What is Bursitis
and How is it Treated?

Bursitis occurs when a bursa, or small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion to reduce friction in your joints, becomes inflamed due to overuse of that joint. This condition most commonly occurs in the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee, but can also occur in the wrist, ankle, upper back, big toe and other joints that perform frequent repetitive motions.

Are you suffering from symptoms of bursitis? Take the first step to finding relief from your pain with our free interactive assessment.

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How Do I Know if I Have Bursitis?

Bursitis is a painful condition in which the fluid-filled sacs called bursae (that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints) become inflamed. This type of inflammation can be very painful and flare up frequently with movement.

Common Symptoms of Bursitis

Bursitis is most common in adults over the age of 40. As we age, we lose elasticity in our tendons. Because of this, they tend to tear easier. 

If you have bursitis, you may also notice some of the following symptoms:

  • A dull ache or stiffness in the area around your elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, big toe or other joints.
  • A worsening of pain with movement or pressure.
  • An area that feels swollen or warm to the touch.
  • Occasional skin redness in the area of the inflamed bursa.
  • Increased pain at night. 
What Causes Bursitis?

The most common causes of bursitis involve repetitive motions, especially those that involve considerable pressure or are performed awkwardly. Sitting or standing incorrectly for long periods of time can also lead to bursitis.

Other conditions that can can contribute to bursitis include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Trauma or injury
  • Infection

If you are experiencing symptoms of bursitis and are ready to take the next step, take our interactive condition assessment to start your diagnosis.

How is Bursitis Treated?

If you don’t take action, your bursitis could turn into chronic bursitis that can last for weeks or more. At Integrated Spine Institute, the goal of bursitis treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation while preserving mobility. Additionally,  our experts work to prevent recurrence of your bursitis.  

Non-Surgical Treatments for Bursitis
Treatment for bursitis commonly begins with conservative treatments such as:
Surgical Treatments for Bursitis

While surgical intervention for bursitis is not common, it can become necessary. Surgical procedures used to treat bursitis are minimally invasive and involve a small incision to drain or remove the inflamed bursa. 

The most common surgical treatments for bursitis include: 

  • Bursectomy
  • Acromioplasty
  • Tendon and Muscle Repair


If you are suffering from painful symptoms associated with bursitis and are ready to take the next step toward pain relief — try our interactive treatment finder below to find the right path forward for you.

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