What is the Difference Between Bursitis and Tendonitis?

Bursitis and tendonitis are both conditions involving inflammation of the soft tissues around muscles and bones, but they affect different structures and have different causes and symptoms.

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between moving structures such as bones, muscles, tendons, or skin. Bursitis is typically caused by repetitive joint movement, infection, sudden injury, or inflammatory medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Symptoms of bursitis include pain, redness, and swelling, and it usually occurs in the shoulder, elbow, or hip, but can also affect the knees and heels. Bursitis pain can be intense during movement or even at rest.

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendonitis is often caused by either a sudden injury or repetitive motion, and it commonly affects athletes and people whose jobs require repetitive motion, such as painters, tile setters, and carpenters. Symptoms of tendonitis include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain in the affected area, which may be warm to the touch.

Treatment for both tendonitis and bursitis may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as pain-relieving medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. If the conditions are job-related, a doctor or physical therapist can help patients adjust their movements to reduce stress on the affected area. In rare cases, if left untreated, tendonitis can lead to a tendon rupture, which may require surgery to repair.