Bursitis: what it is, symptoms, treatment and how long it takes to heal

The NHS says bursitis is when the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that cushion the joints have become painful and swollen. Arthritis UK (formerly Versus Arthritis) explains that a bursa is a thin pocket of jelly-like fluid between your bones and tendons that protects joints and bones from knocks, falls and bumps and reduces friction, so that tissues slide easily over each other.

It says you get bursitis when there is inflammation inside a bursa, which increases the amount of fluid in the bursa and makes it expand, so the area around it becomes painful, swollen and hot, which can stop you using that joint or limb properly. Bursitis can affect adults and children.

The NHS says you might have bursitis if one of your joints is painful (usually a dull, achy pain), tender or warmer than surrounding skin, swollen and more painful when you move it or press on it. The area may also be red, which can be harder to see on brown or black skin.

Arthritis UK adds that if the bursa is just under your skin you may be able to see its outline because of the swelling inside it, and that bursitis can stop you being able to move that part of your body properly.

The NHS says bursitis can usually be treated at home. To help bring down swelling and pain, it suggests the following. The NHS adds that it may help to put extra cushions around the affected joint while you sleep.

• Rest: try not to move the joint too much and avoid activities that put pressure on it.

• Ice: gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel on the area for around 10 minutes at a time and repeat every few hours during the day.

• Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease any pain.

• Padding: Arthritis UK suggests a thick foam cushion or knee pads for knee bursitis and well-fitting footwear or protective insoles for the feet.

• Physiotherapy: a physiotherapist can show you exercises and advise how to reduce friction (Arthritis UK).

The NHS says a GP will examine the joint and may take a sample of fluid using a needle (aspiration) to test for infection and conditions such as gout, which may also help symptoms. You may also have a blood test or a scan.

The NHS says bursitis should go away in a few weeks. Arthritis UK says that if painkillers and self-care work for you, your pain should improve within a couple of weeks, though you may still have swelling for a while afterwards.

Arthritis UK adds that in joints like the shoulders or hips you may be told you have other problems as well as bursitis, such as a tendon problem, and the need to treat all your symptoms can often mean it takes longer to get better.

Arthritis UK says bursae in the feet can become inflamed if you wear high heels or tight shoes or do too much weight-bearing exercise, and that jobs and hobbies using repetitive movements make you more likely to get bursitis, including carpet fitters who kneel a lot, people who lean on their elbows to work or study and people who spend a long time on their feet.

It says you can also develop bursitis if you have gout or another condition that causes crystals to gather in or around the joints, an injury that keeps coming back, an infection in or near a joint, or an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Bursitis in the shoulder, hip, knee or ankle commonly occurs due to a problem in a tendon.

The NHS and Arthritis UK give similar advice.

• Maintain a healthy weight; being overweight puts more pressure on your joints.

• Clean any cuts on the joints to prevent infection.

• Warm up properly before exercising and playing sport.

• Use padding when putting a lot of pressure on joints, for example when kneeling.

• Take regular breaks if you do things that put pressure on a joint, like kneeling.

• Do not knock or bang your joints.

• Wear properly fitting shoes and protect your feet with insoles (Arthritis UK).

The NHS says to see a GP if your bursitis symptoms have not improved or are getting worse after treating it yourself for 1 to 2 weeks, you have a high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery, you cannot move the affected joint, or you have very severe, sharp or shooting pains in the joint. Arthritis UK adds that you should see your GP if the skin over the swollen area is broken.

The NHS says antibiotics are used when bursitis is caused by an infection, which is why a high temperature or feeling hot, cold or shivery with a swollen joint should be assessed by a GP rather than managed at home.

Most bursitis is managed by self-care and, if needed, a GP. Arthritis UK says it can take a while to get referred to an NHS physiotherapist or occupational therapist and that you could see one quicker if you go private, paying for it yourself.

A GP can examine the joint, arrange aspiration, an ultrasound scan or tests. Private musculoskeletal clinics offer ultrasound and injections, usually with the same approach. Ask who will follow up if the bursitis keeps coming back.