What's the Difference Between Bursitis and Tendinitis?

Inflammation of soft tissue surrounding tendons and joints characterizes tendinitis and bursitis. The shoulders, knees, elbows, hips, and feet may all be impacted by these concerns. Bursae are located near bone prominences such as the patella or shoulder; however, not all tendons possess them. Bursitis and tendinitis are prevalent conditions that cause inflammation of bones and muscles. These exert the greatest influence on the shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist, hip, and ankle. 

What is Bursitis?

Microscopic fluid-filled sacs called bursae pad muscles, bones, and tendons. Ruptured or inflamed bursa can cause fluid to fill the sacs, which will lead to joint sensitivity and pain.

Although it may also be brought on by arthritis, gout, thyroid problems, or drug reactions, bursitis is mostly caused by joint damage or overuse.

What is Tendonitis?

Flexible fibrous bands tendons connect muscles and bones. Injuries or arthritis lead to tendonitis. Tendonitis may arise from repetitive, painful motions or joint trauma.

Repetitive strain on the muscles of the shoulder and elbow makes overhand throwers (baseball, football, etc.) more likely to get tendonitis. Those with aging tendons stiffen their tendons and are more prone to acquire tendinitis.

Are Tendinitis and Bursitis Not the Same?

Though they may cause bone and joint pain, the two disorders are not the same. It might be difficult to discern which is hurt since the tendons and bursa are so near each other. Orthopedic specialists can use a physical examination and diagnostic imaging to identify the damage precisely. Tendons vs. bursitis, an uncomfortable inflammation of joint structures, is painful, swollen and sometimes reddened. 

Understanding Tendonitis and Bursitis

Inflammation of tendons causes pain. Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs around joints, known as bursae, results in bursitis. Both conditions may result in edema and arthralgia. Bursae protect our joints from the friction of muscles, bones, and tendons.

Causes and Key Differences Between Bursitis and Tendonitis

Repetitive motion, similar to tendinitis, induces bursitis, frequently in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Although bursitis and tendonitis are similar, swelling is typically more pronounced when the bursa is situated near the body.

Symptoms of Tendinitis and Bursitis

Bursitis and tendinitis, while analogous, exhibit distinct symptoms.

Symptoms of bursitis:

• Bursa-related discomfort is frequently characterized as a persistent ache or a burning sensation.

• Localized touch sensitivity

• Affected area swelling

• Reaching high or behind the back is difficult

• Mild arm weakness

Tendinitis symptoms include:

• Intense or achy pain that may escalate with certain motions or activities.

• Feeling tender when touching the tendon

• Affected arm weakness

• Shoulder grinding or catching

• Nighttime pain disrupts sleep.

What Causes Tendonitis/Bursitis?

Tendonitis has many causes. The main causes are repetitive movements or acute injury.

Bursitis can also result from repetitive movements, acute traumas, and underlying illnesses, including diabetes, gout, infections, or rheumatoid arthritis.  These musculoskeletal illnesses share symptoms like:

• Redness on the afflicted skin

• Swelling

• Sensitivity

• Acute pain

• A warm sensation surrounding bursitis or tendonitis

Diagnosis of Tendonitis and Bursitis

A comprehensive history and physical examination diagnosis of tendinitis and bursitis.

Clinic for bursitis and tendinitis in Dallas utilizes several tests to diagnose a patient. X-rays and MRI scans can help doctors diagnose bone and soft tissue injury and rule out alternative causes of the patient's complaints. Rarely, bursae infections cause septic bursitis. In these circumstances, bursa fluid can be aspirated using a needle and syringe to test for bacteria, white blood cells, and glucose. These lab tests detect infections.

Tendonitis and Bursitis Treatments

Both disorders are treated depending on what caused the tendon or bursa inflammation. Tendon and bursitis treatments are physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, aspiration, and NSAIDs. If overuse is the source of the patient's problems, reduce it. Heat and ice minimize edema, inflammation and cause tendinitis pain relief. Resting afflicted tissues is also advised. Infections are treated with antibiotics. 

Surgical and Ongoing Treatment for Chronic Bursitis

Rarely, surgery is needed for chronic bursitis pain management. Bursectomy removes the bursa by an incision. Iliotibial band release lengthens the lateral knee band to minimize friction and inflammation. Continuing treatment for both illnesses focuses on preventing recurrence.

How to Avoid Bursitis and Tendonitis?

Avoid repetitive movements and warm up before playing sports to avoid elbow, wrist, and subacromial bursitis. If your job needs repetitive actions, rest your limbs. Knee protection and wrist braces assist in preventing musculoskeletal problems. Shoulder, elbow, and wrist tendonitis can also be addressed with these procedures. 

Pain is your body's warning to halt. If your doctor refers to you, contact us for ultrasound, MRI, arthrography, and CT scans read by our expert radiologists of pain management clinic in Plano. 

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care for Shoulder Pain

Consult the best pain doctors in Dallas for accurate diagnosis and treatment if shoulder pain disrupts your everyday life or sleep. Early visits to pain management centers can reduce  the severity of medical problems and help in speed recovery.

Signs of Urgent Medical Attention:

• Extreme shoulder aches suddenly

• No shoulder movement

• Shoulder deformity or edema

• Shoulder redness or fever

• Arm tingling or numbness

Conclusion

Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of tendons, and bursitis impacts the fluid-filled bursae that provide cushioning for joints. Pain and inflammation reduction are the main treatments for many illnesses. Surgery is unusual for either illness, although it is a possibility if other therapies fail. 

Seek a specialist for joint pain treatment if you have problems with your joints. Our experts at the pain relief clinic in Richardson have the knowledge to diagnose and manage tendinitis, bursitis, and other forms of joint discomfort.