Can bursitis lead to other medical problems?

No: Bursitis is an inflammation that causes pain with movement of the affected joint. The bursa like the tendons around a joint help smooth movement of the joint but does not mean there is any associated arthritis. Most episodes of bursitis will resolve with ice packs and rest. However occasional injections of steroids are needed to stop the inflammation.

Directly No: Depending where your bursitis is for example the shoulder or hip the problem is typically limited to those areas. When complications can occur is if bursitis is not treated. For example, if you have shoulder bursitis and is quite painful to move it , that could lead to a frozzen shoulder which is more serious. Hip bursitis may make you walk abnormal leading to potential back, hip or knee issues.