What is bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of the small, fluid-filled 'cushions' that protect a tendon where it touches a bone. These cushions are called bursae (or bursa in the singular).

When you move your joints, the tendons (which link muscles to bones) slide over the bones. The bursae minimise any friction (rubbing together).

Learn more about bones, muscles and joints.

What are the types of bursitis?

Types of bursitis affecting different areas of the body include:

Trochanteric bursitis

This type of bursitis affects your hip. It causes pain on the outer side of your hip.

Olecranon bursitis

This type of bursitis affects your elbow. It often appears as a swollen lump at the back of your elbow.

Prepatellar bursitis

This type of bursitis affects your knee. It can be caused by frequent kneeling.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis

This type of bursitis affects your heel. It causes pain at the back of your heel, near where your Achilles tendon

Subacromial bursitis

This type of bursitis affects your shoulder. It can cause pain when you lift your arm above your head.

Ischial bursitis

This type of bursitis affects your bottom or buttock. It's sometimes called 'weaver's bottom' and can cause pain when sitting.

What are the symptoms of bursitis?

Symptoms of bursitis include:

• joint pain and swelling
• tenderness around the joint
• redness and warmth to touch
• decreased or restricted range of motion

What causes bursitis?

Bursitis is commonly caused by overuse of a joint, especially if you repeat the same movement often. This might occur:

• at work — for example, sitting for long periods
• due to hobbies — for example, gardening
• while playing sport — such as tennis

Bursitis can also be caused by injuries or other conditions that affect your joint health, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you have painful, stiff or swollen joints that affect your daily life. They can advise you on the best treatment.

How is bursitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination. They might also recommend tests such as:

• an x-ray to look for other possible causes
• an ultrasound
• taking a sample of the fluid to check for infection (joint aspiration)
• a blood test to check if there are other causes that explain your symptoms

How is bursitis treated?

Bursitis can often be treated at home, especially if you can avoid the activity that might have triggered it.

Self care at home

Bursitis usually improves with these activities that make up the acronym 'PRICE':

• Protection — try to avoid further injury to the joint. For bursitis in your leg, consider a splint or walking aid to reduce your chances of falls or knocks.
• Rest — avoid activities that cause your joint pain or make your pain worse.
• Ice packs — apply ice to the affected joint.
• Compression — apply a compression bandage to the joint to help reduce inflammation.
• Elevation — if your legs or feet are affected, raise them when you can, to help reduce swelling.

Medicines for bursitis

Over-the-counter pain relief medicines can help manage the pain. Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines will also reduce swelling. Check with your doctor or pharmacist that pain relief medicines are safe for you to take, especially if you have other health conditions.

Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics if the bursa is infected.

Other treatment options

A doctor or physiotherapist may recommend gentle exercises and stretches.

For severe pain, your doctor might refer you to a specialist radiologist for an injection of corticosteroid medicine into or around the bursa.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend surgery to remove or drain the bursa.

What are the complications of bursitis?

Complications of bursitis are uncommon, but include a joint infection (septic arthritis). This is more likely if you needed to have a procedure on the joint, such as a joint aspiration to collect fluid, or if you had a corticosteroid injection into the joint.

Corticosteroid injections can also cause tendon rupture, in rare cases.

Can bursitis be prevented?

While you might not be able to prevent bursitis completely, you can reduce your chance of flare-ups by making changes to how you normally move.

Here are some tips on how to prevent recurrence of bursitis:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid the activity that caused your bursitis, or change how you move. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist may be able to help you with ideas.
• Take breaks and stretch often during repetitive tasks.
• Maintain good posture.

Your doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist can give you specific advice, including how to:

• move at work and home to reduce the chance of bursitis recurring
• perform stretching exercises
• exercise to strengthen muscles around the joint

Resources and support

Find further information on bursitis from Musculoskeletal Health Australia or call 1800 263 265.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Arthritis Australia has resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and gout.