10 Common Bursitis Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints—become inflamed. These bursa sacs act as sliding surfaces to reduce friction between moving tissues in the body. When they become irritated or inflamed, the condition known as bursitis develops, causing discomfort and limiting mobility.

While bursitis can affect any bursa in your body, it most commonly occurs in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Understanding the symptoms of bursitis is crucial for early detection and proper management. This condition can affect anyone, but it’s particularly common in people who perform repetitive motions or put pressure on specific joints regularly.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ten most common symptoms of bursitis to help you identify this condition early and seek appropriate medical care.

1. Joint Pain That Worsens With Movement

The hallmark symptom of bursitis is localized pain in or around a joint. This pain typically intensifies when you move the affected area or apply pressure to it. For instance, if you have hip bursitis, you may experience sharp or aching pain on the outside of your hip that becomes more severe when walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side.

The pain associated with bursitis is often described as:

• Sharp and stabbing during movement
• Dull and aching when at rest
• Radiating to surrounding areas
• Progressively worsening over time if left untreated

Unlike arthritis pain, which may be more constant, bursitis pain is typically most noticeable during specific movements that put pressure on the inflamed bursa sac. The affected joint may feel particularly tender when you press on it directly.

2. Swelling Around the Affected Joint

Visible swelling is a common indicator of bursitis. When the bursa becomes inflamed, it fills with excess fluid, causing the area around the joint to appear puffy or enlarged. This swelling may develop gradually over several days or appear suddenly, depending on whether the bursitis is chronic or acute.

The swelling associated with bursitis:

• May be soft and squishy to the touch
• Can vary in size from small to quite large
• Often feels warm compared to surrounding tissue
• May make the joint appear deformed or misshapen

In cases of bursitis in the elbow or knee, the swelling can be particularly noticeable because these joints are closer to the skin surface. The bursa sac may become so enlarged that it looks like a golf ball or small egg under the skin.

3. Tenderness and Sensitivity to Touch

The affected area often becomes extremely tender, making even light touch uncomfortable. This tenderness is a direct result of the inflammation in the bursa sac. You may find that wearing tight clothing over the area, sleeping on the affected side, or any direct contact causes significant discomfort.

This sensitivity can interfere with daily activities such as:

• Leaning on your elbows while working
• Kneeling on hard surfaces
• Sitting for extended periods with hip bursitis
• Wearing belts or waistbands that press on the affected area

The tenderness may extend beyond the immediate joint area, affecting the surrounding muscles and soft tissues as well.

4. Reduced Range of Motion

Bursitis can significantly limit your ability to move the affected joint through its normal range of motion. This restriction occurs partly due to pain and partly due to the physical swelling of the bursa sac, which can mechanically block movement. You might notice difficulty with movements that were previously easy and automatic.

Common limitations include:

• Difficulty raising your arm above shoulder height (shoulder bursitis)
• Trouble straightening or bending your elbow fully (elbow bursitis)
• Limited hip rotation or leg movement (hip bursitis)
• Inability to fully bend or extend the knee (knee bursitis)

This reduced mobility can affect your ability to perform routine tasks such as reaching for objects, getting dressed, or walking comfortably. The limitation often creates a protective response where you unconsciously avoid certain movements to prevent pain.

5. Stiffness, Especially After Rest

Many people with bursitis experience significant joint stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity. This stiffness is often most pronounced in the morning after sleeping or after sitting for extended periods. Unlike the morning stiffness associated with arthritis, bursitis stiffness typically improves somewhat with gentle movement, though pain may persist.

Characteristics of bursitis-related stiffness:

• Feels like the joint is “locked up” or rigid
• May require several minutes of gentle movement to loosen
• Returns quickly after periods of rest
• Can be accompanied by a feeling of tightness in surrounding muscles

The stiffness can make it challenging to get moving in the morning or to resume activities after sitting through a long meeting or car ride.

6. Redness and Warmth Over the Joint

Inflammation of the bursa often causes visible redness and increased warmth in the skin overlying the affected joint. These are classic signs of inflammation and indicate that your body is responding to the irritation of the bursa sac. The redness may range from light pink to deep red, depending on the severity of the inflammation.

The warmth and redness:

• May be more noticeable in superficial bursae (elbow, knee, ankle)
• Often appear together but can occur independently
• May spread to surrounding tissue in severe cases
• Can be accompanied by a throbbing sensation

It’s important to note that significant redness and warmth, especially when accompanied by fever, may indicate septic bursitis—a bacterial infection of the bursa that requires immediate medical attention.

