Making the Diagnosis
Before making a diagnosis of bursitis, a number of possibilities need to be ruled out. Muscle injuries, joint injuries, local internal bleeding, synovitis (inflammation within the joint), and cellulitis (skin infection) can all cause bursitis-like symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to take tests for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
If the joint is hot, red, and swollen, your doctor will want to check for bacteria. It's vital to know if the bursa is infected, because the standard treatment for non-infectious bursitis does not treat infection, and in some situations, may suppress the immune system.