Tendinitis and Bursitis

Applies to: Shoulder, Elbow/Hand/Wrist, Hip, Knee, Foot/Ankle

Tendinitis & BursitisTendinitis and bursitis are both common conditions that cause swelling around muscles and bones. Symptoms are most often experienced in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee or ankle. Bursitis is caused when a joint is overused, or when direct trauma has been sustained, often at the knee or elbow. Repeated injuries to one local area usually causes Tendinitis.

Risk increases with age.  Infections, arthritis and diabetes can cause swelling of a bursa or tendon.

There are things that you can do to minimize your risk of getting tendinitis and bursitis and to reduce flare-ups if you already suffer from one or both of these conditions.

  • regular exercise with good warm-up will strengthen the muscles around the joints
  • take frequent breaks from repetitive task
  • cushion the affected joint
  • increase the gripping surface on tools by using gloves, grip tape, or other padding
  • position your body properly when doing daily tasks and spread the load when handling heavy objects
  • begin new activities or exercises slowly