Within your joints are small fluid-filled sacs called bursa. They cushion the bones, muscles and tendons as you move. Injuries and disease can cause these sacs to become inflamed or irritated. If this happens you may develop bursitis. The most common sites for bursitis are the hips and shoulders. If you notice the symptoms, it will be important for you to take steps to allow your injury to heal so it does not become chronic. If your bursitis was caused by overusing your shoulder or hip joint, learning good body mechanics and joint protection techniques will also be helpful.
General Symptoms
If you have bursitis in your hip or shoulder, the Mayo Clinic says your joints may become stiff and hard to move. The joint may be more painful when you move it but feel better with rest. Your hip and shoulder may be tender to the touch or when you lie on it. If the inflammation is severe, you may also develop redness, warmth and swelling in your hip or shoulder. The intensity of your symptoms and the length of time they last depend on your overall health.
Additional Symptoms
If your bursitis is in your shoulder, the University of Michigan Medical Center says symptoms commonly appear on the outer front side of your shoulder. You may be unable to lift your arm up overhead. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, if the bursitis is in your hip, the symptoms will most likely occur at the point of the hip and radiate to the outside of your thigh. In the initial stages the pain may be very localized. As your condition progresses, the symptoms may cover a wider area. Hip bursitis may make activities such as walking, standing and getting up from a chair more difficult.
Severe Symptoms
You should see your doctor as soon as you notice signs and symptoms indicative of bursitis. This is even more critical if you have pain that is disabling and prevents you from using the affected arm or leg, symptoms that last longer than two weeks, bruising and/or a rash near the affected joint, or if you develop a fever.
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