- Symptoms of tendinitis and bursitis
- Causes of tendonitis and bursitis
- Diagnosis of tendonitis and bursitis
- Treatment for tendonitis and bursitis
- Homemade treatment for tendonitis and bursitis
Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon, the final part of the muscle that attaches to the bone, and bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a small pocket filled with synovial fluid that serves as a "cushion" for certain structures such as tendons and bony prominences. It works by avoiding contact with these structures that could be damaged by constant friction.
Symptoms of tendinitis and bursitis
The symptoms of tendonitis and bursitis are very similar. Usually the individual has:
- Joint pain; Difficulty performing movements with this joint; The joint may be swollen, reddened or with a slight rise in temperature due to inflammation.
These symptoms can appear gradually. Initially they tend to appear when the individual makes some effort such as carrying a heavy bag, or repetitive effort for example, but in some cases these symptoms can appear after a trauma or a blow in the region. See the tendonitis symptoms according to the region of the body that hurts.
Causes of tendonitis and bursitis
The causes of tendonitis and bursitis can be:
- Direct trauma; Repetitive strain with the affected joint; Overweight; Dehydration of the tendon, bursa or joint.
Tendinitis often leads to bursitis and bursitis leads to tendonitis.
Diagnosis of tendonitis and bursitis
The diagnosis of tendinitis and bursitis can be made by the doctor when observing image exams such as tomography or magnetic resonance of the joint, or by the physiotherapist through tests and specific physical examinations.
Treatment for tendonitis and bursitis
The treatment for tendonitis and bursitis is very similar, it can be done by taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by the doctor and some physiotherapy sessions. But it is important for the physiotherapist to know when it is a tendonitis and when it is a bursitis because the physiotherapy devices can be positioned and graduated differently, which can advance or delay the cure of the disease.
Homemade treatment for tendonitis and bursitis
A good home treatment for tendonitis and bursitis is to place an ice pack over the painful area, letting it act for about 20 minutes, 1 or 2 times a day. The ice will decrease inflammation, being a great way to complement the clinical treatment of these diseases.
A good way to make a thermal bag of ice at home is to put in a plastic bag 1 glass of water mixed with 1 glass of alcohol, close tightly and then leave in the freezer until it solidifies. Another way to achieve the same goal is to place a bag of frozen peas in the region. But it is important to never put the ice directly on the skin, you should always put a dish towel or paper towel on the skin and then on top, put the ice. This care is essential to not burn the skin.
See other tips in the following video:
