Bursitis – symptoms, causes and treatment

Joint pain may be caused by irritation of a bursa

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs located around joints. Their function is to reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles and to allow smooth movement.

When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, the condition is called bursitis. Bursitis can cause pain, reduced mobility, and tenderness in areas such as the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, or ankle.

You can visit our orthopaedic specialist for the assessment and treatment of bursitis and other musculoskeletal conditions. The orthopaedic specialist will determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and evaluate the most suitable treatment option for your individual situation. If appropriate, treatment may include a cortisone injection or other suitable treatment methods.

What are the symptoms of bursitis?

Symptoms depend on the location of the affected bursa, but common symptoms include:

• Localised pain around the joint
• Tenderness when pressing the affected area
• Pain during movement or in certain positions
• Reduced range of motion
• Swelling or warmth around the affected area
• Night pain, especially with shoulder bursitis

For example, shoulder bursitis may cause pain especially when lifting the arm. Hip bursitis can cause pain on the outer side of the hip and may make lying on that side uncomfortable.

What causes bursitis?

There are several possible causes of bursitis. Common causes include:

Repetitive strain

Repeated movements, physically demanding work, or repetitive exercise can irritate a bursa.

Injuries

A blow, fall, or other injury can cause irritation and inflammation of a bursa.

Structural factors

Changes in the function of joints, muscles, or tendons can increase stress on a bursa.

Age-related changes

With age, tissue recovery and the ability of joints to tolerate loading may change.

Inflammatory conditions

Less commonly, bursitis may be associated with inflammatory joint diseases or a bacterial infection.

How is bursitis treated?

The aim of treatment is to reduce pain, calm inflammation, and restore normal function.

Treatment is always planned individually and may include:

• Reducing strain and modifying activities
• Physiotherapy and exercises to support muscle function
• Pain medication when needed
• Injection treatments when appropriate
• Orthopaedic assessment for persistent or unclear symptoms

The choice of treatment depends on the duration and location of symptoms, the underlying cause, and any other medical conditions.

Can a cortisone injection help with bursitis?

A cortisone injection may be an effective treatment option when bursitis causes significant pain and symptoms do not improve sufficiently with other treatments.

The effect of cortisone is based on its anti-inflammatory properties. The aim is to reduce inflammation in the bursa and relieve pain while improving movement.

A doctor will always assess whether a cortisone injection is suitable based on examination findings and symptoms. Before treatment, it is important to ensure that the symptoms are likely caused by a treatable inflammatory condition rather than another structural problem.

When should you see an orthopaedic specialist for bursitis?

You should consider an orthopaedic consultation if:

• pain continues for several weeks
• symptoms repeatedly return
• pain affects work, exercise, or daily activities
• joint movement is restricted
• self-care does not provide sufficient relief
• the cause of symptoms is unclear

An orthopaedic specialist can assess the condition comprehensively, perform necessary examinations, and plan suitable treatment.