Tendinitis vs. Bursitis: Two Common Causes of Joint Pain
Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon (the cord connecting muscle to bone). Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles). Both cause pain near joints and are often confused, but their locations and specific triggers differ.
Key Differences at a Glance
Shared Symptoms
- Pain near a joint
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Worsened by repetitive motion
Unique Indicators
- Pain along the length of the tendon
- Crepitus (grating feel) with movement
- Pain with resisted motion
- Point tenderness over the bursa
- Swelling that may look like a lump
- Pain with direct pressure (leaning on elbow, lying on hip)
Professional Diagnosis
Both are diagnosed clinically through physical examination and provocative tests. Ultrasound or MRI can confirm and differentiate in ambiguous cases.
Treatment for Tendinitis
Rest, ice, NSAIDs, eccentric exercises (specific strengthening), physical therapy, and corticosteroid injection for refractory cases.
Treatment for Bursitis
Rest, ice, NSAIDs, avoiding direct pressure on the area, aspiration of fluid if significantly swollen, and corticosteroid injection.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if pain is severe, limits daily activities, is accompanied by fever or redness (possible infection), or does not improve with 2 weeks of home treatment.
Not sure which one you have?
Try our free AI Symptom Checker for an instant personalized analysis.
Medically Reviewed for Accuracy
Content is aligned with established clinical guidelines from authoritative medical institutions, including MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), the CDC, the NIH, and the NHS. All content is reviewed by our medical advisory board for accuracy and safety.