Bursitis

Bursitis is a common cause of joint pain that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It often develops gradually and can make simple movements uncomfortable or even painful. With the right diagnosis and care plan, most people find relief and return to their daily routines.

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Detailed diagram of the human knee joint with labeled structures including the patella and ligaments.

Anatomy of the joint

Joints are built to move efficiently while withstanding daily stress. Bones meet at joints and are supported by muscles, tendons and ligaments. Bursae, small fluid filled sacs, sit between these structures, reducing friction and protecting tissues during movement. Bursae are located throughout the body, including the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee and heel.

When a bursa is healthy, you're usually unaware it's even there. When it becomes inflamed, even routine activities like walking, lifting, reaching or kneeling can become painful. Because bursitis often develops over time, symptoms may start as mild soreness and gradually worsen if not addressed.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms of bursitis vary depending on the joint involved and the severity of inflammation. Common signs include:

Localized pain or tenderness near a joint
Swelling, warmth or redness in the affected area
Increased pain with movement or pressure
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Pain that worsens after activity or during rest, including at night

If symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities, evaluation by an orthopedic specialist can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Causes

Bursitis can develop suddenly or gradually, depending on the cause. Common contributing factors include:

Repetitive motion or overuse: activities that involve repeated movements, such as lifting, throwing, kneeling or running, can irritate a bursa over time
Prolonged pressure: leaning on elbows, kneeling frequently or maintaining certain positions for long periods can increase irritation
Injury or trauma: falls, direct blows or sudden joint stress may cause immediate inflammation
Age-related changes: tendons and soft tissues lose flexibility with age, increasing susceptibility to irritation
Underlying conditions: inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or infection can increase the risk of bursitis

Identifying the underlying cause is an important step in creating an effective treatment plan and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Risk factors

Several factors can make bursitis more likely to develop, though having one or more of these does not mean you'll experience it:

Participating in repetitive or high-impact activities
Jobs or hobbies that involve frequent kneeling, leaning or lifting
Getting older, as tendons and soft tissues lose flexibility over time
Having an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
A recent injury or direct blow to a joint

Diagnosis

Our orthopedic specialists take a patient-centered approach to diagnosing bursitis. Your visit begins with a discussion of your symptoms, activity level and medical history, followed by a physical examination to assess pain, swelling and joint motion.

Imaging studies may be recommended, including:

X-rays to rule out bone-related conditions such as arthritis or spurs
Ultrasound or MRI to identify inflammation, fluid buildup or surrounding soft tissue involvement

We explain your diagnosis clearly, so you understand your condition and treatment options.

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Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.

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