Bursitis and Tendinitis Center

Inflammation in 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: muscles, tendons, or skin. Bursae are found throughout the body. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed (redness and increased fluid in the bursa).

A tendon is a flexible band of fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon.

Tendons transmit the pull of the muscle to the bone to cause movement. They are found throughout the body, including the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Tendons can be small, like those found in the hand, or large, like the Achilles tendon in the heel.

Read Types of Tendinitis/Bursitis

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury or irritation. It involves redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and sometimes loss of function, aimed at healing the affected area.

Bursitis

• What it is: Inflammation of a bursa – a small fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near joints.

• Common locations: Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee (prepatellar), heel.

• Cause of inflammation:

  • Repetitive motion or prolonged pressure (e.g., kneeling)

  • Trauma or injury

  • Infection (septic bursitis)

  • Underlying inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout)

• Symptoms of Inflammation:

  • Swelling over the joint

  • Warmth and redness

  • Pain, especially with movement or pressure

  • Limited range of motion

Tendinitis

• What it is: Inflammation of a tendon – the fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone.

• Common locations: Rotator cuff (shoulder), elbow (tennis/golfer’s elbow), knee (jumper's knee), Achilles tendon.

• Cause of inflammation:

  • Overuse or repetitive strain

  • Sudden injury

  • Age-related degeneration (can become tendinosis if chronic)

• Symptoms of Inflammation:

  • Pain along the tendon, especially during movement

  • Swelling and tenderness

  • Possible crepitus (grating sensation)

  • Reduced strength or mobility

Key Difference in Inflammation: