Understanding Bursitis: The Hidden Cause of Joint Pain
If you’ve ever felt sharp pain when moving your shoulder, hip, knee, or elbow, you might assume it’s a tendon or muscle strain. But did you know a small, fluid-filled sac called a bursa could be the real culprit?
At LMcG Orthopaedics, we see many Geraldton locals suffering from bursitis — an often overlooked but very treatable source of joint pain and stiffness. Whether you’re a tradie, keen gardener, active retiree, or weekend sports player, understanding bursitis can help you stay mobile and pain-free.
What Is Bursitis?
Your body contains about 150 bursae — tiny, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. When a bursa becomes inflamed, it swells with excess fluid, causing pain and restricting smooth joint movement.
Bursitis commonly occurs in:
Shoulders (subacromial bursitis)
Elbows (olecranon bursitis, sometimes called “student’s elbow”)
Knees (prepatellar bursitis or “housemaid’s knee”)
Heels (retrocalcaneal bursitis)
What Causes Bursitis?
Most cases of bursitis result from repetitive motion or prolonged pressure on a joint. Everyday activities that may trigger bursitis include:
Repeated overhead lifting (common in trades like painting or carpentry)
Kneeling for long periods (gardeners, tilers, carpet layers)
Excessive leaning on elbows at a desk or table
Sports involving repetitive joint use (e.g., tennis, golf, running)
Sudden trauma, like a blow to the knee or elbow
Certain factors increase your risk, including age, arthritis, gout, diabetes, or previous joint injuries.
Recognising the Symptoms
The signs of bursitis often mimic other joint conditions, but some symptoms stand out:
Localised pain that worsens with movement or pressure
Swelling and warmth around the joint
Restricted range of motion
A visible bump in areas like the elbow or knee
Pain that disrupts sleep, especially when lying on the affected side (common with hip bursitis)
If you notice these signs and they persist for more than a few days, it’s time to get it checked by an orthopaedic specialist.
How Is Bursitis Diagnosed?
At LMcG Orthopaedics, we start with a thorough examination, asking questions about your daily activities, work, and hobbies. We’ll assess the range of motion and pinpoint the exact location of your pain.
In some cases, imaging like ultrasound or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions such as tendon tears or joint damage. If infection is suspected, fluid may be drawn from the bursa and tested.
Treatment Options for Bursitis
The good news? Most cases of bursitis improve with simple, non-surgical treatment. A personalised plan may include:
✅ Rest and Activity Modification — Avoid movements that aggravate the inflammation.
✅ Ice and Medication — Applying ice packs and using anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling.
✅ Physiotherapy — Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises help restore joint mobility and prevent recurrence.
✅ Aspiration — If swelling is severe, the bursa may be drained to relieve pressure.
✅ Corticosteroid Injections — In stubborn cases, a targeted injection can quickly reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery is rarely needed, but if bursitis keeps returning or doesn’t respond to other treatments, surgical removal of the bursa may be an option.
How to Prevent Bursitis
Some practical steps can lower your risk:
Use knee pads or cushions when kneeling.
Take regular breaks if your job or hobby involves repetitive motion.
Warm up and stretch before exercise.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
Practice good posture and ergonomics at work.
Get Back to Living Pain-Free
Bursitis can feel like a nagging pain you just have to live with — but you don’t! With early diagnosis and the right treatment plan, you can manage bursitis effectively and get back to your normal activities.
At LMcG Orthopaedics, our team is here to help you every step of the way, from accurate diagnosis to tailored treatment that suits your lifestyle.
📍 Suite 6, St. John of God Specialist Centre
12 Hermitage Street, Geraldton
📞 08 9921 4847