Bursitis

Doctors can often diagnose bursitis based on a medical history and physical exam. Testing, if needed, might include:

Imaging tests. X-ray images can't positively establish the diagnosis of bursitis, but they can help to exclude other causes of your discomfort. Ultrasound or MRI might be used if your bursitis can't easily be diagnosed by a physical exam alone.

Lab tests. Your doctor might order blood tests or an analysis of fluid from the inflamed bursa to pinpoint the cause of your joint inflammation and pain.

Bursitis generally gets better on its own. Conservative measures, such as rest, ice and taking a pain reliever, can relieve discomfort. If conservative measures don't work, you might require:

Medication. If the inflammation in your bursa is caused by an infection, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic.

Therapy. Physical therapy or exercises can strengthen the muscles in the affected area to ease pain and prevent recurrence.

Injections. A corticosteroid drug injected into the bursa can relieve pain and inflammation in your shoulder or hip. This treatment generally works quickly and, in many cases, one injection is all you need.

Assistive device. Temporary use of a walking cane or other device will help relieve pressure on the affected area.

Surgery. Sometimes an inflamed bursa must be surgically drained, but only rarely is surgical removal of the affected bursa necessary.