Treatment for Arthritis & Bursitis in Newport News, VA

Arthritis and bursitis both cause joint pain and stiffness, but they affect different parts of the joint for different durations. Knowing what is causing your pain is the first step toward getting the proper treatment. To help you determine whether your pain is arthritis or bursitis, our orthopedic surgeons compare the different symptoms, timing and triggers, and discuss the best treatment options for arthritis and bursitis in Newport News, VA.

Key Differences Between Arthritis & Bursitis

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative “wear and tear” condition that damages the cartilage, bone and tissues deep inside the joint, causing long-term inflammation. Bursitis is caused by temporary inflammation and affects the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursa sacs) that cushion the outside of the joint, near the tendons and bones.

Arthritis vs. Bursitis Symptoms

Because arthritis and bursitis affect different parts of the joint, their symptoms, triggers, onset and duration are quite different.

Pain & Swelling

Arthritis – Causes a deep, dull ache inside the joint (or groin area if in the hip), affecting overall range of motion and movement. Can cause general joint swelling, as well as grinding, popping or crackling sounds.
Bursitis – Causes surface-level tenderness or localized pain on the outer side of the joint, often very sharp when touched or if you lean on it. Can cause a distinct, visible, squishy swollen bump near the joint, like the tip of the elbow or knee cap.

Triggers

Arthritis – Stiffness is usually worst in the morning or after a long period of sitting or resting, and it eases slightly with gentle movement.
Bursitis – Pain often flares up sharply with specific repetitive movements or when lying directly on the affected joint at night.

Onset & Duration

Arthritis – Develops slowly, and progressively worsens over months and years as a chronic condition.
Bursitis – Often comes on suddenly after an injury or repetitive strain, and typically goes away within days or weeks with rest.

Treatment for Arthritis vs. Bursitis

Our orthopedic specialists use different treatment options to effectively treat arthritis and bursitis. However, the goal of these treatments is the same – to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and get you back to doing the things you enjoy.

Bursitis Treatment

With rest, anti-inflammatories, and maybe an injection and some physical therapy, most people with bursitis feel better within a few weeks.

Rest & Ice – Avoid repetitive movement and apply ice packs to ease acute swelling.
Medication – Take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy – Do gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent flare-ups.
Injections – Your doctor may inject a powerful, anti-inflammatory steroid medication directly into the bursa to stop swelling and pain.
Fluid Aspiration or Surgery – In rare cases, your doctor may need to drain the fluid or surgically remove the bursa if other treatments fail.

Arthritis Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis depends heavily on the progression and severity of the disease, and ranges from lifestyle modifications to joint replacement surgery.

Lifestyle Changes – Manage weight and stay active with low-impact exercises, like swimming or walking.
Medications – Use oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or topical pain creams to reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical Therapy – Build muscle strength around the joint to lessen daily impact.
Injections – Common options include fast-acting corticosteroid shots, lubricating hyaluronic acid gel, and regenerative platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies.
Surgery – For severe damage, your doctor may recommend total joint replacement surgery.