Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments where they move against one another. When a bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling and reduced movement in the affected joint.

Bursitis most commonly affects the:

Shoulder

Elbow

Hip

Knee

Heel

Although bursitis often develops after repeated movement or prolonged pressure on a joint, it can also occur following an injury or as part of certain inflammatory conditions.
Symptoms of bursitis can vary depending on which bursa is affected and the underlying cause.

Common symptoms include:

Pain around a joint that worsens with movement or pressure

Tenderness when the area is touched

Swelling around the affected joint

Warmth or redness over the joint

Reduced range of movement

Stiffness, particularly after periods of rest

If symptoms persist, worsen or interfere with everyday activities, an assessment is recommended. Left untreated, bursitis can lead to ongoing pain, reduced joint function and, in some cases, chronic inflammation or infection if septic bursitis develops.
Bursitis develops when a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed. This may happen suddenly after an injury or gradually through repeated stress on a joint.

Common causes and risk factors include:

Repetitive movements during work, sport or hobbies

Prolonged pressure on a joint, such as kneeling or leaning on the elbows

Direct injury or trauma

Increasing age, which can make tissues more susceptible to irritation

Poor posture or altered joint mechanics

Sudden increases in physical activity

Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of bursitis, including:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Gout

Psoriatic arthritis

Diabetes

Infection affecting the bursa (septic bursitis)

Because joint pain may arise from several different conditions, our rheumatology, orthopaedic and sports injury specialists work closely together where appropriate to distinguish bursitis from arthritis, tendon disorders and other musculoskeletal conditions.
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our specialists will begin with a detailed consultation, discussing your symptoms, medical history, daily activities and any previous injuries before recommending any investigations.

Diagnostic tests may include:

Physical examination, to assess pain, swelling, tenderness and joint movement

Ultrasound, which can identify inflammation, fluid within the bursa and surrounding soft tissue abnormalities

MRI scan, providing detailed images of the bursa, tendons, muscles and surrounding structures when further assessment is required

X-rays, which help exclude fractures, arthritis or other bone conditions causing similar symptoms

Blood tests, where an underlying inflammatory condition or infection is suspected

Aspiration of the bursa, where a small sample of fluid is removed for laboratory analysis if infection or crystal-related disease is being considered

Different patients require different investigations, and your consultant will recommend the most appropriate tests based on your individual symptoms and clinical findings.
Treatment depends on the affected joint, the severity of your bursitis symptoms and the underlying cause. In many cases, symptoms improve with conservative treatment, although persistent or recurrent bursitis may require additional interventions.

Treatment options may include:

Activity modification to reduce stress on the affected joint

A personalised physiotherapy programme to improve movement and strength

Anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate

Image-guided corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation in selected cases

Treatment of any underlying inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

Antibiotics if septic bursitis is diagnosed

Your Mayo Clinic Healthcare consultant will develop a personalised treatment plan designed to relieve pain, restore movement and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Where appropriate, specialists across rheumatology and orthopaedics work together to provide coordinated, expert care.

Mayo Clinic Healthcare does not perform surgery for bursitis but can provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and non-surgical management, with onward referral where appropriate.
Patients choosing Mayo Clinic Healthcare benefit from internationally recognised clinical expertise delivered from our state-of-the-art facility in central London. Our multidisciplinary approach brings together experienced consultants across rheumatology, orthopaedics, and diagnostic imaging to provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment tailored to each individual.

Using advanced imaging technology and collaborative clinical decision-making, we focus on identifying the precise cause of your symptoms, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care without unnecessary investigations or treatments.

Book your appointment

If you are experiencing ongoing joint pain or bursitis symptoms, book a private assessment with one of our musculoskeletal specialists at Mayo Clinic Healthcare.

Following a comprehensive evaluation and, where appropriate, advanced diagnostic imaging, we'll work with you to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan to help you return to comfortable movement.

To book a consultation, please fill out the online form or call our clinic on +44 (0) 207 871 2575.

Medically Reviewed by

Mr Karthik Karuppaiah, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon