Bursitis treatment: fast relief, home care and what really helps

Bursitis happens when a small fluid-filled sac (bursa) near your joint gets irritated. That simple swelling can cause sharp pain, stiffness, and trouble doing everyday things like lifting a cup or kneeling. The good news: most bursitis improves with simple steps you can start right away.

Quick relief you can try at home

First, calm the inflammation. Rest the joint and cut out the activity that caused the pain — no heavy lifting or repetitive motion for a few days. Apply ice for 10–15 minutes every few hours during the first 48–72 hours. That helps reduce swelling and numb pain.

Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen can ease pain and inflammation if you can take them safely. Follow the label and check with a pharmacist or doctor if you’re on other meds. Light compression (a sleeve or wrap) and keeping the joint slightly elevated when possible can also help.

Gentle movement matters. After the worst pain eases, start pain-free range-of-motion exercises. Keeping the joint moving prevents stiffness and helps the bursa recover. For example, shoulder pendulum swings or gentle knee bends are simple, low-risk moves. If you’re unsure which exercises to do, a physical therapist can show the right ones.

Medical options & when to see a doctor

If home care doesn’t help in 1–2 weeks or the pain is severe, it’s time to see a clinician. They’ll check for red flags: fever, increasing redness, warmth over the bursa, or extreme tenderness. Those signs can point to septic bursitis (infection), which needs antibiotics and sometimes drainage.

For persistent non-infectious bursitis, doctors may suggest a corticosteroid injection to quickly reduce inflammation. Injections work well but are not done too often because repeated shots can weaken nearby tendons. Some clinics use ultrasound to make the injection more precise.

Another option is aspiration — removing fluid from the bursa with a needle. That helps if the bursa is very swollen. If bursitis is caused by an underlying problem (like gout or arthritis), treating that condition is part of the plan.

Surgery is rare but can help when bursitis keeps coming back despite other treatments. A surgeon may remove the bursa (bursectomy) or fix a mechanical issue that keeps irritating it.

Preventing recurrence is simple: avoid repetitive stress, use padding when kneeling, change tools or posture to cut down on strain, and keep nearby muscles strong. For example, strengthening shoulder stabilizers lowers the risk of shoulder bursitis in people who work overhead.

When in doubt, ask: if your joint is hot, red, feverish, or you can’t move it, get medical care promptly. For ongoing pain that limits daily activities, a check-up and tailored rehab plan will often get you back to normal faster than waiting it out.

Got a specific joint bothering you? Tell me where it hurts and what triggers the pain, and I’ll suggest practical next steps you can try today.