Bursitis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, affecting thousands of adults each year. It occurs when small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which cushion and protect your joints, become irritated or inflamed. This inflammation can make simple movements like lifting your arm, walking, or kneeling uncomfortable and painful.
At Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics, we specialize in helping patients manage bursitis and other joint conditions through non-surgical orthopedic treatments in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. McCarthy uses advanced techniques and personalized care to reduce inflammation, restore movement, and prevent flare-ups.
If you’re living with joint pain caused by bursitis, here’s what you can do to relieve symptoms, promote healing, and protect your joints for the long term.
1. Try Simple At-Home Remedies to Relieve Bursitis Pain
When bursitis pain first appears, starting with conservative care at home can make a big difference. These bursitis home remedies can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort without medication:
- Rest the affected joint. Avoid repetitive movements and pressure that worsen inflammation. Give the joint time to recover.
- Apply ice therapy. Use an ice pack for 15–20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression and elevation. For knee or elbow bursitis, lightly wrap the area with a soft bandage and elevate it above heart level to minimize swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain relief. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation if recommended by your doctor.
Once acute inflammation subsides, alternating ice with gentle heat therapy can help improve circulation and ease stiffness.
These simple remedies can be the first step in bursitis treatment, especially during mild or early symptoms.
2. Use Rest and Ice Wisely to Manage Symptoms
Rest and ice remain two of the most effective methods for managing bursitis flare-ups. The key is knowing when and how to apply them correctly.
- Rest: Limiting activity doesn’t mean complete immobilization. Instead, focus on gentle movement to keep the joint flexible while avoiding actions that aggravate pain, such as kneeling or leaning on the elbow. In some cases, your doctor may suggest a short-term brace or support device to relieve stress on the area.
- Ice: Applying ice early can prevent inflammation from worsening. Always use a thin cloth barrier between ice and skin to avoid frostbite.
By combining rest and cold therapy, you can relieve discomfort and promote faster healing while protecting the joint from further irritation.
3. Incorporate Gentle Exercises to Improve Mobility
Once swelling subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore mobility and prevent stiffness. Under the guidance of a healthcare provider or physical therapist, patients often perform:
- Range-of-motion exercises: Light movements to maintain flexibility in the affected joint.
- Strength training: Gradual resistance exercises to build muscle support and reduce strain on bursae.
- Posture correction and ergonomic training: Adjusting work or sports techniques to minimize repetitive stress.
These exercises are part of the best treatment for bursitis because they address the root cause, imbalanced joint movement or weak support muscles, rather than just the pain itself.
If pain persists during activity, stop and consult your orthopedic specialist. For some patients, Dr. McCarthy may recommend physical therapy for a more structured recovery plan.
4. Know When to Seek Professional Bursitis Treatment
While home care can be helpful, chronic or severe bursitis often requires professional intervention. If pain persists beyond several days to a week, limits your daily activities, or you notice redness, warmth, fever, or worsening swelling, it’s time to see a specialist.
At Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics, we offer several non-operative treatments to relieve bursitis pain safely and effectively:
- Corticosteroid injections: Targeted injections reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joint.
- Aspiration therapy: Draining excess fluid from swollen bursae to ease pressure and improve mobility.
- Viscosupplementation (for coexisting arthritis): In cases where bursitis occurs alongside knee osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections can improve joint lubrication and reduce pain.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Customized plans to strengthen joints and restore function.
These treatments are minimally invasive and often provide faster, longer-lasting relief compared to medication alone.
5. Take Steps to Prevent Future Bursitis Flare-Ups
Preventing bursitis is as important as treating it. By adopting smart habits, you can reduce your risk of future inflammation:
- Warm up before the activity. Stretching helps prepare muscles and tendons for motion, lowering the chance of irritation.
- Maintain proper posture. Good body mechanics protect joints during sports, work, or repetitive tasks.
- Use supportive gear. Cushioned shoes, knee pads, or elbow braces can reduce pressure on vulnerable joints.
- Pace yourself. Alternate between activities that use different muscle groups to avoid overuse.
- Stay active safely. Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling strengthen joints without stressing them.
Small adjustments in daily habits can make a big impact on bursitis prevention and overall joint health.
Expert Care for Lasting Joint Relief
Managing bursitis pain starts with knowing your condition and protecting your joints. With proper care and guidance, most people can recover and return to daily activities without pain. At Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics, Dr. McCarthy provides personalized, non-surgical bursitis treatments in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, FL, focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and preventing future flare-ups.
If bursitis pain is keeping you from moving comfortably, it’s time to get expert help. Call (954) 963-3500 or schedule an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I treat bursitis at home?
Rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can relieve mild symptoms. Avoiding repetitive motions and using gentle stretching can also help.
When should I see a doctor for bursitis?
If pain lasts longer than two weeks, if swelling increases, or if the joint becomes red and warm, contact your orthopedic specialist.
What is the best treatment for bursitis?
It depends on the severity. Non-surgical treatments such as corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or aspiration often provide excellent results.
Can bursitis go away on its own?
Mild bursitis can improve with rest and self-care, but chronic cases usually require professional treatment to prevent recurrence.
