Bursitis is painful inflammation of a bursa - a flat sac containing joint (synovial) fluid that reduces friction in areas where skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments rub over bones). A bursa normally contains very little fluid. If injured or overused, however, the bursa may become inflamed and fill with fluid. These small, fluid-filled sacs lubricate and cushion pressure points between your bones and the tendons and muscles near your joints. They help your joints move with ease. Bursitis occurs when one of the bursae becomes inflamed. When inflammation occurs, movement or pressure is painful.

Bursitis often affects the areas around the joints in your shoulders, elbows or hips. But you can also have bursitis by your knee, heel and even in the base of your big toe. Bursitis pain usually goes away within a week or so with proper treatment, but recurrent flare-ups are common and can be frustrating.

Self-care 

To take care of your bursitis at home:

• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can provide relief. Use as directed. Consult your doctor if you need NSAIDs for an extended period of time.
• Apply ice packs. Use them for 20 minutes several times a day during the first few days, or for as long as the joint area is warm to the touch.
• Apply heat. Use heat after the affected joint is no longer warm or red to help relieve muscle and joint pain and stiffness. But don't overdo it. Don't apply heat for more than 20 minutes at a time. Sometimes moist heat seems to penetrate deeper and give you more relief than dry heat.
• Perform stretching exercises. Stretching can help restore full range of motion.
• Elevate the affected joint. Raising your knee or elbow can help reduce swelling.
• Keep pressure off your joint. If possible, use an elastic bandage, sling or soft foam pad to protect a joint until the swelling goes down.

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