Bursitis
Inflammation of the small fluid-filled cushions around a joint, a common and treatable cause of localised pain and swelling
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, one of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction around joints, tendons and bony points. It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. It can follow injury, repeated pressure or overuse, and sometimes occurs alongside other conditions. Most bursitis settles with the right approach.
Written for patients and reviewed by Dr Liubov Borukhson, Consultant Rheumatologist (GMC 7021928). Last clinically reviewed: June 2026.
Common symptoms
Bursitis tends to cause fairly localised symptoms. These may include:
- Pain and tenderness over a specific point near a joint
- Swelling, which can sometimes be seen or felt
- Pain that is worse with pressure on the area or with particular movements
- Stiffness or discomfort in the nearby joint
How it is diagnosed
Bursitis can often be recognised from the history and examination, and it is worth confirming the cause, as the symptoms can overlap with other problems around the joint.
Ultrasound is especially useful here. It can confirm an inflamed or swollen bursa, show any fluid, and help distinguish bursitis from other causes of the pain. Dr Borukhson uses point-of-care ultrasound during the consultation, so the area can often be assessed in the same visit. You can read more on the ultrasound clinic page.
How it is treated
Treatment usually starts with simple measures such as rest, reducing the activity or pressure that triggered it, and pain relief. Where symptoms persist, an ultrasound-guided injection can settle the inflammation, and ultrasound guidance allows it to be placed accurately and any fluid to be drained where helpful. The plan is agreed with you.
Why assessment helps
Most bursitis improves with the right approach, and assessment confirms the diagnosis, identifies what is driving it, and rules out other causes. If you have localised pain and swelling near a joint that is not settling, a specialist review, with ultrasound where helpful, can clarify it.
Common questions
How is bursitis diagnosed?
Bursitis can often be recognised from your history and an examination of the affected area. Because the symptoms can overlap with other problems around the joint, it is worth confirming the cause, and ultrasound is especially helpful here. It can show an inflamed or swollen bursa and any fluid, and tell bursitis apart from other causes of the pain. Dr Borukhson uses point-of-care ultrasound during the consultation, so the area can usually be assessed in the same visit.
Will bursitis go away on its own?
Most bursitis settles with the right approach, often starting with simple measures such as rest, easing off the activity or pressure that triggered it, and pain relief. Many cases improve over a few weeks, though some are more stubborn and benefit from treatment. If localised pain and swelling near a joint is not settling, it is sensible to have it assessed rather than wait indefinitely.
Do I need surgery for bursitis?
Surgery is rarely needed for bursitis, and most people improve with simpler measures. Where symptoms persist, an ultrasound-guided injection can settle the inflammation, and ultrasound guidance allows it to be placed accurately and any fluid to be drained where that helps. The plan is always agreed with you, starting with the least invasive option that fits your situation.
Is bursitis serious, and should I see a specialist?
Bursitis is usually a treatable cause of localised pain and swelling rather than a serious condition, and most cases respond well. A specialist review is worthwhile when the symptoms are not settling, when the diagnosis is unclear, or when it is helpful to rule out other causes around the joint. An assessment, with ultrasound where useful, can confirm what is going on and guide the right treatment for you.
Localised pain and swelling near a joint?
A specialist assessment, with ultrasound where helpful, can confirm bursitis and offer treatment including a guided injection where appropriate
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