Bursitis

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You have a high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery. This could be a sign of an infection.
You cannot move the affected joint. This could be a sign of severe bursitis or another condition.
You have very severe, sharp or shooting pains in the joint. This could be a sign of a different condition, such as a tendon tear.
You have a rash or bruise on the area. This could be a sign of an infection.
Sudden inability to move the affected joint: This could indicate a more serious issue than bursitis.
High fever or chills: These are signs of a potential infection in the bursa, which requires prompt medical attention.
Significant swelling, redness, and warmth around the joint: This could be a sign of an infection or severe inflammation.
Severe, sharp, or shooting pains: While bursitis can cause pain, exceptionally sharp pains might indicate a different problem like a tendon tear.

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You have a high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery. This could be a sign of an infection.
You cannot move the affected joint. This could be a sign of severe bursitis or another condition.
You have very severe, sharp or shooting pains in the joint. This could be a sign of a different condition, such as a tendon tear.
You have a rash or bruise on the area. This could be a sign of an infection.
Sudden inability to move the affected joint: This could indicate a more serious issue than bursitis.
High fever or chills: These are signs of a potential infection in the bursa, which requires prompt medical attention.
Significant swelling, redness, and warmth around the joint: This could be a sign of an infection or severe inflammation.
Severe, sharp, or shooting pains: While bursitis can cause pain, exceptionally sharp pains might indicate a different problem like a tendon tear.

Do:

Rest: This is crucial! Avoid activities that aggravate the bursa.
RICE: This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Apply ice packs for 15 minutes at a time, wrapped in a towel, several times a day. Elevate the affected joint whenever possible. Compression wraps can also help reduce swelling.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Gentle exercises prescribed by a physical therapist can improve flexibility and strengthen muscles around the joint, aiding healing and preventing future issues.
Maintain good posture: This helps distribute stress evenly across your joints.
Use proper form: Whether for exercise or daily activities, ensure proper form to avoid putting undue strain on your joints.
Lose weight if overweight: Excess weight puts extra stress on your joints.

Don't:

Ignore the pain: Resting the joint is key to healing.
Apply heat right away: In the initial stages, ice is better for reducing inflammation. Heat can be helpful later in the healing process, but consult a doctor first.
Smoke: Smoking can impede healing.
Continue aggravating activities: This will only worsen the bursitis.
Massage the inflamed area: If bursitis is caused by infection, massage can spread it. Rest, ice, and elevate instead.
Return to activity too soon: Listen to your body and gradually resume activities without pain.
Ignore worsening symptoms: If pain worsens, redness or fever develops, or you experience significant joint restriction, see a doctor right away.

Possible Questions:

Where is the pain located? (e.g., shoulder, hip, knee, etc.)
How long have you been experiencing pain?
Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
What activities seem to aggravate the pain?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the pain?
Have you had any recent injuries to the affected area?
Do you have any underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis or gout?
Do you participate in any sports or activities that could put stress on the joint?
Do you have a history of repetitive motions in your work or hobbies?
Are you currently taking any medications, including over-the-counter drugs?
Do you experience any swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected joint?
Is there any stiffness or limitation in movement of the joint?
Have you noticed any weakness or instability in the joint?
Have you had any difficulty sleeping due to the pain?
Have you tried any home remedies for the pain, such as rest, ice, or pain relievers?
Did they provide any relief?
Is there anything else you would like to tell me about your pain or symptoms?

1.Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Bursitis?

Pain in the affected joint, especially when you move it
Swelling around the joint
Tenderness to the touch
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Difficulty performing activities that involve the affected joint

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information

What causes Bursitis?

Bursitis can be caused by repetitive motions, overuse of a joint, direct injury to the bursa, or prolonged pressure on the area. Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also increase your risk of bursitis.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

How is Bursitis diagnosed?

Your LIPS consultant will likely diagnose bursitis based on your medical history and a physical exam. In some cases, they may order imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to get a better look at the affected joint.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

3.Treatment

How is Bursitis treated?

Treatment for bursitis typically focuses on reducing inflammation and pain. This may involve:

Resting the affected joint
Applying ice packs to the area
Taking over-the-counter pain medication
Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
Cortisone injection to reduce inflammation

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers

What about insurance coverage?

LIPS is a private healthcare provider, and most insurance plans do not cover treatment received outside your home country. Here are some additional points to consider:

Contact your insurance company: We recommend getting in touch with your insurance provider directly to inquire about coverage for bursitis treatment at LIPS. They can advise you on any specific exclusions or limitations in your plan.
Payment options at LIPS: LIPS offers various payment options for patients without insurance coverage. We recommend exploring their website or contacting them directly for more information on their payment plans.

What are the benefits of receiving Bursitis treatment at LIPS?

LIPS offers several advantages for patients seeking bursitis treatment:

Leading Consultants: They have a team of highly skilled consultants with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating bursitis.
Advanced Techniques: LIPS consultants utilise advanced techniques, including minimally invasive surgery, for faster recovery times.
Personalised Care: They provide personalised care plans tailored to your specific needs and condition.

International Support: LIPS offers support services to help navigate your treatment journey as an international patient.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.