FAQs

What is Bursitis?

FAQs

What is bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac located around joints. There are a number of small, jelly-like sacs, or bursae, throughout your body that creates a protective layer between your muscles, tendons, and joints.

Bursitis is a condition in which one of these bursa sacs becomes inflamed, typically occurring in conjunction with an injury or overuse. Bursitis causes a reduction in or a loss of motion at the affected joint. Bursitis typically occurs in the heel, hip, knee, shoulder, and thumb.

How is bursitis treated?

Patients usually try over-the-counter NSAIDs before visiting with a specialist. Bursitis is typically treated through anti-inflammatory injections, physical therapy, antibiotics, or surgery.

What are the different types of bursitis?

Common types of bursitis include:

Other types of bursitis include:

  • Heel Bursitis
  • Shoulder Bursitis

What happens when bursitis goes untreated?

Bursitis, if not detected and treated early, can become abscessed and extremely painful, requiring surgery.

See a Specialist

To learn more about the treatment options available for bursitis, please request an appointment online or call 888-660-2663 to schedule a consultation with a Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists specialty-trained doctor.

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