Learn About Medical Conditions

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: muscles, tendons or skin. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed (redness and increased fluid in the bursa).

The inflammation may result from arthritis in the joint or injury or infection of a bursa. Bursitis produces pain and tenderness and may limit the movement of nearby joints.

You can get bursitis in your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, heels and big toe. Injuries, overuse and repetitive stress are common causes of bursitis. Certain diseases, such as arthritis and gout, might also cause it.

What treatments are available?

Treatment focuses on healing the injured bursa or tendon. The first step is to reduce pain and inflammation with rest, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medicines. Ice may also be used in acute injuries, but most cases of bursitis or tendinitis are considered chronic, and ice is not helpful.

Activity involving the affected joint is also restricted to encourage healing and prevent further injury.

The therapist may use ultrasound (gentle sound-wave vibrations) to warm deep tissues and improve blood flow. Iontophoresis may also be used. This involves using an electric current to push medication through the skin directly over the inflamed bursa or tendon. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises are added gradually. Massage of the soft tissue may be helpful. These may be preceded or followed by use of an ice pack. The type of exercises recommended may vary depending on the location of the affected bursa or tendon.

See also: Epicondylitis or "tennis elbow", Tendinitis Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health