Bursitis: Treatments for Hip, Knee, Shoulder and More

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that protect against friction between bones and other tissues. Depending on the location in the body, bursae may cushion bones from other bones, tendons, muscle or skin. Bursitis can occur in many areas of the body. It is most common in the elbows and wrists. The ankles, hips or knees may also be affected. Bursitis is caused by overuse injury or other trauma. Repetitive movements increase the risk of bursitis. Certain conditions like thyroid disease, diabetes, arthritis and infections can inflame the bursa.

Hip bursitis occurs as a result of inflammation of one of two bursae located around the hip. Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa that covers the end of the long bone of the leg (femur). It is more common than iliopsoas bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursa on the inside of the hip in the groin. In addition to the usual risk factors for bursitis, a difference in the length of the legs and spine disorders (arthritis, scoliosis and others) also increase the risk of bursitis. Hip bursitis exercises prescribed by your doctor may help strengthen your hip and lead to greater flexibility.

Knee bursitis occurs when the bursa in front of the kneecap becomes inflamed. Strain on the knees from kneeling is a common cause of knee bursitis. Direct trauma to the knee or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout also increases the risk. Sometimes a bug bite or wound introduces bacteria into the bursa, causing inflammation associated with infection. Knee bursitis symptoms may include swelling, warmth and pain with use.

Elbow bursitis is inflammation of the bursa covering the pointy part of the elbow called the olecranon. Leaning on the elbows for extended periods of time may cause elbow bursitis. Injury, infection and arthritic conditions may contribute to the condition. Elbow bursitis may cause swelling and pain. If swelling is very severe, it may impair use of the elbow joint. Will elbow bursitis go away? That depends on the underlying cause and success of treatment.

The shoulder is a complicated joint that allows for a wide range of motion. The upper arm bone (humerus) is held within the socket by muscles and tendons on the top of the shoulder known as the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff attaches the arm to the shoulder blade (scapula). A bursa cushions the space between the rotator cuff and a portion of the scapula called the acromion. Inflammation of the bursa may cause pain, swelling and stiffness. Overuse injuries due to sports like swimming and tennis may cause shoulder bursitis. Pain may occur when using the arm as well as at rest. An X-ray of shoulder bursitis may look normal or show a small bone spur, because X-rays are not designed to show soft tissue damage. An MRI or ultrasound are better for visualizing the tissues of the shoulder region.

Heel pain can be caused by a variety of reasons. Heel bursitis symptoms may involve pain behind the heel or pain beneath the heel. Pain in the back of the heel may be due to inflammation of the bursa located in the area where the heel bone connects to the Achilles tendon. This bursa is called the retrocalcaneal bursa. Overuse injury from running may cause retrocalcaneal bursitis. Ill-fitting shoes that cut into the back of the heel can also provoke the condition. This type of bursitis may be very painful and make it hard to walk and do normal activities.

Ischial bursitis is inflammation of the bursa that lies between the buttocks and the sitting bones. Sitting too long may cause ischial bursitis. Falling on the area may also provoke the condition. Once the ischial bursa is inflamed, sitting, walking, running, and climbing stairs may aggravate the condition and cause pain.

Septic bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa caused by an infection. Aseptic bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa that is caused by something other than infection, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, physical trauma, or overuse injury. The majority of cases of septic knee bursitis (80%) are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Other organisms, including fungi, streptococcus, brucella and mycobacteria may cause septic bursitis. The condition is managed by resting, draining excess fluid and administering antibiotics.

Calcific bursitis refers to calcium deposits that build up in a bursa and cause pain and inflammation. Calcific bursitis of the shoulder is the most common, but the hips, knees, wrists and elbows may also be affected. Calcific bursitis may be associated with buildup of calcium deposits in nearby tendons as well.

Bursitis can be diagnosed by a doctor based on a medical history, exam and tests. Bursitis diagnosis tests may include imaging with X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI. The doctor may order blood work or microscopic investigation of fluid drained from the affected bursa. Once the underlying cause of bursitis has been identified, the doctor can determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Treatment for bursitis depends on the underlying cause. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE) is one strategy to decrease the symptoms of bursitis. Pain and swelling may be managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If the bursa is very swollen, the doctor may drain excess fluid. Corticosteroids injected into the affected bursa are sometimes used to decrease inflammation. Who treats bursitis? A primary care doctor, rheumatologist or sports medicine doctor may recommend the use of a cane, splint, brace or other support to reduce stress on the affected joint. In some cases, physical therapy may be ordered to help strengthen the area and encourage improved mobility. Surgery may be considered in severe cases when other treatments have been ineffective.

Taking certain precautions with movement is a way to protect joints and decrease the risk of bursitis. Changing positions and taking breaks every 20 to 40 minutes helps minimize strain on any one joint. Warming up and stretching before exercise helps protect joints. Bursitis prevention exercise involves exercising regularly and building up strength, which is better than pushing oneself too hard and straining joints that have not yet had the chance to adapt to increased amounts of activity. Stopping activities that cause pain is also a good idea.