Treating the affected joint with quality care.
Is persistent joint pain and swelling making everyday activities difficult? You could be suffering from bursitis, a common condition that causes inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your bones, tendons, and muscles. At St. Luke's Orthopedic Care, our specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating bursitis, helping you to reduce pain and restore mobility.
Identifying the symptoms of bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. These tiny sacs act as cushions between bones and soft tissues, reducing friction during movement. When a bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. Bursitis most commonly occurs in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, often due to repetitive motions or prolonged pressure. If you have bursitis, you may experience the following symptoms in the affected joint:
- Achy or stiff feeling
- Pain that increases with movement or pressure
- Swelling and redness
- Tenderness in the area
Diagnosing and treating bursitis at St. Luke's
Our orthopedic specialists provide a clear diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan to get you moving comfortably again. Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam and a review of your medical history and symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may recommend:
- Imaging tests: An X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound can help rule out other causes of your pain.
- Lab tests: A small sample of fluid may be drawn from the inflamed bursa to test for infection.
Treatment for bursitis at St. Luke's focuses on relieving pain and inflammation and preventing recurrence. Your personalized plan may include:
- Rest and activity modification: Your doctor will advise you on how to avoid activities that aggravate the condition.
- Compression: For bursitis of the knee or elbow, an ace wrap or compression sleeve may be used to help reduce swelling.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs (like NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling. This is a primary treatment offered by our Orthopedic Care team.
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve range of motion. Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s will support your recovery.
- Injections: A corticosteroid injection can provide rapid relief for persistent inflammation.
Why choose St. Luke's for bursitis care?
St. Luke's Orthopedic Care is home to a dedicated team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and physical therapists who work together to provide you with the highest level of care.
From initial diagnosis to rehabilitation, we offer a complete range of services to manage your condition. Our goal is to help you return to your daily activities without pain.
Bursitis frequently asked questions
Avoiding repetitive motions, warming up before exercise, and using cushions for joints that are under prolonged pressure can help reduce your risk.
While bursitis can be very painful, it is usually not serious and can be treated effectively with conservative measures. However, septic (infected) bursitis requires urgent medical attention.
With proper treatment, most cases of bursitis resolve within a few weeks. Chronic bursitis may require more long-term management.
