A sharp, achy pain on the outside of your hip, the front of your knee, or the tip of your shoulder that flares with pressure or repetitive motion can point to bursitis, inflammation of a bursa, the small fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near a joint. Recognizing bursitis symptoms early can make a real difference, since ongoing irritation tends to get harder to calm down the longer it is left untreated.
At Modern Edge Sports & Orthopedic Medicine, Dr. Michael Wong, DO, is a board-certified sports medicine and orthopedic specialist who evaluates joint and bursa pain with a hands-on exam and, when helpful, in-office ultrasound imaging. Trained through UPMC, he takes a non-surgical approach to bursitis treatment, building a plan around your specific joint, activity level, and how long you have been dealing with symptoms.
If hip, knee, or shoulder pain is slowing you down, request an appointment with our team today and let us help you find a path back to comfortable movement.
Bursitis can affect nearly any joint, but it shows up most often in areas that absorb repeated pressure or friction during daily activity and exercise.
Bursitis is most often caused by repetitive motion, prolonged pressure on a joint, or a minor injury that irritates the bursa. Kneeling, leaning on elbows, repetitive throwing or overhead motion, and even prolonged sitting on hard surfaces can all contribute to irritation over time.
Mild bursitis often improves with rest, ice, activity modification, and over-the-counter medication to help manage discomfort while the irritation settles. When symptoms do not resolve on their own, Dr. Mike may recommend:
Because these two options work on different timelines and through different mechanisms, our team will walk you through which approach, or combination of approaches, makes the most sense for your specific situation.
Dr. Mike will typically ask about your activity level, examine the affected joint, and check for tenderness, swelling, and pain with specific movements. In-office ultrasound imaging can help confirm that a bursa, rather than a tendon or the joint itself, is the source of your pain.
Bursitis usually develops from repetitive pressure or friction near a joint, such as frequent kneeling, leaning on elbows, or repetitive overhead motion in sports or certain jobs. It can also follow a minor bump or injury that irritates the bursa.
Treatment usually begins with rest, ice, and activity changes. If symptoms continue, corticosteroid injections can offer fast, short-term relief, while PRP therapy may be considered for bursitis that keeps coming back or has not responded to other conservative care.
Getting scheduled with our team is easy. Use our online appointment request form to pick a time that works for you, and a member of our staff will reach out to confirm the details. We look forward to helping you get back to moving comfortably.