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Rheumatology treats musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases, including arthritis, lupus, gout, and vasculitis.
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Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, the small fluid-filled sac that cushions movement between bones, tendons, and muscles. When irritated, the bursa fills with fluid and causes pressure, leading to joint pain and tenderness. These sacs normally reduce friction and allow smooth motion. The term “bursitis” comes from the root bursa, meaning pouch, and the suffix -itis, indicating inflammation, first noted in medical use in the mid-1800s.
There are more than 150 bursae located throughout the human body, especially near major joints like the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Their primary function is to minimize friction, helping to ensure that the body’s movements—from a simple finger wag to a complex athletic motion—remain smooth and pain-free.
When you bend your knee, for instance, the tendons and skin would rub directly on the kneecap (patella) bone. The bursa located there prevents this rubbing, allowing the movement to glide.
Repetitive movements or prolonged pressure on a bursa can irritate its lining. This irritation triggers excess fluid production, causing the swelling and pain seen in bursitis.
It is important to understand that bursitis is a localized, soft-tissue condition, and it is distinct from other common joint conditions.
Bursitis: This is the inflammation of the bursa, which is a structure outside the joint itself. It is a short-term condition that usually responds well to rest and does not cause long-term damage to the joint structures.
Arthritis: This is the inflammation within the joint (the joint space) that involves the breakdown of cartilage and bone. Arthritis is typically a progressive, long-term (chronic) condition that affects the joint’s function. While some types of arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis or gout) can cause bursitis, they are two separate diagnoses.
Both conditions involve inflammation in soft tissues from overuse or injury.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac).
Tendinitis: Inflammation or irritation of a tendon (muscle-to-bone cord).
They can occur together but affect different structures. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and, if needed, imaging or fluid aspiration to identify the exact source.
Bursitis is classified by cause and duration, helping identify the appropriate care.
The most common type, caused by trauma, overuse, or prolonged pressure. Repetitive motions, leaning or kneeling on hard surfaces, and conditions like gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes can contribute. It is not caused by infection.
Less common but more serious. Occurs when bacteria enter the bursa through a cut or injury, especially at superficial sites like the elbow or knee. Symptoms may include fever, chills, marked redness, and warmth, requiring urgent medical evaluation and antibiotics.
Sudden onset, often from trauma, unfamiliar activity, or infection, with significant pain and swelling.
Bursitis is mainly a musculoskeletal disorder, affecting bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and their connecting structures. It can also involve the integumentary system when infections occur and the metabolic/endocrine system in conditions like gout or diabetes. Bursitis can appear in over 150 body locations, but commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel due to high-friction areas. Shoulder bursitis causes pain with overhead motion, elbow bursitis shows noticeable swelling, hip bursitis produces outer thigh or buttock pain, knee bursitis leads to swelling around the kneecap, and heel bursitis causes back-of-foot pain, often worsened by tight footwear. The body’s anatomy is complex, with each system, from joints to vital organs like the heart, carrying unique risks and needing specialized medical care.
Bursitis is medically significant not only because it is a common cause of pain and disability, but also because its diagnosis can lead to the discovery of a more serious underlying health issue.
Bursitis falls under the Subspecialty Area of Rheumatology. Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones, particularly inflammatory conditions. While an Orthopedic Surgeon may treat certain cases (especially those requiring drainage or surgical removal of a bursa), the rheumatologist’s expertise is crucial for:
Bursitis is often managed by primary care and musculoskeletal specialists. Early diagnosis helps prevent chronic pain, movement loss, and complications such as infection, supporting a safer and faster return to daily activity.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
No. Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, which is a soft-tissue sac located outside the joint. Arthritis is the inflammation inside the joint itself, affecting the cartilage and bone. While both cause joint pain, they are two distinct conditions requiring different long-term management strategies.
The main causes are overuse and repetitive motion. Activities that repeatedly stress a joint, like prolonged kneeling, leaning on elbows, or repeated sports movements, can irritate the bursa and cause swelling.
A doctor usually diagnoses bursitis through a physical exam and by reviewing your medical history. They will check for tenderness, swelling, and pain when moving the affected area. Sometimes, tests like X-rays (to rule out other bone conditions), ultrasound, or MRI may be used. If infection is suspected, the doctor may remove a small fluid sample from the bursa for testing (aspiration).
Most cases of aseptic (non-infectious) bursitis are acute and will improve significantly within a few days to a few weeks with conservative treatment. This often includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. Chronic or severe cases, or those caused by an underlying condition, may take longer to fully resolve and may require physical therapy or injections.
You should see a doctor if your pain is severe, does not improve within a week with rest and self-care, or if you notice signs that may indicate a serious infection. These signs include a fever, intense warmth or redness spreading away from the joint, or a sudden, dramatic increase in swelling.
