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Orthopaedic doctor examines patient for bursitis of the elbow.

What is Bursitis, and what does it feel like?

Bursitis can feel like a sharp, aching pain in your joints, making even simple movements tough. If you're dealing with swelling, stiffness, and discomfort, it could be Bursitis. Bursitis is a condition you can develop where the small, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae become inflamed. Bursae are located throughout your body, acting as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. Their main role is to reduce friction during movement, ensuring smooth and painless motion. When these sacs become irritated and inflamed, it leads to Bursitis, a painful condition that can significantly interfere with daily activities.

Bursitis can affect many joints, especially those that perform repetitive movements. While Bursitis is often associated with older adults, it can occur at any age, especially in individuals who engage in repetitive tasks or high-impact activities.


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  • We have multiple highly specialized,  board-certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons.
  • We know that we serve people - actual humans - not random orthopaedic conditions. That drives us to compassionate care.
  • The world of orthpaedics is constantly evolving.  Our orthopaedic surgeons are constantly evaluating new techniques, tools and methods to serve our community even better.
  • We provide outcome-focused treatment. We work with our patients to achieve their goals, all while developing custom treatment plans that fit our patient's lives.

Want to know more? Visit our website.


Where Does Bursitis Occur?

Bursitis can develop in several areas of the body. The joints most commonly affected include:

Symptoms of Bursitis

The symptoms of Bursitis can vary based on its location, but the most common signs include:

  • Pain: The pain associated with Bursitis can range from mild to severe. It typically worsens with movement or pressure. For example, hip bursitis may cause discomfort when walking or lying on the affected side, while knee bursitis may make it painful to kneel or bend the leg.
  • Swelling: The inflamed bursa can cause visible swelling in the affected area. In the case of prepatellar Bursitis, the swelling may resemble a soft, fluid-filled lump in front of the kneecap.
  • Stiffness and Limited Movement: Bursitis can restrict joint movement. If you have shoulder bursitis, for example, you may find it difficult to raise your arms up above your head or perform everyday tasks such as reaching or lifting.
  • Tenderness and Warmth: The area over the inflamed bursa may feel tender to the touch, and the skin may be warm. Redness can also be a sign of inflammation or infection.

What Causes Bursitis?

Several factors can lead to Bursitis, with the primary causes including:

  • Repetitive Movements: Continuous, repetitive motion is one of the leading causes of Bursitis. Athletes, particularly runners and swimmers, are at a higher risk due to repetitive movements that place stress on certain joints. Occupations that require kneeling, bending, or lifting can also increase the risk of developing Bursitis.

  • Injury or Trauma: Having a sudden injury, such as a fall or blow to the joint, can lead to inflammation of the bursa. Even minor trauma, if repeated over time, can cause irritation.

  • Prolonged Pressure: Constant pressure on a joint, such as kneeling for long periods or leaning on the elbows, can irritate the bursae. This is common in jobs like cleaning, carpentry, and gardening, where people spend extended time in certain positions.
  • Aging: As we age, our tendons and ligaments lose flexibility, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. This increases the likelihood of Bursitis as our bodies become less efficient at absorbing the stresses of daily activities.

  • Infection: In some cases, Bursitis can be caused by an infection (septic Bursitis). This is more likely to occur when a bursa near the skin, like the elbow or knee, becomes infected due to a cut or scrape. Septic Bursitis requires prompt medical treatment with antibiotics.

  • Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes can contribute to the development of Bursitis. These diseases often cause inflammation in various parts of the body, increasing the likelihood of bursa irritation.

When to See a Doctor for Bursitis

While many cases of Bursitis can be managed at home, it's important to consult a doctor if:

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Are you suffering from pain?

Please contact us! We'd love to help.

If you have pain, please contact us and schedule an appointment. We have urgent care facilities all over New Jersey for your convenience.

Treatments for Bursitis

Bursitis can typically be managed with non-invasive treatments. Here's a breakdown of the most common methods:

Rest: Resting the affected area is essential to allow the inflammation to subside. Avoid the activities that triggered the condition, especially repetitive movements.

Ice: Applying ice packs to the area in 15-20 minute intervals multiple times a day can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate your pain, especially in the early days of the condition.

Over-the-Counter Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help control pain and reduce swelling.

Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs. This typically includes exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint which helps to improve flexibility and prevent future occurrences.

Steroid Injections: In cases of severe or persistent pain, a corticosteroid injection directly into the bursa can provide quick relief. These injections reduce inflammation and may alleviate symptoms for several months.

