Approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, with joint pain being a leading issue. Common culprits behind joint discomfort include conditions like bursitis and tendonitis, which frequently affect the shoulders, knees, and hips. Understanding these conditions and their differences is essential for effective treatment and recovery.
PT Family Medicine serves as an expert provider of primary and preventative care with sports medicine prevention and injury treatment throughout PA. Request An Appointment specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, helping patients return to their active lifestyles. Ready to address your joint pain? Schedule An Appointment with our sports medicine specialists today.
Let's explore the key differences between these two conditions and how to identify which one might be affecting you.
Understanding Bursitis and Tendonitis
- Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae become inflamed. These sacs act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles around your joints. When they swell, movement becomes painful and restricted.
- Tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendons—the thick, fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. This condition typically develops from repetitive motion or sudden injury, causing the tendon tissue to become irritated and swollen.
The difference between bursitis and tendonitis lies primarily in which structures are affected, though both conditions can occur simultaneously in some cases.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Bursitis Symptoms
Common bursitis symptoms include:
- Aching or stiffness around the affected joint
- Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
- Swelling and tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that's often worse at night
Tendonitis Symptoms
Tendonitis symptoms typically present as:
- Sharp or burning pain near the affected joint
- Pain that increases with movement
- Morning stiffness
- Mild swelling along the tendon
- Weakness in the affected area
Both conditions commonly affect the shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips, but tendonitis pain tends to be more localized along the tendon path, while bursitis pain is often more diffuse around the joint.
Risk Factors and Triggers
Several factors increase your risk of developing either condition:
- Age: Both conditions become more common as we age, with tendons and bursae becoming less flexible over time.
- Repetitive Activities: Athletes, manual laborers, and people who perform repetitive motions are at higher risk. Tennis players often develop tennis elbow (tendonitis), while runners frequently experience hip bursitis.
- Poor Posture: Prolonged sitting or improper body mechanics can contribute to both conditions.
- Previous Injuries: Past trauma to joints increases inflammation risk.
- Medical Conditions: Arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can predispose individuals to these inflammatory conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Proper diagnosis requires a thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional. Your doctor may perform specific movement tests and potentially order imaging studies to distinguish between bursitis vs tendonitis.
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatment (first-line approach for both conditions):
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice therapy for acute inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
Shoulder Bursitis Treatment specifically may include:
- Corticosteroid injections for severe cases
- Physical therapy focuses on the range of motion
- Gradual return to activities
- Posture correction techniques
Advanced Treatments for persistent cases:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Surgery (rarely needed)
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
- Severe swelling or redness
- Inability to move the affected joint
- Fever accompanying joint pain
- Symptoms that don't improve with rest and home care
Get Expert Care for Your Joint Pain
Both bursitis and tendonitis respond well to proper treatment when diagnosed early. PT Family Medicine's sports medicine specialists can accurately diagnose your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to your active lifestyle.
Don't let joint pain limit your daily activities. Schedule an appointment with PT Family Medicine today to receive expert sports medicine care and start your journey toward pain-free movement.
