Bursitis
Overview
You can treat bursitis yourself by resting the joint, holding an ice pack on the area for 10 minutes every few hours and taking painkillers.
Tests for bursitis include taking a sample of fluid from the affected joint using a needle (aspiration). You may have other tests such as blood tests.
Treatments for bursitis include antibiotics or a steroid injection. Rarely, you may have surgery to drain or remove the inflamed bursa.
To help prevent bursitis, stick to a healthy weight, warm up properly before exercise, and avoid knocking or banging your joints.
Bursitis is when the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that cushion the joints have become painful and swollen. It usually gets better in a few weeks.
Page last reviewed: 30/10/2023
Next review due: 30/10/2026