What is Bursitis?

Anatomy of Bursae and Causes of Bursitis

A bursa is a thin, fluid-filled sac situated between bony prominences and soft tissues like tendons or skin. Bursitis occurs when mechanical overload, repetitive microtrauma, or inflammatory arthritis triggers excess synovial fluid production, swelling, and localized pain.

Predominant Anatomical Sites

The condition frequently presents as subacromial bursitis in the shoulder, olecranon bursitis at the elbow tip, trochanteric bursitis at the lateral hip, and prepatellar bursitis over the anterior knee.

Characteristic Signs and Symptoms

• Localized tenderness and throbbing pain around the affected joint
• Visible fluctuating swelling and warmth over the inflamed bursa
• Stiffness and restricted joint range of motion
• Discomfort exacerbated by direct pressure or nocturnal side-sleeping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bursitis heal without surgery?

Yes, conservative management including activity modification, cryotherapy, NSAIDs, physical therapy, and ultrasound-guided aspiration or corticosteroid injections resolves most acute cases.

When is surgical excision necessary?

Surgical bursectomy is reserved for chronic, recalcitrant cases or persistent infectious (septic) bursitis failing antibiotic therapy.