Bursitis management: quick relief, smart care, and what really helps

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa — a small fluid-filled cushion near a joint. When a bursa flares, moving the joint can feel like rubbing sandpaper. Good news: many cases improve with simple, practical steps you can start today.

Home treatments that actually work

Rest the joint but don't lock it down for days. Short periods of rest reduce inflammation; total immobility makes joints stiff. Use ice for 10–15 minutes every few hours during the first 48–72 hours to cut swelling and pain. After the first few days, switch to a warm compress before gentle movement to ease stiffness.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce inflammation and pain. Take them as directed and check with your doctor if you take other meds or have stomach or kidney issues. Simple supportive measures help too: a cushioned pad for knees, a shoulder pillow at night, or insoles for foot bursitis can remove pressure while you heal.

Start gentle range-of-motion moves as pain allows. Tiny daily motions prevent stiffness and keep muscles ready. Avoid the exact activity that caused the flare — change your technique, break tasks into shorter sessions, and use tools that reduce strain (long-handled tools, lifting aids).

Medical options and when to see a doctor

If pain limits normal sleep or doesn't improve in a week or two, see a healthcare provider. They may suggest a short course of prescription-strength anti-inflammatory drugs, a corticosteroid injection to calm a stubborn bursa, or a targeted physical therapy plan to fix the movement pattern that triggers the problem.

Watch for signs of infection: fever, increasing redness, warmth, pus, or rapidly worsening pain. Those can mean septic bursitis, which needs prompt medical treatment and sometimes antibiotics or drainage.

For chronic or recurring bursitis, a clinician will look at your posture, joint alignment, muscle balance, and work or sport habits. Fixing the root cause often prevents repeat flares. Rarely, if conservative care fails after months and the bursa causes constant problems, surgery to remove the bursa might be discussed.

Prevention is simple and practical. Warm up before repetitive tasks or sports, use proper lifting form, take micro-breaks during repetitive work, maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint load, and wear protective gear (knee pads, cushioned shoes). Small changes add up fast.

Want a quick plan? Rest and ice for 48–72 hours, take an NSAID if safe, start gentle motion after pain eases, and see a clinician if no improvement in 10–14 days or if infection signs appear. Follow-up with a few PT sessions to fix mechanics and you’ll cut the risk of another flare.

Bursitis is common but manageable. With the right immediate steps and small long-term fixes, most people get back to normal activity without surgery.