Aspiration: In cases of severe swelling, fluid may be drained from the bursa through a procedure called aspiration. This can reduce pressure and provide relief from pain.

Surgery: In rare cases, when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa. Surgical removal of the bursa typically resolves the issue and is followed by physical therapy to restore full function to the joint.

Home Care for Bursitis: How to Heal Hip Bursitis and Other Forms at Home

Many cases of Bursitis, particularly mild ones, can be treated effectively at home. Here's how to manage it:

Rest the Affected Joint: Stop any activity that may have caused the condition. Rest allows the inflammation to calm down and prevents further damage.

Ice the Area: Apply ice to the affected joint for 15-20 minutes every few hours during the first 48 hours. Ice helps reduce swelling and numbs the pain.

Use Compression and Elevation: Wrapping the joint with an elastic bandage can help control swelling. Elevating the joint can promote blood flow and reduce swelling, especially in the knees and ankles.

Perform Gentle Stretches: Once the pain has subsided, gentle stretching can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Be cautious and avoid overextending the joint.

Preventing Bursitis

Preventing Bursitis involves taking steps to reduce stress on the joints and prevent inflammation. Some helpful strategies include:

Stretching for bursitis
  • Warm Up and Stretch: Before you begin any physical activity, warm up and stretch the muscles around the joints to help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of irritation.
  • Use Proper Equipment: Wearing supportive shoes and using cushioned pads when kneeling or leaning on joints can help prevent undue pressure on the bursae.
  • Take Breaks: If your job or hobby requires repetitive motion, be sure to take frequent breaks to rest the joints. Alternating tasks can also reduce stress on a particular joint.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on joints, especially the hips, knees, and ankles. Trhough maintaining a healthy weight you can help alleviate this added strain and reduce your risks of developing bursitis.
  • Strengthen Muscles Around Joints: Strengthening the muscles around joints through targeted exercises can help improve stability and reduce pressure on the bursae.

Is it Bursitis or Arthritis?

To distinguish between bursitis and arthritis, it's important to look at the specific symptoms and areas affected:

Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when you develop inflammation of the bursa, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. It typically presents as localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in areas like the hips, knees, elbows, or shoulders. The pain often worsens with movement or pressure on the affected area and can appear suddenly after repetitive activities or injury.

Arthritis

Arthritis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the joint itself, affecting the bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. It often causes chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The pain may be widespread across multiple joints and is often worse after periods of inactivity or first thing in the morning. Arthritis symptoms usually develop gradually over time and can result from conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

In short, bursitis tends to be acute, focused on a specific joint with movement-triggered pain, while arthritis is typically chronic, affecting joint function and movement over time. If in doubt, an orthopedic specialist can help provide a diagnosis through physical exams and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.


Need Care Now? POA Has Six Urgent Care Facilities

Monroe

11 Centre Drive
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831

Plainsboro

5 Plainsboro Road, Suite 100
Plainsboro, NJ 08536

Robbinsville

1 Union Street Suite 305
Robbinsville, NJ 08691

Princeton

325 Princeton Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540

Hillsborough

315 US Highway 206
Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

Ewing

200 Charles Ewing Blvd. Suite 170
Ewing, NJ 08628

Urgent Care Hours


This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.

screenshot 2024 09 15 at 2.10.05 pm


Our Ewing location has moved to Exit 72 and is located at 200 Charles Ewing Blvd, suite #170. You can find hte new address here (Click Here) Our first day serving the new Ewing orthopaedic office will be on Sept 16th, 2024!

Princeton Orthopaedic Associates Ewing office is located at:

      Princeton Orthopaedic Associates
      Orthopedics and Physical Therapy
      200 Charles Ewing Blvd, Suite #170
      Ewing Township, New Jersey 08628

Serving communities like Ewing Township with extraordinary orthopaedic care is one of our core values.  We live in the community, so serving our community is part of our DNA. Princeton Orthopaedic Associates is committed to providing excellence to every patient we see. We do this with extraordinary talent, tools, and techniques. Our patients deserve the very best, and we constantly strive to exceed expectations and give excellent outcomes.

Dr. Haskel, Sports Medicine Doctor - Princeton Orthopaedic Associates examine's patient's shin splints

If you're experiencing pain in the front of your lower leg, especially after running or engaging in high-impact activities, you could be dealing with shin splints. Shin splints affect many athletes, hikers, and fitness enthusiasts, causing discomfort and sometimes even limiting physical activity. If you're struggling with shin pain, you're not alone. But what are shin splints? Let's take a look at shin splints, what causes them, and how to recognize the symptoms and prevent them in the future.

