Bursitis: Why a Joint's Cushion Gets Inflamed, and How It Is Treated

A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions a bone against the parts that move around it — muscles, tendons or skin. Bursitis is when a bursa becomes inflamed.

Causes

• Overusing a joint is the usual cause; an injury can cause it too.
• It most often affects the knee or elbow.
• Kneeling, or leaning on your elbows, on a hard surface for a long time can start it.
• Doing the same movements every day, or putting stress on joints, raises the risk.

Symptoms

Pain and swelling.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will do a physical exam and may order x-rays or MRIs. They may also draw fluid from the swollen area to make sure it isn't an infection.

Treatment

1. Rest, pain medicines or ice.
2. If it doesn't improve, your doctor may inject a drug around the swollen bursa.
3. If the joint still hasn't improved after 6 to 12 months, surgery may be needed to repair damage and relieve pressure on the bursa.

Sources

Based on "Bursitis," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, with information from NIH's National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; a work of the United States government in the public domain.