How to Diagnose Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition in which the bursae, or a synovial membrane-lined sac filled with synovial fluid cushions in areas of friction, such as where tendons, ligaments, and bone rub against each other. Bursitis can happen in any of your major joints, but it’s especially common in the knees, shoulders, elbows, and hips. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or swelling in one of your joints, see your doctor. They can run tests to determine if you have bursitis and help you develop a good treatment plan. Most of the time, this common condition will resolve on its own with rest and TLC.

Part 1 - Recognizing the Symptoms of Bursitis

1

→ Watch for a delayed or slow onset of symptoms. You experience symptoms right away after an acute injury, such as a fracture, muscle tear, or tendon tear. However, if the problem is bursitis, then you will notice that the pain intensifies over time. Pay attention to how your pain and discomfort progresses to determine if bursitis is to blame.

→ For example, if you start out with a pain level of 3, and progress to a 6 over time, then bursitis may be to blame.

2

→ Look for aching and stiffness in the affected joint. You may feel a sharp, localized pain in your joint, or a dull ache that extends to a larger area around the joint. You might also find that the joint is stiff or difficult to move.

→ Your pain may become worse when you move the joint, put pressure on it, or use it to support your weight.

3

→ Check for visible redness and swelling. Joints affected by bursitis may look swollen or even have a well-defined bump or bulge. The skin in the area can sometimes appear red and inflamed, as well.

→ The area around the joint may also feel warm to the touch.

4

→ Test your range of motion. You may notice that your range of motion is decreased as a result of pain and swelling. Check to see if you have new limitation on how you can move your joints. If so, then this may be a sign of bursitis.

→ Be careful not to hurt yourself when checking your range of motion!

5

→ Take NSAIDs, rest, and apply ice off and on for the first 48 hours. Apply ice for 10 minutes on and then let your skin return to normal temperature. Be careful not to irritate the affected area further. You may also apply moist heat or take a warm bath after the first 48 hours after your injury. In some cases, this may be enough to alleviate symptoms of bursitis.

→ If your condition stays the same or worsens in the next 1 to 2 weeks, then see your healthcare provider.

6

→ See a doctor right away if you had an acute injury or experience severe symptoms. In some cases, bursitis can be associated with an infection or other serious complications. Call your doctor immediately if you:

→ Experience severe joint pain, especially sharp or shooting pain when you try to move the joint

→ Are suddenly unable to move the affected joint

→ See severe swelling, bruising, or a rash around the joint

→ Notice broken skin over the joint

→ Have symptoms of an infection, such as a fever (especially over 100.4 °F (38.0 °C)), malaise, or chills

Part 2 - Getting a Medical Diagnosis

1

→ Visit your doctor for a physical exam. Make an appointment with your doctor and describe the symptoms you are experiencing. They will examine your joint and look for evidence of bursitis such as a lump beneath the skin and swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint. They may also ask you to move your joint in order to determine whether your condition is affecting your mobility.

→ Your doctor might ask questions such as when you first started noticing the symptoms and whether you have noticed that particular activities make your symptoms worse.

2

→ Have imaging tests done if necessary. If the results of your physical exam are unclear, your doctor may recommend further tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of bursitis. They may wish to take X-rays, MRI scans, or an ultrasound of the area.

→ X-rays can’t be used to positively identify bursitis, but they can be useful for ruling out other causes for your symptoms (such as arthritis or a stress fracture).

→ An MRI can also help rule out damage to the tendons around your joint.

3

→ Get lab tests if your doctor recommends it. If your doctor suspects an infection or other complications, they may wish to run additional tests. They might take a blood sample, or use a fine needle to withdraw a sample of fluid from the inflamed bursa.

→ Bursitis is usually caused by injury to the joint. In some cases, however, there may be an underlying cause, such as a bacterial infection or a buildup of crystals in the joint fluid.

→ Blood tests can also be useful for ruling out other causes for your symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis.