How to Treat Bursitis

Last Updated: January 21, 2022 References Approved

Bursitis is a medical condition that can lead to severe pain, swelling, or stiffness in the areas surrounding your joints.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.} Therefore, bursitis often affects areas of your body such as your knees, shoulders, elbows, big toes, heels, and hips. How to treat bursitis depends on the severity, causes, and symptoms, but you have a number of options available to you, both at home and at your doctor's.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Understanding Bursitis

1
Understand what causes bursitis. Bursitis is when a bursa sac becomes enlarged and inflamed. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning for your body near your joints.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.} That is, it provides padding as your bones, skin, and tissues connect and move with your joints.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
2
Look for swelling. Symptoms of bursitis include swelling at the site, as well as pain. The area may also be red or have stiffness.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.} If you have these symptoms, you should see your doctor.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Know how it's diagnosed. Your doctor will use questions and a physical exam to diagnose the condition. He or she may also order an MRI or an X-ray. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
4
Understand what causes bursitis. Bursitis is most often caused by repeated motions in the same joint or by lightly hitting the same area over time. For instance, activities such as gardening, painting, playing tennis, or playing golf can all lead to bursitis if you are not careful.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Other causes of bursitis are infection, trauma or injury, arthritis, or gout.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Treating Bursitis with Remedies at Home

1
Use the PRICEM treatment. "PRICEM" stands for "protect," "rest," "ice," "compress," "elevate," and "medicate".^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Provide protection by padding the joint, especially if it's in the lower half of your body. For instance, wear knee pads if your bursitis is in your knees, and you need to continue kneeling.
- Give your joint as much of a break as possible by staying off of it. For instance, try different exercises that don't hurt the area near the joint that is inflamed.
- Use ice packs wrapped in a cloth. You can also use frozen vegetables such as peas. Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time, and you can use this method up to 4 times a day.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- You can wrap the joint in an elastic bandage to provide support. Also, be sure to raise the area above your heart as often as possible. Otherwise, blood and fluid may collect in the area.
- Use anti-inflammatory pain pills, such as ibuprofen, which can help decrease the swelling and pain.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kevin Stone, MD
  Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
  Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.}
2
Use warm compresses for pain that last longer than 2 days. Apply heat to the area for up to 20 minutes four times a day.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- You can use a hot pad or a hot water bottle. If you don't have either of those, dampen a washcloth, and place it in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds or so to warm it, making sure it's not too hot.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
3
Try a cane, crutches wheelchair or any other type of walker for bursitis in your legs. Though you may not like using a cane or walker, you may need one while you recover. These devices help take some of the weight off the bursa area, allowing it to heal faster, as well as reducing your pain.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
4
Try a splint or brace. Splints and braces provide support to injured areas. In the case of bursitis, they can provide some much-needed relief for your joint areas, leading to quicker healing.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- However, only use braces or splints for the initial burst of pain. If you use them too long, it decreases strength in that joint. Talk to your doctor about how long you should wear one.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Treating Bursitis with Professional Help

1
Ask your doctor about corticosteroid injections.^{[16]
X
Expert Source

Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.} This type of injection is one of the main medical treatments for bursitis. Essentially, your doctor will use a needle to inject cortisone into the joint.^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you're worried about the pain, most doctors use an anesthetic first to numb the area. He or she may also use an ultrasound to help guide the needle to the right place.^{[18]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- These injections should help both the inflammation and the pain, though it may become worse before it gets better.^{[19]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
2
Take antibiotics. Sometimes, the inflammation is caused by an infection. A round of antibiotics can help your body fight off the infection, reducing the inflammation and the bursitis.^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} If the bursa is infected, your doctor may drain the infected fluid first with a needle.
3
Pursue physical therapy. Physical therapy may be a good option for you, especially if you have frequent flare-ups. A physical therapist can show you how to best exercise to improve your range of motion and pain level, as well as how to help prevent the problem in the future.^{[21]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
4
Try swimming, or get in a hot tub. Water can help you move the joint easier without as much pain, so that you can slowly regain motion.^{[22]
X
Research source} However, be gentle in your swimming. Swimming can lead to bursitis in the shoulder, so keep the intensity down. Focus on recovering motion and lessening pain not on an intense workout.
- Another option is water physical therapy, which allows you to improve your pain under the direction of a professional.^{[23]
  X
  Research source}
5
Use surgery as a last option. A surgeon can surgically remove the bursa if it becomes a severe problem, but this treatment is usually the last one a doctor will recommend.^{[24]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Preventing Bursitis

