Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for bursitis. This is a condition that can cause pain or swelling next to a joint. It usually happens around the elbow, knee, or ankle.
A "bursa" is a small fluid-filled sac that sits near a bone. It cushions and protects nearby tissues when they rub on or slide over bones. These sacs, called "bursae," are found in many places throughout the body.
Bursitis happens when a bursa gets irritated and swollen. This can happen for different reasons, including repeated movement of the joint or something pressing on the joint over time. Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint infection can also cause bursitis. Doctors sometimes do tests to help figure out the cause.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Rest, cushion, and protect the area. Try not to irritate the area that hurts. You might need to avoid certain activities like lifting, bending, or lying on your side. Use a cane, sling, or other device if it helps. If you cannot avoid movements that cause pain, try to take breaks often.
●Avoid positions that put pressure on the area. For example, if you have bursitis in your knee, avoid kneeling. You can use a cushion to pad the area.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•You might have been prescribed medicines to treat a specific cause of bursitis. For example, if you have a bacterial infection, this needs treatment with antibiotics. If you have gout, this is treated with different medicines.
•You can also take non-prescription medicines to relieve swelling and pain, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Use ice to help with pain. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, with joint pain, swelling, or redness.
●The redness around the bursitis is spreading.
●Pus is draining from the area.
●You still have pain after taking pain medicines.
●Your pain or swelling gets worse, or you are having more trouble moving the joint near the bursitis.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Bursitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Gout (The Basics)
Patient education: Rheumatoid arthritis (The Basics)
Patient education: Bursitis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Gout (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Rheumatoid arthritis treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Joint infection (Beyond the Basics)
