Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a thin fluid-filled sac that works as a cushion between bones and soft tissues, such as the skin, tendons, and ligaments. Bursitis is diagnosed when the bursa of a joint becomes painful and swollen because of infection or trauma. Most cases of bursitis can be treated at home, but severe or persistent cases require medical treatment by a doctor. However, knowing how to heal bursitis before symptoms become debilitating can speed recovery and prevent future recurrence.

Rest the affected joint as much as possible throughout the day. This will reduce inflammation and speed the healing process.

Avoid participating in activities that put strain on the affected joint. Generally, if an activity produces discomfort, it is better to avoid that activity until the bursitis is completely healed.

Wrap the affected joint in a compression bandage that is loose enough to allow circulation while still being tight enough to offer support. Wrapping the joint also diminishes swelling and prevents overextension of the joint.

Apply ice packs or other cold compresses to the affected joint for 20 minutes several times each day. This should continue until the pain and inflammation have subsided.

Prop the affected joint up on a stack of pillows while resting or sleeping. Elevation above the level of the heart is excellent at reducing the swelling and pain associated with bursitis.

Take ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and help ease your pain. If over-the-counter medications are not strong enough, ask your doctor for a prescription pain medication.

Follow up with your doctor for x-rays and other diagnostic tests if your bursitis persists or if you notice pain or swelling in other joints. Other medical conditions can cause painful, swollen joints, including arthritis, infections, and fractures. These conditions require medical treatment.

Ask your doctor for a shot of steroid medication. An injection of corticosteroid directly into the affected joint can significantly improve the symptoms of bursitis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Agree to undergo a procedure called aspiration, if your bursitis is persistent and fails to respond to other treatments. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle into the affected joint that drains the accumulated fluid and speeds healing. Aspiration can also provide your doctor with a sample of fluid to examine under a microscope to determine the presence of any infection.

Take antibiotics if your bursitis is caused by an infection of the joint. If infection is the cause of your bursitis, healing should begin within a few days of beginning antibiotic treatment. Rarely, antibiotics may need to be administered directly into the affected joint.

Speak with a surgeon about surgery on the affected joint. When bursitis fails to respond to repeated aspiration and steroid treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary. According to John Hopkins Medicine, a procedure known as Incision and Drainage is the most common surgical treatment for bursitis. This procedure involves numbing the skin and opening the bursa to remove fluid. Sometimes, the entire bursa may need to be surgically removed.

SHARE