Both these conditions can be caused by any sport or daily activity that requires repeated twisting or rapid joint movements.  It is interesting to note that the same home treatments apply to both problems.  Those most prone to the two conditions are athletes, musicians, manual laborers, cashiers, computer programmers and mail sorters.

The bursa is a small sac of fluid that enables the tissues, around a joint, to slide smoothly over one another.  If the joint suffers an injury from overuse, the bursa may become inflamed, painful, and hot.  This condition is called bursitis.  It is usually the result  of a specific injury, overuse of the joint or from prolonged pressure directly on the joint.

Tendons connect muscles to bones.  They are like ropey tough fibers.  When a tendon is overused, or even because of general wear and tear, tiny tears are caused in the surface.  These tears cause tenderness and inflammation.  The tendons themselves or the tissues around them simply break down.

In addition to pain and stiffness, affected joints  may also feel pinched.

The best way to prevent both tendinitis and bursitis is to always stretch before exercise.  Build up the intensity of your exercise regime gradually and after exercising, stretch again. Always introduce any new activity gradually.

Home Treatments that can help both bursitis and tendinitis, include:

1. At the first sign of pain, start applying cold packs every hour for ten minutes at a time.  Keep this up for two days and then continue three times a day as long as it helps.   Cold is best for healing and reducing inflammation, although heat may feel good.

2.  Take ibuprofen, or physician recommended medications, for pain .

3.  Rest and allow yourself to heal.  Painkillers may dull the pain but continued use of the area will just cause further damage.

4.  Find alternative ways of doing things that will give relief to the painful area.

5.  To avoid stiffening, move the joint slowly throughout its normal range of motion, unless this causes intensified pain.

6. Avoid lying on the injured area.

7.  Resume normal activities gradually.

Severe bursitis and tendinitis may require rest in a brace or sling.  Physiotherapy will help in many instances, especially if accompanied by appropriate exercises, as suggested by your physiotherapist.

Other conditions which may appear similar to bursitis and tendinitis are plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and nerve pain.

In the case of both bursitis or tendinitis, it is time to consult your physician if, 1) the pain continues, unabated,  in spite of rest and icing, 2) there is any fever or rapid swelling and redness around the area, or 3) you are unable to use the joint at all.