What should you know about greater bursitis?

Bursae are small cushioning sacs that reduce rubbing between tissues around joints. Irritation can follow repeated pressure, a change in activity, an injury, or an inflammatory condition. Pain may be worse when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, rising from a chair, or moving through a particular range. Visible swelling is possible but not required, and pain around a joint can also come from tendons, muscles, the joint itself, or infection.

A clinician may examine strength, movement, tenderness, gait, and the skin. Imaging or fluid testing is considered when the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms are severe, or infection is a concern.

Reduce the activity or pressure that clearly provokes pain, while keeping comfortable movement so the area does not become guarded and weak. A clinician or physiotherapist can help adjust footwear, sleeping position, work tasks, and strengthening exercises. Cold or heat may be suggested according to your response. Anti-inflammatory medication may help some people, but suitability depends on other medicines and health conditions.

If symptoms do not settle, a clinician may discuss a cortisone injection. Joint aspiration is used selectively when fluid needs to be tested or removed; it is not routine for every painful bursa.

Seek prompt care for a hot, red, rapidly swollen area, fever, drainage, or pain that becomes severe at rest. Arrange assessment if symptoms follow a fall, prevent weight-bearing, cause marked weakness, or continue despite reducing the trigger. Infection and fracture need different treatment from uncomplicated bursitis.

Ask which structure is causing the pain, whether infection or tendon injury needs exclusion, what activity changes are temporary, and when an injection or aspiration would be appropriate.