Do you feel a dull achiness in one of your joints? Is the joint swollen or stiff? Is it tender to the touch?

You may be wondering if it’s arthritis. While that’s a possibility, it could also be a condition known as bursitis. So, what’s the difference between the two?

What Is Bursitis?

Bursitis occurs when the bursae in your body become inflamed and swollen. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs in the body that provide padding between your bones and your muscles, tendons and skin.

Most cases of bursitis affect the:

• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Hips

Bursitis is a short-term, inflammatory condition. It will usually clear up within a few weeks if you rest the affected joint.

What Is Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition where the soft, cushiony cartilage between the bones in your joints begins to wear away. This causes the bones to rub directly against each other, causing pain and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the:

• Hands
• Hips
• Knees
• Neck
• Spine

Unlike bursitis, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. However, there are ways that you can slow down its progression and relieve your symptoms.

What Causes Bursitis?

Bursitis is usually caused by: 

• Overuse due to repetitive movements, such as those done while:
  • Gardening
  • Carpet laying
  • Painting
  • Housecleaning / scrubbing
  • Shoveling
  • Playing certain sports (such as golf, baseball or tennis)
  • Playing a musical instrument
• Trauma to the affected joint (such as a fall or accident)

What Causes Arthritis?

Risk factors for osteoarthritis include:

• Advanced age
• Genetics
• Obesity
• Injury to the affected bone (including a fracture or a break) 

What Symptoms Do Arthritis and Bursitis Have in Common?

Both bursitis and osteoarthritis cause the following symptoms in the affected joint:

• Pain
• Tenderness when touched
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Reduced range of motion

How Do the Symptoms of Arthritis Differ from the Symptoms of Bursitis?

The symptoms of arthritis and bursitis are very similar. However, the way you experience those symptoms is different. 

• Bursitis: Symptoms come on suddenly and go away after resting for a few weeks
• Arthritis: Symptoms develop gradually and progress over time 

How Do I Figure Out If It’s Arthritis or Bursitis?

To determine if your joint pain is caused by osteoarthritis, bursitis or something else, call Mercy and set up an appointment with one of our renowned orthopedists. 

At your appointment, make sure to thoroughly discuss your situation with your orthopedist. Tell them: 

• If your pain came on abruptly or if you first noticed it a while ago and it has been slowly getting worse
• If you have a family history of osteoarthritis
• If you have ever suffered an injury to your joint
• If you have a job or any hobbies that require repetitive movements or extended periods of kneeling

 After discussing your relevant medical history and symptoms, your orthopedist may:

• Physically examine your affected joint
• Perform an X-ray or MRI on your affected joint

Once your orthopedist diagnoses the issue, they will develop a tailored treatment plan for you to follow.