Health education · MusculoskeletalSaint‑Hyacinthe
Bursitis: symptoms, causes and treatment options in Saint-Hyacinthe
Shoulder, hip, elbow or knee pain? Bursitis can cause localized pain, significant tenderness and sometimes swelling around a joint.
At Clinique IPS du Palais in Saint-Hyacinthe, our team can assess your musculoskeletal pain, look for the structure responsible for the symptoms and determine the management options suited to your situation.
Understanding
What is a bursa?
A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac located near certain joints.
It acts as a kind of cushion and helps reduce friction between different structures. There are several bursae in the body.
For example, it reduces friction between:
- a tendon and a bone;
- the skin and a bone;
- a muscle and a joint.
Definition
What is bursitis?
Bursitis is an irritation or inflammation of a bursa.
Bursitis can appear gradually or more suddenly depending on its cause.
When a bursa becomes irritated, it can cause:
- pain;
- tenderness;
- discomfort with certain movements;
- swelling;
- sometimes, local warmth.
Affected areas
Where can bursitis occur?
Several areas can be affected.
Hip
Elbow
Knee
Shoulder
The subacromial area of the shoulder contains a bursa that can become painful. Symptoms may include:
- pain when the arm is raised;
- pain when working overhead;
- pain when sleeping on the shoulder;
- pain with certain repetitive movements.
Pain in this area can also be associated with the rotator cuff tendons.
Hip
Pain on the side of the hip is sometimes called “trochanteric bursitis.” In practice, some lateral hip pain can also involve the gluteal tendons and surrounding structures.
Symptoms may be present, for example:
- when walking;
- when climbing stairs;
- when standing for a long time;
- when sleeping on the affected side.
Elbow
The bursa located at the back of the elbow can become irritated. This is often called olecranon bursitis. It can cause:
- visible swelling behind the elbow;
- pain;
- tenderness;
- discomfort when leaning on the elbow.
Knee
Some bursae around the knee can become painful, particularly after:
- repeated kneeling;
- prolonged pressure;
- certain work activities;
- trauma.
Causes
What can cause bursitis?
Several factors can contribute.
Repetitive movements
Repeated movements can increase friction around a bursa.
Prolonged pressure
Some cases of bursitis appear when an area is subjected to repeated pressure: regularly leaning on the elbows, often working on your knees or constantly sleeping on a painful hip.
Rapid increase in activity
A new activity or a significant increase in training volume can sometimes irritate certain structures.
Trauma
A direct blow to a joint can cause irritation or bleeding in a bursa.
Infection
More rarely, a bursa can become infected: this is called septic bursitis. Significant redness, marked warmth or fever require a prompt assessment.
Gout
Gout can sometimes cause inflammation near a joint and affect certain bursae, particularly at the elbow.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of bursitis?
Symptoms depend on the affected area.
Some cases of superficial bursitis, such as at the elbow, can produce fairly visible swelling.
They may include:
- localized pain;
- tenderness to pressure;
- pain with certain movements;
- pain when lying on the area;
- swelling;
- local warmth;
- temporary decrease in mobility.
Bursitis or tendinitis: what is the difference?
Bursitis affects a bursa. Tendinopathy affects a tendon. These two structures are often very close to each other: the symptoms can therefore be similar, or several structures can be involved at the same time.
For example, shoulder pain may combine:
- irritation of the bursa;
- involvement of a rotator cuff tendon;
- other shoulder structures.
The clinical examination helps to better identify the probable origin of the symptoms.
Bursitis or osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the joint and its various structures. Bursitis involves a bursa located near the joint.
However, both can cause:
- pain;
- stiffness;
- a reduction in activities.
It is also possible for a person to have several problems at the same time.
How is bursitis assessed?
The assessment begins with the history of the symptoms. The professional may ask, among other things:
- where the pain is;
- how long it has been present;
- whether it appeared gradually or suddenly;
- which activities make it worse;
- whether there is swelling;
- whether there has been trauma;
- whether the area is red or warm;
- whether there is fever.
The musculoskeletal examination
A musculoskeletal examination can then assess:
- mobility;
- strength;
- the location of the pain;
- sensation;
- swelling;
- neighbouring structures.
In Quebec, public musculoskeletal clinics begin with a complete musculoskeletal assessment, then direct the person to the appropriate services according to their needs.1
Is an X-ray needed?
Not necessarily.
An X-ray does not always directly show bursitis. However, it can be useful in certain situations to look for:
- osteoarthritis;
- calcifications;
- a bone problem;
- after-effects of trauma;
- another cause of pain.
Can an ultrasound be useful?
Yes, in certain situations.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound can make it possible to visualize certain bursae and surrounding structures. It can be relevant when the information obtained could change the management.
However, it is not mandatory for all cases of bursitis.
Imaging
Is an MRI necessary?
Not in most cases.
An MRI may be requested when:
- the diagnosis remains uncertain;
- another condition is suspected;
- symptoms persist despite management;
- the result could change the treatment.
Rest
Should the joint be rested?
Relative rest can be helpful at first when a movement strongly provokes the symptoms.
This does not necessarily mean completely immobilizing the joint for a long period.
- ReduceTemporarily reduce aggravating activities.
- MaintainKeep a tolerable range of motion.
- ResumeGradually resume activities.
Can ice help?
Applying cold can sometimes temporarily relieve:
- pain;
- sensation;
- swelling.
It is best to protect the skin and avoid prolonged direct contact with ice.
What about medications?
