Bursitis
Bursitis
Bursitis is when the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that cushion the joints have become painful and swollen (inflamed). It can usually be treated at home and should go away in a few weeks.
Check if you have bursitis
You might have bursitis if 1 of your joints is:
- painful – usually a dull, achy pain
- tender or warmer than the surrounding skin
- swollen
- more painful when you move it or press on it
The area may also be red. This can be harder to see on brown or black skin. Bursitis can affect any joint, but it's most common in the shoulders, hips, elbows, or knees.
How to treat bursitis yourself
If you have bursitis, to help bring down swelling and pain you can:
- rest – try not to move the joint too much and avoid activities that put pressure on it
- use ice – gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel on the area for around 10 minutes at a time and repeat every few hours during the day
- take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to ease any pain
- Use the recommended Joint Pain Products for this treatment.
It may also help to put extra cushions around the affected joint while you sleep, to help protect and support it.
How to stop bursitis from coming back
There are some things you can do to help stop bursitis coming back.
- maintain a healthy weight – being overweight puts more pressure on your joints
- clean any cuts on the joints to prevent infections
- warm up properly before exercising and playing sport
- use padding when putting a lot of pressure on joints (for example, when kneeling)
- take regular breaks if you do things that put pressure on a joint, like kneeling