1
Avoid repeated motions in the same area. That is, bursitis is often caused by you using the same joint to do the same movement over and over, such as doing too many push-ups or even something as small as typing for too long.^{[25]
X
Research source}
2
Take breaks. If you do have to do an action for a long period of time, be sure to rest from time to time. For instance, if you have been writing or typing for a long period of time, take a few minutes to stretch your hands and arms.^{[26]
X
Research source}
3
Always warm up. A physical therapist can help you with exercises and stretches for your specific needs. Before you exercise, take the time to do some stretches and some light movements to warm up your body.^{[27]
X
Expert Source

Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.}
- For instance, start with something simple like doing jumping jacks^{[28]
  X
  Research source} or jogging in place.^{[29]
  X
  Research source}
- You can also try stretches such as high knee pulls, where you lift your arms up in the air. Pull them back down as you pull one knee up. Alternate knees.^{[30]
  X
  Research source}
- Another easy warm up is high kicks, which is exactly how it sounds; kick one leg high in the air in front of you. Switch back and forth between legs.^{[31]
  X
  Research source}
4
Build up your tolerance. When you first start a new exercise or weight-lifting routine, take time to build up stamina. You don't want to jump into doing a hundred repetitions your first time out. Start small, and build up each day.^{[32]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- For instance, the first day you do push-ups, maybe you want to just try doing ten or so. The next day, add one more. Keeping adding one everyday until you reach a level you are comfortable with.
5
Stop if you have sharp pain. You should expect some strain on your muscles if you're lifting weights or starting a new exercise. However, you should stop if you feel any sharp or severe pain, which can indicate a problem.^{[33]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
6
Practice good posture. Sit and stand up straight when you can. Pull your shoulders back. If you notice yourself slouching, correct your posture. Bad posture can lead to bursitis, especially in your shoulders.^{[34]
X
Research source}
- When you are standing, place your feet evenly, about shoulder-width apart. Keep your shoulders back. Don't tense up. Keep your gut in. Your arms should hang freely.^{[35]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- When you are sitting, your knees should be in line with your hips. Keep your feet flat. Don't tense up your shoulders, but do roll them back. Make sure your back is supported by the chair. If it isn't, you may need to add a small pillow near the base of your back. Imagine a string down your spine, pulling your head up as you sit.^{[36]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
7
Correct leg length differences. If one of your legs is longer than the other, that can lead to bursitis in one of your joints.^{[37]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Use a shoe lift for the shorter leg to correct the problem.^{[38]
X
Research source}
- An orthopedic doctor can help you get the right type of lift. Essentially, a heel or shoe lift is incorporated into the bottom of the shoe. It lengthens that leg a bit, since it provides added height.^{[39]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
8
Use padding whenever possible. That is, when you're sitting, make sure you have a cushion under you. When you're kneeling, have a knee pad under you. Pick good shoes that offer proper support and padding, such as high quality walking sneakers.^{[40]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

Is massage good for bursitis?

Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Kevin Stone is an orthopaedic surgeon and the founder of The Stone Clinic, a leading orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, and rehabilitation clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Stone specializes in knee, shoulder, and ankle repair, using biologic reconstruction and joint replacement. He holds a BS in Biology from Harvard University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Stone completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard University and in General Surgery at Stanford University. He then completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic Research and Surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Tahoe Orthopaedics. He lectures around the world as an expert in cartilage and meniscal growth, replacement, and repair and holds over 40 U.S. patents on novel inventions to improve healthcare. Dr. Stone is a physician for Smuin Ballet and has served as a physician for the U.S. Ski Team, the U.S. Pro Ski Tour, the United States Olympic Training Center, and World Pro Ski Tour.

Kevin Stone, MD

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, soft tissue massage can reduce your pain and help diminish the size of the bursa.
Question

Do cortisone shots cure bursitis?

Kevin Stone, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Kevin Stone is an orthopaedic surgeon and the founder of The Stone Clinic, a leading orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, and rehabilitation clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Stone specializes in knee, shoulder, and ankle repair, using biologic reconstruction and joint replacement. He holds a BS in Biology from Harvard University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Stone completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard University and in General Surgery at Stanford University. He then completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic Research and Surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Tahoe Orthopaedics. He lectures around the world as an expert in cartilage and meniscal growth, replacement, and repair and holds over 40 U.S. patents on novel inventions to improve healthcare. Dr. Stone is a physician for Smuin Ballet and has served as a physician for the U.S. Ski Team, the U.S. Pro Ski Tour, the United States Olympic Training Center, and World Pro Ski Tour.

Kevin Stone, MD

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, in many cases cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications can resolve bursitis.

Warnings

See your doctor immediately if you have a fever, or if the bursa area becomes more red, warm, swollen or painful than before. These are signs of a possible infection.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0