Acute Bursitis

Acute bursitis is a very uncomfortable and has a rapid onset. In acute bursitis, the inflamed joint is very tender and any movement or even slight touch can be very painful. If the onset is severe, acute bursitis can result in the entire joint show the cardinal signs of inflammation which are redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness. Often the affected area is red and when touched, feels warm.

Bursitis is caused primarily by wear and tear of the joint. Bursitis in general is an inflammation of a fluid filled sac, the bursa, which is located between two surfaces that rub together when moved. This bursa provides a sort of padding and lubrication to these surfaces. When these sacks become inflamed it is called bursitis.

Acute Bursitis

It is important to distinguish between acute bursitis and bursitis. Often, acute bursitis is caused by infection or gout. Regular bursitis has a more gradual onset and is a result of wear and tear on a joint.

In acute bursitis, resting, temporary immobilization, and icing of the joint is the first treatment steps if there is no infection. This is usually paired to using an anti-inflammatory drug. In acute bursitis where patients are in moderate to severe discomfort due to pain, anesthetic and steroid injections into the joint may be appropriate. If acute bursitis persists, these injections may need to occur over a period of months.

As the initial pain and swelling subsides, acute bursitis can be further treated by gentle movements and stretches as outlined by a physiotherapist. This must be done carefully and gradually to ensure re-injury of the joint does not occur.


Treatment plans for acute bursitis and bursitis are typically the same beginning with rest and gradually moving up to stretching and strengthening exercises.