Introduction

Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon, is a type of tendinopathy.  Generally tendinitis is referred to by the body part involved, such as Achilles tendinitis (affecting the Achilles tendon), or patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee, affecting the patellar tendon).

Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs) of synovial fluid in the body. The bursae are located at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement painless. When bursitis occurs, however, movement relying upon the inflamed bursa becomes difficult and painful. Moreover, movement of tendons and muscles over the inflamed bursa aggravates its inflammation, perpetuating the problem.

How it Happens

Bursitis is commonly caused by repetitive movement and excessive pressure. Elbows and knees are the most commonly affected.  Although infrequent, scoliosis might cause bursitis of the shoulders; however, shoulder bursitis is more commonly caused by overuse of the shoulder joint and related muscles.  Traumatic injury is another cause of bursitis. The inflammation irritates because the bursae no longer fits in the original small area between the bone and the functionary muscle or tendon. When the bone increases pressure upon the bursae, bursitis results.

Treatment

Initial Treatment - Tendinitis

• Take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation.
• Rest the joint that is experiencing pain.
• Get orthotics for pain that is related to the foot, ankle, or lower leg.
• Ware braces to rest the joint and prevent further pain.
• Gradually return to exercise to help recover from the tendinitis. 

Initial Treatment - Bursitis

• Take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation.
• Rest the joint that is experiencing pain.
• Place an ice compress on the joint that is painful 
• Bursitis that is infected requires further investigation and antibiotic therapy.

Long Term Treatment

Go to a chiropractor  to receive instruction on exercises that can help you recover from the tendinitis and/or bursitis.

Make an Appointment

By Phone

Call us at (858) 452-3734 and our helpful front office staff will be happy to assist you in making an appointment with Doctor Todd Plutchok, D.C.

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