How is bursitis different from arthritis?

Bursitis is inflammation of a peri-articular synovial bursa; the joint itself is not affected. Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. Ultrasound makes the distinction: bursitis shows fluid outside the joint, arthritis — inside.

Can I do sports with bursitis?

Not in the acute phase. After a MIBRAR® course, gradual return in 3–6 weeks. The triggering factor (running technique, wrong footwear, work posture) must be addressed.

Bursitis — MIBRAR® treatment without steroids and surgery

What is bursitis

The body has more than 150 synovial bursae — small synovial-fluid filled sacs that reduce friction between tendons and bones, and between muscles. Overload, trauma or infection cause the bursa to inflame, accumulate fluid and thicken.

Overload and repetitive movement

Working on knees (prepatellar), with arms overhead (subdeltoid), prolonged sitting (ischial). Microtrauma triggers aseptic inflammation.

Direct trauma

Bruise with hematoma in the bursa. A common scenario — olecranon bursitis ("student's elbow") after striking a desk.

Infection

Septic bursitis. Bacterial penetration through the skin (overlying abrasion) or from a distant focus. Requires urgent aspiration, culture and antibiotics.

Systemic disease

Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tuberculosis. Bursitis is part of the wider process and is treated alongside the underlying disease.

Common locations

Shoulder (subacromial)

The most common. Pain on arm abduction, night pain. Often accompanies rotator cuff tendinitis. → More

Trochanteric (hip)

Pain over the greater trochanter on the lateral hip. Worsens lying on the affected side. → More

Olecranon (elbow)

Swelling and tenderness on the back of the elbow ("student's elbow"). Septic form — redness and fever.

Prepatellar and infrapatellar

Bursae in front of and below the kneecap. "Housemaid's knee." Fluctuant swelling above the knee.

Heel (retrocalcaneal)

Between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus. Often coexists with Achilles tendinopathy.

Ischial, iliopsoas

Deep pelvic bursae. Diagnosed only with ultrasound and MRI. Common cause of "unexplained" buttock or groin pain.

Bursitis diagnosis

Clinical examination

Palpation over the bursa, provocation tests, range-of-motion assessment. Superficial bursae present visible, palpable swelling.

Ultrasound

Method of choice. Accurately measures fluid volume, wall thickness, septations. Used for image-guided aspiration and injection.

MRI

For deep bursae and ambiguous cases. Excludes coexisting pathology: rotator cuff tears, fractures, tumors.

Bursitis treatment with MIBRAR®

1. Ultrasound-guided aspiration

Fluid evacuation immediately relieves pain and provides material for biochemical / bacteriological analysis.

2. Bursa wall regeneration

CGF or PRP into the bursa — restores the synovial lining and reduces chronic inflammatory potential.

3. Cause correction

Treatment of underlying pathology (tendinitis, impingement, arthrosis), correction of technique / posture / footwear.

15–30 minDuration

1–2Procedures per course

0Steroids

3–6 wkFull recovery

Treat the cause, not just the swelling

Send ultrasound — get a treatment plan without steroids.

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Frequently asked questions

Bursitis vs arthritis?

Bursitis — peri-articular bursa inflammation; arthritis — joint itself. Ultrasound clearly distinguishes them.

Is fluid aspiration mandatory?

With significant volume — yes. Ultrasound-guided aspiration + CGF for restoration.

Can bursitis become chronic?

Yes, without addressing the cause. MIBRAR® rebuilds bursa structure.

Are antibiotics needed?

Only for septic bursitis. Not needed for aseptic.

Can I do sports?

Not in acute phase. After MIBRAR®, gradual return in 3–6 weeks.