Overview
A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues such as bone and tendon. When a bursa becomes inflamed (bursitis), it can cause pain and tenderness.
GSMC is led by Dr. Dharam Mann, who completed fellowships in pain management, cardiac anesthesia and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard.
A bursa injection places a corticosteroid and numbing medicine into the inflamed bursa. It is often combined with activity changes, stretching and strengthening.
Watch: how Bursa Injections works
Video: “Hip Bursitis - A Specialist's Insight” from St Vincent's Private Hospital Sydney on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
How it works
The clinician cleans the skin and uses landmarks or ultrasound guidance to place a needle into the bursa and inject the medication.
Who it may be for
- Hip (trochanteric), shoulder (subacromial), knee or elbow bursitis
- Pain that has not improved with rest, ice and therapy
Your exam and imaging decide whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
What to expect
- Before: an exam and, if needed, ultrasound.
- During: a short office procedure.
- After: limit strenuous use of the area for a day or two.
Recovery
Mild soreness for a day or two is common. Your instructions may differ.
Risks and side effects
Every procedure has risks. Your physician will review them with you, including:
- Temporary pain flare
- Skin thinning or lightening at the site
- Infection (rare)
- Temporary rise in blood sugar
Insurance and cost
Many plans, including Medicare, may cover this treatment when criteria are met. We verify benefits before scheduling. See accepted insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly will I feel better?
The numbing medicine works quickly. The steroid may take several days.
How often can I get a bursa injection?
Usually no more than a few times a year in the same area.
Is bursitis the same as arthritis?
No. Bursitis affects the bursa, not the joint cartilage, although both can occur together.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.