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints, formally known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to the pain felt along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). This condition happens when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia become overworked due to repetitive stress. Usually, shin splints occur in runners, but anyone participating in physical activities like hiking, basketball, or dance can develop this type of leg pain.

Shin Splints Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of shin splints is key to getting the right treatment.

The most common symptoms include:

  • A dull, aching pain in the shin: This pain is typically located along the front or inner part of the lower leg and can intensify during or after exercise.

  • Tenderness or soreness along the shinbone: Pressing on the affected area often causes discomfort.
  • Swelling in the lower leg: Some people experience mild swelling in the shins, particularly after exercising.

  • Shin pain that worsens with activity: As the condition progresses, the pain may worsen during physical activities like running or jumping and may persist even during rest

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to take steps to reduce the pain and prevent further damage.

What Causes Shin Splints?

The primary cause of shin splints is repetitive stress to the lower leg. This stress can lead to inflammation of the muscles and tendons surrounding the shinbone, causing pain.

Some of the most common causes of shin splints include:

  • Sudden increases in physical activity: Ramping up your workout intensity or duration too quickly can place extra stress on your shins.
  • Running on hard surfaces: Pavement or concrete surfaces don't absorb impact well, increasing stress on your legs.
  • Improper footwear: Wearing worn-out or unsupportive shoes can contribute to shin splints.
  • Flat feet or high arches: These foot conditions can alter your biomechanics, placing more stress on the shins.
  • Poor running form: Incorrect running technique, such as overstriding or landing too heavily on your heels, can lead to shin pain.

Understanding the causes of your shin splints is important to help you prevent future occurrences.


Need Care Now? POA Has Six Urgent Care Facilities

Monroe

11 Centre Drive
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831

Plainsboro

5 Plainsboro Road, Suite 100
Plainsboro, NJ 08536

Robbinsville

1 Union Street Suite 305
Robbinsville, NJ 08691

Princeton

325 Princeton Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540

Hillsborough

315 US Highway 206
Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

Ewing

200 Charles Ewing Blvd. Suite 170
Ewing, NJ 08628

Urgent Care Hours


Shin Splints Treatment

How to Care for Shin Splints at Home

If you're wondering how to get rid of shin splints, the good news is that in most cases they can be treated at home with simple home remedies and changes to your workout routine.

Here are ways to care for shin splints at home:

How to Prevent Shin Splints

Preventing shin splints is crucial to avoiding recurrent pain.

Here are some strategies to keep your shin splints at bay:

Dealing with Shin Splints: When to See a Specialist

If your shin splints aren't improving with rest and home treatment, or if the pain becomes severe, it may be time to see a sports medicine specialist. A sports med doctor can help determine if your shin splints are caused by an underlying issue like a stress fracture, or they may suggest more advanced treatment options.

Here are signs you should see a sports medicine doctor:

Sports medicine specialists can perform imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to rule out more serious injuries. They may also recommend other treatments such as physical therapy to help you strengthen the muscles around your shins, custom orthotics to correct any biomechanical issues, or even gait analysis to improve your running form.


What is Gait Analysis?

Gait analysis is a way of studying how you walk or run to understand your movement patterns. It looks at how your feet hit the ground, how your legs move, and how your body stays balanced. The goal is to identify any imbalances or issues that could lead to injuries, like shin splints or knee pain.

During a gait analysis, a specialist might watch you walk or run or use technology like a treadmill and cameras to get a detailed view. Based on the results, they might recommend specific shoes, insoles, or exercises to improve your form and reduce the risk of injury.


Meet Our Sports Medicine Doctors

Advanced Treatment Options for Shin Splints

If basic treatments aren't effective, your specialist may suggest advanced interventions. These may include:

Long-Term Treatment and Prevention

Once you've recovered from shin splints, it's important to make long-term adjustments to avoid future injuries. Follow these tips:

Shin Splints Don't Have to Hold You Back

Shin splints can definitely be painful and frustrating especially if you're in the middle of training, but with the right treatment and preventative strategies, you can recover and get back to your favorite activities. Remember, rest is key to healing, and making gradual changes, instead of sudden, to your workout routine can help you avoid shin splints in the future. If your symptoms persist, don't hesitate to seek help from a sports medicine specialist, who can provide a tailored treatment plan to get you back on track.


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Are you suffering from pain?

Please contact us! We'd love to help.

If you have pain, please contact us and schedule an appointment. We have urgent care facilities all over New Jersey for your convenience.


This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.

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POA is an outcome-focused orthopaedic practice which combines Extraordinary Talent, Techniques & Tools.
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