Most people never think about their bursae until something goes wrong. These small, fluid-filled sacs cushion and lubricate the spaces between bones, tendons, muscles, and skin near your joints. You have over 150 of them throughout your body, and they work silently — until they don't.
When bursae become irritated or inflamed, the result is bursitis. Beyond pain, symptoms can include:
- Tenderness, stiffness, or achiness
- Swelling or redness
- Warmth in the affected area
In some cases, infection can also develop, raising the risk of more serious complications.
Rest and Ice
Bursitis tends to develop in heavily used joints — the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, or near the Achilles tendon — often from repetitive motion or sustained pressure. Common culprits include prolonged kneeling, overhead lifting, or repetitive throwing motions.
The most conservative approach is simply removing the aggravating activity and applying ice to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications can support healing while the bursae recover. For faster relief, corticosteroid injections directly into the affected bursa may be recommended, often working with a single dose. If an infection is present, antibiotics may also be necessary.
Physical Therapy
Rest doesn't mean total inactivity. A targeted physical therapy program can strengthen muscles around the joint, ease discomfort, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion — while also lowering the risk of recurrence.
Aspiration
When excess fluid accumulates in the bursa, draining it with a needle can relieve pressure. Surgical removal of the bursa is only required in rare cases.
Metro Pain Centers treats bursitis across its New York and New Jersey locations. Appointments can be booked online or by phone.