How we treat bursitis pain in Irving, TX
Quick answer: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae — small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. It causes localized pain, swelling, and stiffness, most often in the shoulder, hip, elbow, or knee. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute in Irving, TX, we treat bursitis through personalized plans that range from conservative care to targeted injections.
Bursitis pain can sneak up on you. One day you're reaching for something on a shelf or getting up from a chair, and suddenly there's a sharp, aching discomfort in your shoulder or hip that won't let up. For many patients we see at DFW Interventional Pain Institute, that's how it starts — and if it's left untreated, it can become a persistent problem that limits your daily activities and quality of life.
The good news? Bursitis is highly treatable. Whether you're dealing with a recent flare-up or chronic pain that's been building for months, there are effective, minimally invasive options available right here in Irving, TX. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what bursitis is, what causes it, when to seek professional help, and how we approach treatment at our clinic.
What are the symptoms of bursitis, and when should you be concerned?
Bursitis develops when the bursae — tiny, cushioning sacs located near your joints — become irritated and inflamed. The most common symptom is a dull, aching pain that worsens with movement or pressure around the affected joint. You might also notice:
Swelling or tenderness around the joint, particularly when you press on it
Stiffness or reduced range of motion, especially first thing in the morning
A warm or red appearance over the skin near the joint
Pain that worsens with repetitive movements or activity, and eases with rest
Mild bursitis often resolves on its own with rest and ice. However, there are warning signs that tell you it's time to see a professional. If you experience fever alongside joint pain, if the redness spreads rapidly, or if your pain has persisted for more than one to two weeks without improvement, don't wait. These can indicate an infected bursa (septic bursitis) or a more complex underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention. We explain more about knowing when to take action in our post on 7 reasons why you should see a pain management doctor.
What causes bursitis, and who's most at risk?
Bursitis most commonly results from repetitive motion or prolonged pressure on a joint. Athletes, laborers, and anyone who performs the same physical movements day after day are at higher risk. Common causes include:
Repetitive activities like throwing, lifting, kneeling, or leaning on a hard surface
Direct trauma to a joint, such as a fall or impact
Poor posture that places sustained stress on certain joints
Underlying conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes, which increase susceptibility to inflammation
Age is also a contributing factor. As we get older, our tendons become less resilient and more prone to irritation. Many of our patients who come in for shoulder pain or hip discomfort turn out to have bursitis that developed gradually from years of wear and tear, compounded by an underlying condition they weren't fully aware of.
When should you see a pain specialist for bursitis in Irving, TX?
Primary care physicians can handle mild, short-term cases of bursitis. But when pain becomes chronic, recurs frequently, or doesn't respond to standard treatments like rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, it's time to see a pain specialist.
Dr. Edrick Lopez is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained interventional pain management physician with extensive experience treating joint pain conditions, including bursitis. Rather than masking the pain with general remedies, Dr. Lopez identifies the underlying cause and builds a treatment plan around your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. If you're in the Irving, TX area and you've been dealing with persistent joint pain, a consultation with our team can give you real clarity on what's happening — and what can be done about it.
How do we diagnose bursitis at DFW Interventional Pain Institute?
An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. When you come to see us, Dr. Lopez and his staff will take the time to listen to your experience, review your medical records, and perform a thorough physical examination. We'll ask you about the location and character of your pain, what activities make it better or worse, and how long you've been experiencing symptoms.
In many cases, a physical exam is enough to confirm a bursitis diagnosis. When we need a clearer picture of the affected area, we may order imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans to rule out other conditions like tendinitis, rotator cuff tears, or joint damage. If we suspect septic bursitis, we may also analyze a sample of the fluid from the bursa. You can learn more about what to expect from your first visit by reviewing our FAQs.
How we treat bursitis pain in Irving, TX
Our treatment approach at DFW Interventional Pain Institute is always tailored to the individual. There's no single solution that works for every patient, and that's exactly why we take the time to understand your specific situation before recommending any course of action. Here's an overview of the treatment options we commonly use for bursitis:
Conservative treatments: rest, ice, and physical therapy
For many patients, the first step is reducing inflammation through conservative measures. We typically recommend:
Rest and activity modification to take pressure off the affected joint
Ice application for 15–20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling
Anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and inflammation
Physical therapy is often a key component of bursitis treatment, both in the short and long term. Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joint, which reduces the load placed on the bursa and lowers the risk of future flare-ups. A physical therapist can also help you correct posture or movement patterns that may be contributing to your pain.
