Tendinitis & Bursitis

What is Tendinitis & Bursitis?

Tendinitis and bursitis are two of the most common causes of soft tissue pain and are frequently seen together. Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon — the thick fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone. Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa — a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Both conditions cause localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling that can significantly limit movement and daily activities. These conditions most commonly affect the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. They can result from repetitive motions, overuse, acute injury, or underlying inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or other autoimmune diseases. While tendinitis and bursitis are often associated with sports injuries, they frequently occur in people with sedentary lifestyles or those performing repetitive work tasks. Dr. Forouzesh at Arthritis Care of Los Angeles evaluates and treats tendinitis and bursitis at both our Culver City and Encino locations. A rheumatologic evaluation is especially important when tendinitis or bursitis is recurrent, affects multiple areas, or occurs alongside other symptoms that may suggest an underlying systemic condition.

Common Symptoms

• Localized pain at or near a joint, worsened by movement or activity
• Tenderness when pressing on the affected tendon or bursa
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the affected area
• Mild swelling or a feeling of fullness near the joint
• Pain that is worse at night or after periods of rest
• Gradual onset of pain that worsens over weeks
• Weakness in the affected limb or joint
• Warmth and redness over the affected area in acute cases

How is Tendinitis & Bursitis Diagnosed?

Dr. Forouzesh diagnoses tendinitis and bursitis through a detailed physical examination, focusing on the location and quality of pain, range of motion, and areas of tenderness. The clinical examination is often sufficient for diagnosis, but imaging studies may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Ultrasound is particularly useful for visualizing tendon inflammation, tears, and bursal fluid collections in real time. MRI may be used for more detailed evaluation of complex cases. Blood tests may be ordered if an underlying inflammatory or metabolic condition is suspected, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection. In cases of suspected septic bursitis, fluid aspiration and analysis may be performed.

Treatment Options

Frequently Asked Questions