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Tendonitis/Bursitis
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What
is Tendonitis?
Tendinitis is inflammation or
irritation of a tendon. Tendons are the thick fibrous cords that attach
muscles to bone. They function to transmit the power generated by a muscle
contraction to move a bone.
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What
is Bursitis?
Bursitis is inflammation or
irritation of a bursa. Bursae are small sacs located between bone and
other moving structures such as muscles, skin or tendons. The bursa allows
smooth gliding between these structures.
Since both tendons and
bursae are located near joints, inflammation in these soft tissues will
often be perceived by patients as joint pain and mistaken for arthritis.
Symptoms of bursitis and tendinitis are similar: pain and stiffness
aggravated by movement. Pain may be prominent at night. Almost any tendon
or bursa in the body can be affected, but those located around a joint are
affected most often. Tendinitis and bursitis are usually temporary
conditions, but may become recurrent or chronic problems. Unlike
arthritis, they do not cause deformity, but can restrain motion.
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Known
causes
The most common cause of
tendinitis and bursitis is injury or overuse during work or play,
particularly if the patient is poorly conditioned, has bad posture, or
uses the affected limb in an awkward position. Occasionally an infection
within the bursa or tendon sheath will be responsible for the
inflammation. Tendinitis or bursitis may be associated with diseases such
as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disease and
diabetes.
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Health
impact
- Tendinitis and bursitis
are common musculoskeletal problems in both the young and old
populations.
- Overuse and sports
injuries are common in physically active populations.
- These diseases often
result in loss of work and income.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis of tendinitis and
bursitis requires a careful medical history and physical examination.
X-rays may be helpful to exclude bony abnormalities or arthritis. Tendons
and bursae are generally not visible on x-rays. Aspiration of a swollen
bursa may be performed to exclude infection or gout. Blood tests may be
ordered to confirm underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or
diabetes, but are generally not necessary to diagnose tendinitis or
bursitis.
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Conventional
treatment
Treatment of these two
conditions is based on the underlying cause. In overuse or injury,
reduction or avoidance of a particular activity is useful. Proper
positioning during offending activities is important to prevent recurrent
injury. An adequate warm-up before and correct posture during exercise is
useful. Splinting the affected area, applying moist heat, or sometimes
ice, and using other form of physical therapy are helpful.
Anti-inflammatory medications reduce inflammation and pain. Corticosteroid
injections into the affected area are frequently helpful.
If an infection is present,
an appropriate antibiotic is necessary and serial aspiration or surgical
debridement of the tendon or bursa may be required. Surgical intervention
for other forms of tendinitis or bursitis is uncommon.
Once the acute attack of
tendinitis or bursitis subsides, preventing recurrences is crucial. Proper
conditioning, ergonomically correct work stations and joint positioning,
and appropriate splints or pads to protect susceptible areas help to
prevent recurrences.
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This page was last updated on 05 December 2006 17:04:29
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