That nagging pain in your hip when you walk, the swelling in your elbow after working around the house, or the tenderness in your shoulder when reaching overhead may not just be soreness from getting older or overdoing it. In many cases, the culprit is bursitis — a common condition that can make everyday movement uncomfortable and frustrating.

Bursitis occurs when small fluid-filled sacs called bursae become irritated or inflamed. These sacs act as cushions between tendons and bones, helping joints move smoothly. When they become inflamed, even simple activities like climbing stairs, kneeling, or lifting objects can become painful.

The good news is that bursitis is highly treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Michael J. Murphy, MD, with Lexington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, explains what causes bursitis, how to recognize the symptoms, and what treatment options can help patients return to the activities they enjoy.

“The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that helps the tendon move around the bone where they are attached together,” Dr. Murphy says. “Bursitis is inflammation where the tendon attaches to the bone.”

Inflammation can happen for several reasons. Repetitive motion, overuse, direct pressure, or a bump to the area can irritate the bursa. Weak muscles or tight tendons may also increase friction around the joint. Less commonly, bursitis can develop because of infection or inflammatory conditions.

Some of the most common locations for bursitis include:

Bursitis often causes:

Symptoms usually worsen during activities that involve repeated movement of the affected joint. For example, hip bursitis may hurt more while walking, while shoulder bursitis often becomes painful when reaching overhead.

People who perform repetitive movements or spend long periods in certain positions are more likely to develop bursitis.

“For example, people who walk on the road will commonly develop hip bursitis because of the crown of the road, which causes one leg to be longer than the other while walking,” Dr. Murphy explains.

People who frequently kneel or crawl for work or hobbies are also at increased risk of bursitis in the knees or elbows.

Age can play a role as well. As tendons become less flexible and muscles lose strength over time, the body may become more susceptible to joint inflammation and irritation. Certain medical or inflammatory conditions can also increase the likelihood of developing bursitis.

Yes. Bursitis symptoms can overlap with several other orthopedic problems, including:

In some cases, patients may have more than one issue contributing to their pain.

“It is common for people with knee arthritis to also develop hip bursitis because the knee arthritis may cause them to limp, which can then affect the hip muscles and tendons,” Dr. Murphy says.

That is why a thorough evaluation is important to identify all possible causes of pain and create the right treatment plan.

Most cases of bursitis improve with conservative treatment and do not require surgery.

Treatment often begins with modifying activities that aggravate the condition. That may include changing exercise routines, avoiding repetitive motions, or using protective equipment such as knee or elbow pads.

Physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises are also important for both recovery and prevention.

“Stretches, strengthening, and home exercise programs or physical therapy are very important for improving bursitis symptoms and preventing them from coming back,” suggests Dr. Murphy.

Other treatment options may include:

Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment or for bursitis caused by infection.

Ignoring bursitis can lead to chronic pain and difficulty performing normal activities. Over time, the condition may alter a person's movement, which can create additional problems elsewhere in the body.

For example, untreated hip bursitis may change the way someone walks and contribute to worsening pain in the back, knees, or legs.

Patients should also watch for signs of infection. A bursa that becomes very red, hot, or increasingly swollen may require urgent medical attention.

“Bursitis is a very common cause of pain, and there are a lot of good treatments to improve your symptoms,” Dr. Murphy notes.

At Lexington Health, care teams work together to help patients accurately diagnose the source of joint pain and create individualized treatment plans. Providers may include family medicine physicians, orthopedic and sports medicine specialists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers — all focused on helping patients get back to the activities they love.


Michael J. Murphy, MD, Lexington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine