Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa sac, which is a slippery sac located between the bones of many joints and the skin. The bursa sac prevents excessive rubbing between bones and the skin that occurs during movement. This sac can become inflamed during repetitive motions, the Mayo Clinic says. This condition results in pain, stiffness, tenderness, swelling and redness around the affected joint. The condition can prevent a patient from performing physical activity or activities of daily living, depending on the location and severity of bursitis. A patient with excessive pain or swelling in a joint should see a doctor.
Ice
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) says the elbow should be elevated and ice should be applied to the affected area. A patient should apply an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables to the affected area for 20 minutes. Then, he should remove the ice pack for 20 minutes. This cycle should be repeated as often as possible for the first 48 hours, or until swelling and pain subsides. Heat should not be placed on the affected joint; that may aggravate the bursa sac and increase swelling.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications can be taken to reduce pain and inflammation in the bursa sac. The AAOS says that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Aleve or ibuprofen can reduce inflammation. A reduction in inflammation lessens pain and stiffness in the affected joint. A patient taking these medications should follow the instruction on the drug label to prevent possible complications and side effects. He should not take these medications if he has a history of stomach, liver or kidney problems. Additionally, he should seek immediate medical treatment if he experiences bloody vomit, blood stool, clay-colored stool, dark urine or stomach pain.
A doctor may further recommend a corticosteroid injection into the affected bursa, the AAOS says. A local corticosteroid injection can reduce inflammation better than OTC medications. If necessary, the doctor can also drain fluid from the affected bursa sac.
Surgery
In severe cases of infection, surgery may necessary to remove the bursa. In this case, the AAOS says, a patient stays in the hospital for a few days to make sure the infection has been cleared.
A non-infected bursa may also be surgically removed if it doesn't respond to more conservative treatments. The AAOS says this procedure doesn't cause structural damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones, and is fairly safe. However, risks of infection, excessive bleeding or accidental structural damage are always present in any type of surgery.
