toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a small sac of fluid that cushions and lubricates an area where tissues—including bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, or skin—rub against one another. Bursae are located throughout the body, in and on joints and other places that are at risk of rubbing or pressure.

Bursitis can be caused by prolonged or repeated pressure on a bursa or by activities that require repeated twisting or rapid joint movement. It can also be caused by trauma or by infection or systemic diseases such as arthritis. Symptoms of bursitis may include:

  • Pain, especially with motion or pressure on the involved bursa.
  • Swelling caused by increased fluid within the bursa.
  • Redness and warmth.

Bursitis can often be treated at home by resting, applying ice or cold packs to the affected area, and avoiding the activities that irritate the area or cause pain. If the area is warm and red, an infection may also be present. This requires medical evaluation.

Traumatic bursitis is bleeding in a bursa caused by a direct blow to the bursa.

Septic bursitis is an infection of a bursa, which sometimes results from traumatic bursitis. Septic bursitis requires medical treatment. This may include surgery and/or a hospital stay for intravenous (I.V.) antibiotic therapy.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.