with bursitis, a brace or wrap may help reduce pain and swelling.
- Elevation: Elevating your joint can also reduce pain and swelling.
Lifestyle changes
Using proper posture or ergonomics can help reduce symptoms and prevent bursitis from coming back. Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks to give your body and joints a rest.
You can also make other lifestyle changes based on the joint that’s affected, such as:
- Avoiding standing for long periods of time
- Losing weight if you are obese
- Using cushions or padding if you have to lean or kneel on hard surfaces
- Wearing appropriate, well-fitting footwear
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can teach you exercises and stretches that improve your joints’ flexibility and range of motion. Some types of bursitis are related to muscle imbalances, and a physical therapist can help you strengthen the muscles around the affected joint to reduce those imbalances. They can also teach you better ways to perform movements that can cause bursitis.
Medication
Medications can help treat bursitis or manage swelling and inflammation. Your doctor may recommend:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can treat a bacterial infection causing septic bursitis. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have signs of infection, including fever, chills, redness or swelling in the joint area.
- Pain-relievers: Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, reduce inflammation in your muscles and joints and help relieve your pain. Your doctor can prescribe stronger pain medications if these don’t provide enough relief.
- Corticosteroid injections: Your doctor can inject cortisone, a steroid that reduces swelling, directly into your joint to relieve pain. Steroid injections are typically used only when other treatments haven’t helped your symptoms and your bursitis isn’t related to an infection.
Surgery
Surgery for bursitis is rare and usually only recommended if other treatments haven’t worked. Removing the inflamed bursa or draining fluid in severe cases may help relieve pain and restore movement. Sometimes, additional steps like repairing torn tendons or muscles or removing bone spurs might also be needed.
A bursectomy is an outpatient surgery, so you can go home the same day. The surgery is done under anesthesia to ensure your comfort, with a small incision to access and treat the affected area. Your doctor will provide detailed recovery instructions to help you heal and get back to your normal activities.
Locations
If you’re living with bursitis, we offer several locations for your care, including specialty orthopedic centers in North and Central Texas.
Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic
600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center - Dallas
3410 Worth St , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin Downtown
200 E Cesar Chavez St Ste G140, Austin, TX, 78701
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin North Burnet
2608 Brockton Dr , Austin, TX, 78758
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin Oak Hill
5251 US 290 , Austin, TX, 78735
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Buda Medical Center
5330 Overpass Rd Ste 100, Buda, TX, 78610
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park
910 E Whitestone Blvd , Cedar Park, TX, 78613
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station University Drive
1700 University Dr E , College Station, TX, 77840
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Georgetown
4945 Williams Dr , Georgetown, TX, 78633
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Building 2, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 300 University
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Taylor
403 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Greater Dallas Orthopaedics
12230 Coit Rd Ste 100, Dallas, TX, 75251
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Greater Dallas Orthopaedics - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 630, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Greater Dallas Orthopaedics - Worth Street
3409 Worth St Ste 540, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Orthopedic Trauma - Waco
140 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Second Floor, Waco, TX, 76712
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Hip Preservation Center - McKinney
5220 W University Dr Ste 220, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
5245 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda
5330 Overpass Rd , Buda, TX, 78610
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls
810 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Trophy Club
2850 E State Highway 114 , Trophy Club, TX, 76262
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Uptown
2727 E Lemmon Ave , Dallas, TX, 75204
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Dallas
3409 Worth St Ste 300, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 230, Grapevine, TX, 76051
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 220, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital - Arlington
707 Highlander Blvd , Arlington, TX, 76015
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas
3900 Junius St Ste 500, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
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How long does bursitis last?
Bursitis often improves with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relief within a few weeks. However, it can last longer if untreated or aggravated. If symptoms persist, are severe, or limit movement, or if infection is suspected, talk to your medical provider for proper care.
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Does bursitis cause sciatica?
Bursitis doesn’t cause sciatica, but if it affects your hip, it sometimes can be mistaken for sciatica.
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What kind of doctor treats bursitis?
A primary care doctor can treat bursitis. If necessary, they may refer you to a specialist, like a rheumatologist for joint issues, an orthopedic surgeon for muscle or bone concerns, or a physical therapist to help improve movement and strength.
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What causes bursitis to flare up?
Bursitis can flare up from repetitive activities, prolonged pressure on joints, such as kneeling or leaning on your elbows, or overuse. It can also be triggered by injuries, poor posture, muscle imbalances, or conditions like arthritis or gout that affect the bursa around your joints.
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Is bursitis a form of arthritis?
No, bursitis is not a form of arthritis. While both can cause joint pain and swelling, bursitis affects the fluid-filled sacs around your joints, usually from overuse or injury, and is often temporary. Arthritis, on the other hand, involves long-term damage to the cartilage and bones in your joints.
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Does bursitis go away?
Bursitis usually improves with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers in a few weeks. However, flare-ups can occur. Seeing a medical provider is a good idea if the discomfort is severe, lasts too long or affects your daily activities. Physical therapy may help prevent it from coming back.
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Is bursitis painful?
Yes, bursitis can be painful. It happens when the small sacs of fluid that cushion your joints become inflamed, causing pain, swelling and tenderness. The pain can feel sharp, throbbing or dull, and may get worse with movement or pressure on the affected area.
Expert advice from our blog
Scrubbing In® is a place where hands-on healthcare discussions are happening every day with the people whose own hands are on the front lines of patient care—the doctors, nurses and medical staff who are saving lives and advancing medicine.How we reviewed this page
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March 07, 2025
No Date
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Medically reviewed by:
Eitan Ingall, MD