Health & Healing
How long does bursitis last?
Estimated wait
14 days – 42 days
Typically ~21 days
Based on published sources
By case
- Faster cases~18 days
- Average cases~21 days
- Slower casesUp to 42 days
A bursitis at the shoulder can be more stubborn than at the elbow and, if it is severe, may drag on for several months. See a doctor if the joint is hot, red and swollen or you have a fever — that can mean a bacterial infection of the bursa, which needs treatment rather than rest. General information, not medical advice.
With consistent rest, bursitis usually settles within about 2 to 3 weeks; at the elbow it commonly takes 3 to 6 weeks. Immobilising the joint for the first one to two weeks is the single most useful step, after which the load is increased gradually.
More details
Even once the pain is gone it pays to take it easy for a few more days — going straight back to full load is the classic way to trigger a relapse.
Last updated: 20 Jul 2026
Information is for general knowledge only.