More than 150 small, fluid-filled sacs cushion the joints in our bodies like pillows. Called bursae, from the Latin word “bags,” these sacs can occasionally swell or become inflamed.1InformedHealth.org. Overview: Bursitis. IQWiG. 2022;May 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525773/?report=reader#_NBK525773_pubdet_ This condition is bursitis, and it can be quite painful.2Williams CH, Jamal Z, Sternard BT. Bursitis. StatPearls. 2023;July 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513340
There are four common types of bursitis, based on where it strikes:
- Prepatellar (aka housemaid’s knee)
- Olecranon (elbow)
- Trochanteric (hip)
- Retrocalcaneal (heel)3Aaron DL, Patel A, Kayiaros S, Calfee R. Four common types of bursitis: diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(6):359-67. https://doi.org/10.5435/00124635-201106000-00006
Bursitis symptoms and causes
Symptoms occur when extra fluid builds inside a bursa.1InformedHealth.org. Overview: Bursitis. IQWiG. 2022;May 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525773/?report=reader#_NBK525773_pubdet_ Swelling, tenderness, and intense pain in and around joints commonly affect the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee.4Bursitis. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed 2025, May 6. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/bursitis
The affected area may hurt regardless of movement and become extremely painful with motion. Redness and warmth are also typical.1InformedHealth.org. Overview: Bursitis. IQWiG. 2022;May 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525773/?report=reader#_NBK525773_pubdet_
Bursitis can develop over time and become a persistent or recurring condition. Common causes include prolonged pressure on a bursa, repetitive movements, strenuous activity (such as heavy lifting), overuse, and injury.2Williams CH, Jamal Z, Sternard BT. Bursitis. StatPearls. 2023;July 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513340,4Gillespie H, Kissin E. Patient education: bursitis (beyond the basics). UpToDate. 2025;Feb 3. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bursitis-beyond-the-basics People with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis may also be susceptible to bursitis.2Williams CH, Jamal Z, Sternard BT. Bursitis. StatPearls. 2023;July 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513340
Bursitis is sometimes confused with arthritis due to the location of the pain in joints. A wound near the inflamed area may indicate a bacterial infection, especially when accompanied by fever. Fluid collection from the irritated area or a blood test can confirm infection.1InformedHealth.org. Overview: Bursitis. IQWiG. 2022;May 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525773/?report=reader#_NBK525773_pubdet_
Conventional treatment
Focusing on swelling and inflammation is the way to ease bursitis pain. An ice pack and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help in the short term.1InformedHealth.org. Overview: Bursitis. IQWiG. 2022;May 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525773/?report=reader#_NBK525773_pubdet_
Some people temporarily or permanently avoid certain movements and exercises, especially if the activity contributed to the problem. Physical therapy is particularly helpful when bursitis affects the tendons, or if tendon dysfunction is an issue.2Williams CH, Jamal Z, Sternard BT. Bursitis. StatPearls. 2023;July 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513340,4Gillespie H, Kissin E. Patient education: bursitis (beyond the basics). UpToDate. 2025;Feb 3. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bursitis-beyond-the-basics Surgery is an option only when all others have failed.2Williams CH, Jamal Z, Sternard BT. Bursitis. StatPearls. 2023;July 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513340
Draining the bursa by removing excess fluid may relieve swelling and joint pain in the short term. But bursa fluid can quickly build up again, and drainage increases the risk of bacterial infection.5How can bursitis be treated? InformedHealth.org. IQWiG. 2022;May 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525763
If there is no sign of bacterial infection and other treatments have been unsuccessful, steroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain.1InformedHealth.org. Overview: Bursitis. IQWiG. 2022;May 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525773/?report=reader#_NBK525773_pubdet_
Natural treatment options
“Naturopathic medicine offers a diverse array of therapies to effectively address bursitis,” says Emily Telfair, ND, founder of HeartSpace Natural Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, “especially for those who may be sensitive to NSAIDs or individuals who want to avoid steroid injections.”
Dr. Telfair combines holistic strategies and natural remedies to help heal bursitis. She typically recommends contrast hydrotherapy during the post-acute stage of inflammation, about 72 to 96 hours after symptoms start.
“You apply a moist, warm compress to the affected joint for three minutes, then alternate [with] a cold compress or ice pack for 30 seconds,” she explains. “Alternate three times and always end with cold. Do this sequence one to two times per day until symptoms improve.”
Dr. Telfair also encourages gentle bodywork, such as massage, craniosacral, or myofascial release therapy. “These therapies help nourish the inflamed joint tissue and release tension in neighboring joints, which may be compensating for the pain,” she says.
“Topically, I have found that castor oil is a wonderful and effective anti-inflammatory treatment when applied to inflamed joints,” adds Dr. Telfair. “Orally, I recommend anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients such as turmeric, boswellia, bromelain, vitamin C, and fish oil to further reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort.”
An anti-inflammatory diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, oily fish, and other healthy fats may also speed healing. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to offer specific benefits for countering inflammation and protecting joint health.6Koelman L, Rodrigues C, Aleksandrova K. Effects of dietary patterns on biomarkers of inflammation and immune responses: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Nutr. 2022;13(1):101-115. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmab086,7Veronese N, Ragusa F, Dominquez LJ, et al. Mediterranean diet and osteoarthritis: an update. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2024;36(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-024-02883-8
How to prevent bursitis
To help prevent recurring bursitis, try to incorporate regular breaks into repetitive tasks, minimize joint pressure with proper cushioning, maintain good posture, and wear supportive footwear. If symptoms worsen or signs of infection (like fever or chills) appear, be sure to contact your doctor promptly.4Gillespie H, Kissin E. Patient education: bursitis (beyond the basics). UpToDate. 2025;Feb 3. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bursitis-beyond-the-basics
Footnotes
- 1InformedHealth.org. Overview: Bursitis. IQWiG. 2022;May 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525773/?report=reader#_NBK525773_pubdet_
- 2Williams CH, Jamal Z, Sternard BT. Bursitis. StatPearls. 2023;July 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513340
- 3Aaron DL, Patel A, Kayiaros S, Calfee R. Four common types of bursitis: diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(6):359-67. https://doi.org/10.5435/00124635-201106000-00006
- 4Gillespie H, Kissin E. Patient education: bursitis (beyond the basics). UpToDate. 2025;Feb 3. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bursitis-beyond-the-basics
- 5How can bursitis be treated? InformedHealth.org. IQWiG. 2022;May 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525763
- 6Koelman L, Rodrigues C, Aleksandrova K. Effects of dietary patterns on biomarkers of inflammation and immune responses: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Nutr. 2022;13(1):101-115. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmab086
- 7Veronese N, Ragusa F, Dominquez LJ, et al. Mediterranean diet and osteoarthritis: an update. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2024;36(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-024-02883-8
