Bursitis Treatment
Bursitis causes localised pain and swelling that can significantly limit your movement. Our multidisciplinary team offers accurate diagnosis with in-house ultrasound and a range of effective treatment options.
HCPC Registered Chiropodists & Podiatrists · Royal College of Podiatry Member · Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow · MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist · BUPA & WPA Recognised
What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa — a small fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. It can affect the hip (trochanteric bursitis), knee (prepatellar bursitis), shoulder (subacromial bursitis), heel (retrocalcaneal bursitis), and other locations throughout the body.
At Lower Limb Clinic, bursitis is a condition that benefits directly from our multidisciplinary approach. Our in-house diagnostic ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis at your first appointment, and treatment options span structured rehabilitation, shockwave therapy, and injection therapy — all available under one roof without external referrals.
Common Symptoms
- Localised pain over a joint — hip, knee, shoulder, or heel
- Swelling or a feeling of fullness at the affected area
- Pain that worsens with pressure or movement
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Pain lying on the affected side (hip bursitis)
- Pain climbing stairs or walking uphill (knee bursitis)
- Warmth or redness over the affected area
Common Causes
- Trochanteric bursitis (greater trochanteric pain syndrome)
- Subacromial bursitis (shoulder impingement)
- Prepatellar bursitis (kneeling-related)
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis (behind the heel)
- Pes anserine bursitis (inner knee)
- Olecranon bursitis (elbow)
- Overuse and repetitive loading
- Biomechanical dysfunction contributing to abnormal loading
How We Treat Bursitis
Our approach begins with accurate diagnosis using clinical assessment and in-house diagnostic ultrasound. Treatment is then tailored to the location and severity of your bursitis. Options include targeted rehabilitation to address the underlying mechanical causes, shockwave therapy for chronic cases, and ultrasound-guided injection therapy when rapid relief is needed. For lower limb bursitis, we integrate biomechanical assessment and orthotic prescription to prevent recurrence.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
In-house ultrasound imaging to confirm bursitis, assess severity, and rule out other pathology — often at your first appointment.
Targeted Rehabilitation
Structured rehabilitation to address the biomechanical causes of your bursitis, including strengthening, flexibility work, and load management.
Shockwave Therapy
Evidence-based treatment for chronic bursitis, particularly effective for trochanteric bursitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis.
Injection Therapy
Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection for cases requiring rapid pain relief, performed in-house with real-time imaging guidance.
Ready to get bursitis treated?
When to Seek Professional Help
- Joint pain persists for more than two weeks
- Swelling is significant or increasing
- Pain is preventing you from sleeping on the affected side
- Your mobility is becoming restricted
- You have had bursitis before and it has returned
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories are not helping
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bursitis at Lower Limb Clinic.
Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan
MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · HCPC Registered
Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast
Get Expert Treatment
- Same-week appointments available
- No GP referral needed
- MSc-qualified specialists
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Find Your Nearest Clinic
Get specialist Bursitis treatment at your nearest Belfast clinic
Lisburn Road Clinic
385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP
Ormeau Road Clinic
373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP
Newcastle Clinic
1 Shimna Road, BT33 0AS
We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.