Corticosteroid injections for bursitis
When conservative treatments don't provide enough relief, corticosteroid injections are often the next step. These injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the inflamed bursa, providing faster and more targeted relief than oral medications can offer.
At our clinic, Dr. Lopez performs these injections using precision guidance to ensure accurate placement and optimal results. You can learn more about our range of pain management services and how we approach interventional procedures.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for chronic bursitis
For patients with chronic or recurring bursitis — particularly those who haven't responded well to corticosteroid injections — platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections offer a compelling alternative. PRP therapy uses a concentrated sample of your own blood plasma, which is rich in growth factors, to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation at the source.
Research published in PubMed Central suggests that PRP appears to be an effective injectable treatment option for conditions like greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip bursitis), particularly in cases that don't respond to conservative therapy. Studies have also reported continued symptom improvement for up to 12 months following a single PRP injection. Unlike corticosteroids, which primarily manage inflammation, PRP therapy promotes actual healing of the damaged tissue — making it a strong option for long-term relief.
Other minimally invasive options
Depending on the severity and location of your bursitis, Dr. Lopez may also consider nerve blocks to manage pain signals more precisely, or other regenerative medicine approaches. In rare cases where infection is involved or chronic bursitis significantly limits function, Dr. Lopez will discuss whether a surgical referral is appropriate. That said, surgery is rarely necessary — most patients achieve meaningful relief through the interventional and conservative options described above.
How can you prevent bursitis from coming back?
Treating the current flare-up is just one part of the equation. Preventing recurrence matters just as much, and there's a lot you can do to protect your joints over the long term:
Ergonomic adjustments: If your work involves repetitive motions, modifying your technique or workstation setup can significantly reduce joint strain
Strengthening exercises: Building muscle around vulnerable joints — particularly the shoulder, hip, and knee — provides structural support that cushions the bursae from excess pressure
Regular movement: Avoiding prolonged positions that put pressure on a single joint, like extended kneeling or leaning on your elbows, helps prevent irritation from developing
Managing underlying conditions: If conditions like arthritis or diabetes are contributing to your bursitis, working with Dr. Lopez to address those root causes is essential to long-term management
For a deeper understanding of how lifestyle factors affect chronic pain and joint health, our post on how your environment affects chronic pain offers practical, actionable guidance.
Don't let bursitis pain hold you back — get help in Irving, TX
Bursitis is painful, frustrating, and disruptive — but it doesn't have to be permanent. With the right diagnosis and a treatment plan that fits your life, most patients see significant improvement. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Lopez and our team are here to help you do exactly that.
We accept most major insurances, including Medicare and Tricare, and you don't need a referral to make an appointment. If you've been living with joint pain in the Irving, TX area and you're ready to find out what's causing it and what can be done, book an appointment with us today. Living with pain isn't your only option.
Frequently asked questions about bursitis treatment in Irving, TX
What is bursitis and how is it different from arthritis?
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae — fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. Arthritis, on the other hand, involves damage or inflammation within the joint itself. Both conditions can cause joint pain and stiffness, but they have different causes and require different treatment approaches. A pain specialist can examine your symptoms to determine which condition you're dealing with, or whether both are present.
Which joints are most commonly affected by bursitis?
Bursitis most frequently develops in the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee. The shoulder (subacromial bursitis) and hip (trochanteric bursitis) are among the most common locations we treat at DFW Interventional Pain Institute in Irving, TX.
How long does bursitis take to heal with treatment?
Mild bursitis can resolve within a few weeks with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. Chronic or recurring bursitis may take several months to manage effectively, particularly if interventional treatments like corticosteroid or PRP injections are needed. The timeline varies based on the severity of the condition and how well the affected tissue responds to treatment.
Are corticosteroid injections safe for bursitis?
Yes, corticosteroid injections are a well-established and generally safe treatment for bursitis. However, experts typically recommend limiting them to one or two injections per joint within a four-to-six-month period to reduce the risk of side effects from repeated use. Dr. Lopez will assess whether this treatment is appropriate for your individual situation.
Can PRP injections completely cure bursitis?
PRP injections promote tissue healing and can provide long-term symptom relief, but results vary from patient to patient. Research suggests symptom improvement can last up to 12 months following a PRP injection. For many patients, PRP therapy represents a meaningful step toward lasting relief rather than a temporary fix.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lopez at DFW Interventional Pain Institute?
No. You don't need a referral from a primary care doctor to make an appointment with us. You can contact our office directly at (469) 648-3832 or book an appointment online.