7. Sharp Pain When Lying on the Affected Side

One of the most distinctive symptoms of bursitis, particularly hip bursitis, is severe pain when lying on the affected side. This occurs because lying down puts direct pressure on the inflamed bursa sac, compressing it against the bone. Many people with hip bursitis find it impossible to sleep on the affected hip and must adjust their sleeping position.

This symptom manifests as:

• Immediate sharp pain upon rolling onto the affected side
• Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
• Disrupted sleep patterns and nighttime awakenings
• Need for pillows or cushioning to avoid pressure on the joint

Similar symptoms can occur with shoulder bursitis when lying on the affected shoulder or with elbow bursitis when resting the elbow on surfaces.

8. Weakness in the Affected Area

Bursitis can cause a sensation of weakness in the muscles surrounding the affected joint. This weakness may be actual muscle weakness due to pain-related inhibition (your body unconsciously limits muscle activation to avoid pain) or may simply feel like weakness due to the pain and stiffness limiting your strength.

You might experience:

• Difficulty lifting objects that were previously manageable
• A feeling that the joint might “give out”
• Reduced grip strength (in elbow or shoulder bursitis)
• Trouble supporting your body weight (in hip or knee bursitis)

This weakness can be particularly frustrating because it interferes with both work activities and daily living tasks. The weakness typically improves as the bursitis is addressed, but prolonged bursitis can lead to actual muscle atrophy if the area is not used.

9. Gradual Onset of Symptoms (Chronic Bursitis)

While some bursitis cases develop suddenly due to injury or trauma, chronic bursitis typically presents with symptoms that develop gradually over weeks or months. This slow progression can make the condition difficult to identify initially, as you may attribute the discomfort to general aging, fatigue, or mild strain.

Chronic bursitis symptoms include:

• Intermittent pain that comes and goes
• Gradually worsening discomfort over time
• Good days and bad days with symptom intensity
• Subtle limitations that become more pronounced

People with chronic bursitis often adapt their movements and activities to work around the pain without realizing they have a specific condition that could be addressed. The symptoms may flare up with increased activity and settle down with rest, creating a cycle of activity and pain.

10. Painful Arc of Motion

A characteristic symptom of bursitis, particularly in the shoulder, is what medical professionals call a “painful arc of motion.” This occurs when pain is present only during a specific range of movement, while motion before and after that range may be relatively pain-free or less painful. This happens because the inflamed bursa sac is compressed only during certain positions.

The painful arc typically involves:

• Pain occurring between 60 and 120 degrees of shoulder elevation
• Discomfort during specific angles of hip rotation
• Pain in a particular range of elbow extension or flexion
• Reproducible pain with the same movement repeatedly

This symptom can help differentiate bursitis from other joint conditions and is often used by healthcare providers during physical examination to diagnose the condition.

Main Causes of Bursitis

Understanding what causes bursitis can help you recognize your risk factors and potentially prevent this condition. Bursitis develops when the bursa becomes irritated and inflamed due to various factors:

Repetitive Movements and Overuse

The most common cause of bursitis is repetitive motion or prolonged pressure on a joint. Activities that involve the same movement patterns over and over can irritate the bursa sac, leading to inflammation. This is why bursitis is common in athletes, manual laborers, and people with occupations requiring repetitive tasks. Examples include throwing motions in baseball players, kneeling in gardeners or carpet layers, and repetitive lifting in warehouse workers.

Direct Trauma or Injury

A sudden blow to a joint or falling on a hard surface can cause acute bursitis. The trauma damages the bursa sac, triggering an inflammatory response. This type of bursitis typically develops quickly after the injury and may be accompanied by bruising and more severe swelling.

Age-Related Changes

As we age, our tendons become less elastic and more prone to injury. The bursae may also become less resilient, making older adults more susceptible to bursitis. The natural aging process can reduce the body’s ability to recover from minor irritations to the bursa.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions increase the risk of developing bursitis. These include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
• Gout and pseudogout (crystal deposition diseases)
• Diabetes, which can affect healing and increase infection risk
• Thyroid disorders
• Kidney disease

Bacterial Infection

Though less common, bacteria can infect a bursa sac, causing septic bursitis. This typically occurs when the skin over a bursa is broken, allowing bacteria to enter. Septic bursitis is more common in bursae close to the skin surface, such as those in the elbow and knee. This type requires immediate medical attention and different management than non-infectious bursitis.

Poor Posture and Body Mechanics

Incorrect posture or improper technique during physical activities can place abnormal stress on joints and their surrounding bursae. For example, poor posture can contribute to shoulder bursitis, while improper running form may lead to hip bursitis.

