Bursitis and Tendinitis
Bursitis and tendinitis are both common conditions that involve inflammation of the soft tissue around muscles and bones, most often in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle.
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving parts. Bursae are found throughout the body. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed (redness and increased fluid in the bursa), and is commonly caused by overuse or direct trauma to a joint.
A tendon connects muscles to bones. Tendons are located throughout your body and without them you would not be able to move. Tendons can be small, like those found in the hand, or large, like the Achilles tendon in the heel. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon and is most often the result of a repetitive injury in the affected area. These conditions occur more often with age. Tendons become less flexible with age, and therefore, more prone to injury.
People at a higher risk for Tendinitis and Bursitis are carpenters, gardeners, musicians, and athletes who perform activities that require repetitive motions or place stress on joints. Those who have an infection, arthritis, gout, thyroid disease, and diabetes can also experience a higher risk of inflammation of a bursa or tendon.
Diagnosis of tendinitis and bursitis begins with a medical history and physical examination. To rule out infection, fluid may be removed and tested from the inflamed area.
Treatment focuses on healing the injured bursa or tendon. Initially in treating both of these conditions the goal is to reduce pain and inflammation.