What might indicate the presence of acute bursitis?

Localized swelling is a primary indicator of acute bursitis. Bursitis occurs when the bursae, small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones and tissues at joints, become inflamed. This inflammation typically leads to an accumulation of fluid, resulting in noticeable swelling in the affected area.

Other symptoms may accompany this swelling, such as pain and tenderness, but the hallmark of acute bursitis is the observable localized swelling. This swelling occurs directly over the inflamed bursa, making it a significant clinical sign to assess during a physical examination.

In contrast, pain during rest may suggest various conditions, and while stiffness can occur in bursitis, it is not an exclusive symptom indicative of this condition. Shrinking of affected bones is not associated with bursitis; rather, it would indicate other pathological processes. Thus, the presence of localized swelling provides a clear and direct indication of acute bursitis.