Prevention Strategies for Bursitis

While not all cases of bursitis can be prevented, especially those related to aging or underlying medical conditions, there are several strategies you can implement to reduce your risk:

Use Proper Technique and Body Mechanics

Whether you’re exercising, working, or performing daily activities, using correct form and technique reduces stress on your joints. Consider working with a physical therapist, personal trainer, or occupational therapist to learn proper body mechanics for your specific activities. Pay attention to your posture throughout the day, especially if you have a desk job.

Warm Up and Stretch

Before engaging in physical activity or repetitive tasks, take time to warm up your muscles and gently stretch. This prepares your joints and surrounding tissues for activity and can help prevent irritation of the bursae. Include both dynamic stretching before activity and static stretching afterward.

Take Frequent Breaks

If your work or hobbies involve repetitive movements, schedule regular breaks to rest the affected joints. Use the 20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to move and stretch. This simple practice can significantly reduce the cumulative stress on your bursae.

Use Protective Padding

If you regularly kneel, lean on your elbows, or put pressure on specific joints, use protective padding such as knee pads, elbow pads, or cushioned mats. This extra cushioning reduces direct pressure on the bursae and can prevent inflammation from developing.

Strengthen Muscles Around Joints

Strong muscles help stabilize joints and reduce stress on the bursae. Engage in regular strength training exercises that target the muscles around commonly affected joints. Focus on balanced muscle development to avoid creating strength imbalances that could alter joint mechanics.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight increases the load on weight-bearing joints, particularly the hips and knees. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise reduces stress on these joints and their associated bursae.

Gradually Increase Activity Levels

When starting a new exercise program or increasing your activity level, do so gradually. Sudden increases in intensity, duration, or frequency can overwhelm the bursae’s ability to handle the increased stress. Follow the 10% rule: don’t increase your activity level by more than 10% per week.

Stay Hydrated and Maintain Overall Health

Proper hydration supports joint health and the body’s natural cushioning systems. Additionally, managing underlying health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or gout can reduce your risk of developing bursitis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bursitis

What is bursitis exactly?

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and skin. When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed due to repetitive motion, pressure, injury, or infection, it causes pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected joint.

How long does bursitis last?

The duration of bursitis varies depending on the cause and severity. Acute bursitis may resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks with proper rest and care. Chronic bursitis can persist for weeks or months and may require more comprehensive management. Some cases may recur if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

Can bursitis go away on its own?

Mild cases of bursitis may improve on their own with rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition. However, without addressing the underlying cause, bursitis often persists or recurs. It’s advisable to seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and guidance, especially if symptoms are severe or don’t improve within a few days.

Is bursitis the same as arthritis?

No, bursitis and arthritis are different conditions. Arthritis involves inflammation or degeneration of the joint itself, affecting the cartilage and bones. Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa sac near the joint. However, they can occur together, and their symptoms may overlap, making professional diagnosis important.

Which joints are most commonly affected by bursitis?

The most commonly affected areas include the shoulder (subacromial bursitis), hip (trochanteric bursitis), elbow (olecranon bursitis), and knee (prepatellar bursitis). However, bursitis can occur in any joint that has a bursa, including the ankle, heel, wrist, and even the buttocks.

Can I exercise with bursitis?

It depends on the severity of your bursitis and which joint is affected. Generally, you should avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms, particularly those involving repetitive motion of the affected joint. Low-impact exercises and gentle stretching may be beneficial, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist for personalized advice.

When should I see a doctor for bursitis?

You should seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, sudden inability to move a joint, excessive swelling, fever, redness and warmth around the joint (which may indicate infection), or if symptoms don’t improve with rest after a few days. Additionally, if bursitis is interfering with your daily activities or quality of life, professional evaluation is warranted.

Is hip bursitis serious?

Hip bursitis itself is not usually serious, but it can cause significant pain and disability if left untreated. The pain can interfere with walking, sleeping, and daily activities. While most cases respond well to conservative care, persistent hip bursitis may require more involved management and can lead to chronic pain if the underlying causes aren’t addressed.

Can stress cause bursitis?

While stress doesn’t directly cause bursitis, chronic stress can contribute to muscle tension and poor posture, which may increase mechanical stress on joints and bursae. Additionally, stress can affect sleep quality and the body’s inflammatory response, potentially making someone more susceptible to inflammatory conditions like bursitis.

What’s the difference between a bursa and a bursa sac?

These terms are used interchangeably. “Bursa” and “bursa sac” refer to the same structure—the small, fluid-filled cushion that reduces friction between moving parts of the body. The term “sac” simply emphasizes the pouch-like structure of the bursa.

References:

• Mayo Clinic – Bursitis
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Bursitis
• Arthritis Foundation – Bursitis
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Bursitis
• NHS – Bursitis