Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Bursitis?
Bursitis is usually treated first by a primary care doctor. Some people see a rheumatologist, a doctor who treats joint and inflammatory diseases, or an orthopedic doctor, who treats bone and joint problems. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is bursitis?
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones. Bursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. It commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip. It can also affect the area around the Achilles tendon, the strong tendon at the back of the ankle, and the foot.
Most people do well with treatment. When the cause cannot be corrected, you may have long-term pain.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bursitis may include any of the following:
- Joint pain and tenderness when you press around the joint.
- Stiffness and aching when you move the affected joint.
- Swelling, warmth, or redness over the joint.
- Pain during movement and rest.
- Pain that may spread to nearby areas.
If the bursa is infected, the skin over it becomes red and warm, and the area is more painful and swollen. If the infection is not treated right away, it may spread to other parts of the body and cause serious illness.
Causes and who gets it
Bursitis is often a result of overuse, which means doing the same movement again and again. Leaning your elbow on a hard surface for a long time can make it start. It can also come from a change in activity level, such as training for a marathon, or from being overweight.
Other causes include trauma, meaning an injury or blow to the area, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are diseases that cause joint inflammation. Sometimes, the cause cannot be found.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam. Tests that may be ordered include lab tests to check for infection. You may also get an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make pictures of the body, or an MRI, which uses magnets to make detailed pictures.
Sometimes the doctor removes fluid from the bursa with a needle and checks it in a lab. The lab can see if bacteria are present. This can show whether the cause is infection or gout.
Treatment
Treatment aims to let you do your normal activities again. Helpful steps include:
- Rest the joint. Avoid activities that repeat the same movement.
- Use ice 3 to 4 times a day for the first 2 or 3 days. Cover the painful area with a towel, and place the ice on it for 15 minutes, to protect the skin.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, called NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These lower pain and swelling.
- Wear a brace or splint to support the joint.
- Do physical therapy and home exercises to build strength and keep the joint moving as pain goes away.
If there is no improvement, your doctor may remove fluid from the bursa and give a corticosteroid shot. This is a medicine that lowers inflammation. In rare cases, the bursa is drained or removed with surgery.
If the bursa is infected, treatment often needs antibiotics, medicines that kill bacteria, or surgery. Your doctor may start antibiotics before the exact germ is known, to keep the infection from spreading.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if symptoms recur or do not improve after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, or if the pain is getting worse. Get medical care right away if you have a high temperature or feel hot, cold, or shivery. Also get care right away if the skin over the joint is red and warm and the area is more painful and swollen. An infected bursa that is not treated right away may spread and cause serious illness. Call 911 or go to the emergency room for confusion, trouble breathing, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can examine a painful joint, start conservative treatment, and follow your progress over time, referring you to a specialist if the pain does not improve.
Common questions
Is bursitis the same as arthritis?
No. Bursitis is swelling of a small cushioning sac near the joint, while arthritis affects the joint itself. Both can cause pain and stiffness, but they are treated differently. The diseases rheumatoid arthritis and gout can also trigger bursitis.
How long does bursitis last?
It depends on the cause. Most people do well with treatment, which includes rest, ice, and pain medicines. Contact your provider if symptoms do not improve after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. When the cause cannot be corrected, you may have long-term pain.
Can bursitis be prevented?
You can lower your risk. Avoid activities that include repetitive movements when possible, be aware of your posture during activities, and strengthen your muscles and work on your balance. These steps may help decrease the risk of bursitis.
Why would a doctor draw fluid from the joint?
Removing fluid with a needle lets the doctor test it for bacteria, signs of gout, and other causes. This test can show whether the bursitis is caused by infection or gout, which need different treatments than ordinary bursitis.
Sources
- NHS - Bursitis
- MedlinePlus - Bursitis: Medical Encyclopedia
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
