Have you ever felt pain near a joint after doing the same movement over and over? Or noticed swelling and tenderness around your elbow, hip, shoulder, or knee? You may have bursitis, a common condition that can make everyday activities uncomfortable.

What Is Bursitis?

Inside your body are small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These sacs act like cushions between your bones, muscles, and tendons. They help reduce friction and allow your joints to move smoothly.

Bursitis happens when one of these bursae becomes irritated or inflamed. When this occurs, the bursa fills with extra fluid and swells. This can cause pain, tenderness, and trouble moving the joint. Bursitis most often affects the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

What Causes Bursitis?

Bursitis can happen for several reasons, including:

• Repetitive movements: Whether at home or at work, doing the same motion over and over, such as throwing a ball, gardening, or kneeling for long periods while laying floor tile, can irritate a bursa.
• Injury: A hard bump, fall, or other injury near a joint can cause inflammation.
• Too much pressure: Leaning on your elbows or spending a lot of time on your knees can put extra pressure on a bursa.
• Health conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, gout, and diabetes, can increase the risk of bursitis. In some cases, an infection may also cause it.

Common Symptoms of Bursitis

Symptoms can vary, but often include:

• Pain around the affected joint, especially during movement.
• Tenderness when the area is touched.
• Swelling or a noticeable lump near the joint.
• Redness or warmth over the affected area.
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the joint.

How Is Bursitis Treated?

The good news is that bursitis often improves with simple treatments, including:

• Resting the joint: Avoid activities that cause pain and give the joint time to heal.
• Use ice and elevation: Applying an ice pack can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Elevating the area may also help.
• Take medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a doctor may recommend stronger medications or a steroid injection.
• Try physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve movement and support the affected joint. A physical therapist can create a plan that's right for you.
• Make activity changes: Using proper techniques, changing how you perform tasks, or wearing protective padding can help prevent future problems.
• Surgery: If symptoms are severe and do not improve with other treatments, surgery may be considered. However, it’s rarely needed.

Tips to Help Prevent Bursitis

You can lower your risk of bursitis by taking care of your joints:

• Stay active to keep muscles strong and supportive.
• Use proper form when exercising, working, or doing household tasks.
• Take regular breaks from repetitive activities.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints.
• Wear supportive shoes to improve balance and reduce impact on your body.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If your pain is severe, swelling gets worse, or if you develop a fever and symptoms do not improve after a few days of self-care, contact your healthcare provider. Early treatment can help prevent complications and get you back to your normal activities sooner.

Bursitis can be painful, but with proper care and a few lifestyle adjustments, most people recover well and are able to return to the activities they enjoy.