Depending on the situation, certain pain medications or anti-inflammatories may be used. However, anti-inflammatories are not suitable for everyone. Particular caution may be needed depending on:
- kidney function;
- digestive history;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- pregnancy;
- taking anticoagulants;
- other medications.
A pharmacist or health professional can help you determine the appropriate option.
Physiotherapy
What is the role of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy can be relevant when bursitis is linked to or associated with mechanical overload, muscle weakness, loss of mobility, poor tolerance of certain activities or associated tendon involvement.
In Quebec, public musculoskeletal clinics offer, among other things, information on pain self-management, self-care tools and personalized exercise programs.1
Management may include:
- exercises;
- strengthening;
- improved mobility;
- adjustment of activities;
- a gradual return to physical exertion.
Can a cortisone injection help?
For some cases of bursitis, a corticosteroid injection may be considered. The main goal is to reduce pain, local inflammation and the limitations related to the symptoms.
However, an injection is not automatically indicated for all cases of bursitis. Before an injection, it is important to:
- confirm the structure involved;
- rule out an infection;
- take other treatments into account;
- consider the risks and benefits.
Why should bursitis not be injected if it may be infected?
An infection in a bursa requires different management. A corticosteroid injection must not be performed when an infection is suspected.
Signs that may suggest infected bursitis include:
- significant redness;
- warmth;
- marked swelling;
- significant pain;
- sometimes, fever or chills.
Such a situation warrants a prompt assessment.
Can fluid be removed from a bursa?
In certain situations, a professional may perform an aspiration to remove fluid. This can make it possible, among other things:
- to analyze the fluid;
- to look for an infection;
- to look for certain crystals;
- sometimes, to reduce significant tension.
However, this procedure is not necessary for all cases of bursitis.
Bursitis and gout
Gout can sometimes cause inflammation near a joint and affect certain bursae, particularly at the elbow.
A rapid onset with the following signs may require an assessment to differentiate between several possible causes:
- severe pain;
- redness;
- warmth;
- swelling.
How long can bursitis last?
The duration varies depending on:
- the cause;
- the area;
- the severity of the irritation;
- the activities you keep doing;
- the presence of an associated condition;
- the management.
Some cases of bursitis improve within a few weeks. Others may become recurrent or persist if the factors maintaining the irritation are not corrected.
Can I continue working or playing sports?
Often, yes.
However, some activities may need to be temporarily adjusted, for example:
- reducing aggravating movements;
- reducing certain loads;
- avoiding direct pressure;
- temporarily modifying training.
The goal is generally a gradual return to activities rather than a prolonged stop, when the situation allows.
Seeking care
When to seek care?
A consultation may be appropriate if you have any of the following.
- persistent pain around a joint;
- swelling of a bursa;
- pain in the shoulder, elbow, hip or knee;
- symptoms that come back regularly;
- decreased mobility;
- pain that prevents you from sleeping or working;
- no improvement despite simple measures;
- questions about an injection.
When should you seek care quickly?
A prompt assessment is important, particularly if you have:
- significant redness;
- marked warmth;
- sudden swelling;
- fever;
- chills;
- very severe pain;
- a wound or infection near the area;
- significant inability to use the limb;
- symptoms that appeared after significant trauma.
These symptoms may indicate an infection, a fracture or another condition requiring different management.
For moderate and stable pain, Québec.ca recommends contacting a health professional or a pharmacist.2 In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency department.
How can Clinique IPS du Palais support you?
Depending on your situation, our team can, among other things:
- assess your pain;
- perform a musculoskeletal examination;
- look for bursitis;
- differentiate bursitis from tendinopathy or joint involvement;
- look for signs of infection;
- order imaging when necessary;
- discuss the different treatment options;
- refer you to physiotherapy;
- assess whether an injection is appropriate;
- provide follow-up;
- refer you to another resource when needed.
A musculoskeletal approach at the clinic
You can also discover our approach with Virginie Jacques, primary care nurse practitioner (PHCNP), who has a particular interest in musculoskeletal problems.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Are bursitis and tendinitis the same thing?
No. Bursitis affects a bursa, whereas tendinopathy affects a tendon. However, both can be present in the same area.
Can bursitis heal on its own?
Some mild cases of bursitis can improve with a temporary reduction in irritating activities and a gradual return.
Is an X-ray always necessary?
No. Imaging depends on the context and the results of the clinical examination.
Can bursitis become infected?
Yes. Some cases of bursitis can be caused by an infection. A red, warm and very swollen bursa, particularly with fever, should be assessed quickly.
Does a cortisone injection cure bursitis?
It can reduce symptoms in certain situations, but it does not necessarily correct the factor that caused the bursitis.
Can all cases of bursitis be injected?
No. The indication depends on the area, the diagnosis and the context. In particular, an infection must be ruled out.
What is the difference between hip bursitis and hip tendinitis?
Lateral hip pain can involve a bursa, the gluteal tendons or several structures. A clinical assessment helps to better identify the problem.
Can bursitis come back?
Yes, especially if the factor maintaining the pressure or overload persists.
Is complete rest necessary?
Usually not for simple bursitis. A temporary adjustment of activities is often more appropriate than prolonged immobilization.
Sources
- Gouvernement du Québec. Clinique musculosquelettique. Updated August 26, 2026, accessed October 6, 2026. quebec.ca
- Gouvernement du Québec. Information sur la douleur chronique. Updated October 8, 2025, accessed October 6, 2026. quebec.ca
This page provides general information and does not replace an individualized assessment by a health professional.