Symptoms and Complications
The essential symptom of bursitis is pain, localised near the joint. The pain is likely to be worse when you make unaccustomed movements or strain the joint muscles. Many other diseases can cause joint pain, however, so you'll need a professional diagnosis.
Bursae that are near the skin surface, like the knee and elbow, may cause visible redness and swelling when they are inflamed. Very red, hot skin and extreme pain is often a sign either of crystals or of a bacterial infection.
Severe or long-lasting bursitis of the shoulder, for example, can lead to reduced movement or use of the joint and result in muscle atrophy (wasting). Permanent changes in the shape of the bursa, such as thickening or enlarging can occur and the surrounding tissues can become chronically inflamed.