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<p>Bursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a muscles, tendons, and bones.</p>

<h2><a id="1" name="1">Causes</a></h2>

<p>Bursitis is often a result of overuse. It can be caused by a change in activity level, such as training for a marathon or by being overweight.</p>

<p>Bursitis can also be caused by trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection. Sometimes the cause cannot be found.</p>

<p>Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip. Other areas that may be affected include the Achilles tendon and the foot.</p>

<h2><a id="2" name="2">Symptoms</a></h2>

<p>Symptoms of bursitis may include any of the following:</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003261.htm">Joint pain</a>&nbsp;and tenderness when you press around the joint</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stiffness and aching when you move the affected joint</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003103.htm">Swelling</a>, warmth or redness over the joint</p>

<h2><a id="3" name="3">Treatment</a></h2>

<p>Your doctor will talk to you about a treatment plan to help you resume your normal activity.</p>

<p>Tips to relieve bursitis pain:</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Use ice 3 to 4 times a day for the first 2 or 3 days.</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cover the painful area with a towel, and place the ice on it for 15 minutes. Do not fall asleep while applying the ice. You can get frostbite if you leave it on too long.</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When sleeping, do not lie on the side that has bursitis.</p>

<p>For bursitis around the hips, knees, or ankle:</p>

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<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Try not to stand for long periods.</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stand on a soft, cushioned surface, with equal weight on each leg.</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Placing a pillow between your knees when lying on your side can help decrease pain.</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Flat shoes that are cushioned and comfortable often help.</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are overweight, losing weight may also be helpful.</p>

<p>You should avoid activities that involve repetitive movements of any body part when possible.</p>

<p>Other treatments include:</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Physical therapy</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exercises you do at home to build strength and keep the joint mobile as pain goes away</p>

<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Removing fluid from the bursa and getting a shot of corticosteroid</p>

<p>As the pain goes away, your doctor or nurse may suggest exercises to build strength and keep movement in the painful area.</p>

<p>Surgery is rarely needed.</p>

<h2><a id="4" name="4">Outlook (Prognosis)</a></h2>

<p>Some people do well with treatment. When the cause cannot be corrected, you may have long-term pain.</p>

<h2><a id="5" name="5">When to Contact a Medical Professional</a></h2>

<p>Call your health care provider if symptoms recur or do not improve after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, or if the pain is getting worse.</p>

<h2><a id="6" name="6">Prevention</a></h2>

<p>When possible, avoid activities that include repetitive movements of any body parts.</p>

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<p><strong>Source:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000419.htm">https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000419.htm</a></p>
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