Bursitis

Bursitis can affect people of all ages, but your risk may increase with age and age-related conditions, such as arthritis.

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.

Excess weight can strain bursae, increasing your risk for bursitis.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.