How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of tendinitis and bursitis begins with a medical history and physical examination. The patient will describe the pain and circumstances in which pain occurs. The location and onset of pain, whether it varies in severity throughout the day, and the factors that relieve or aggravate the pain are all important diagnostic clues. Therapists and physicians will use manual tests called selective tissue tension tests to determine which tendon is involved, and then will palpate (a form of touching the tendon) specific areas of the tendon to pinpoint the area of inflammation. X rays do not show tendons or bursae, but may be helpful in ruling out problems in the bone or arthritis. In the case of a torn tendon, x rays may help show which tendon is affected. In a knee injury, for example, an x ray will show that the patella is lower than normal in a quadriceps tendon tear and higher than normal in a patellar tendon tear. The doctor may also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm a partial or total tear. MRIs detect both bone and soft tissues like muscles, tendons and their coverings (sheaths), and bursae.

An anesthetic-injection test is another way to confirm a diagnosis of tendinitis. A small amount of anesthetic (lidocaine hydrochloride) is injected into the affected area. If the pain is temporarily relieved, the diagnosis is confirmed.

To rule out infection, the doctor may remove and test fluid from the inflamed area.

Doctors use a variety of methods to diagnose bursitis. At the first appointment, the doctor generally asks for a history of symptoms, their onset, and what activities initiate the pain. Any other medical problems will be discussed and considered during the diagnosis as well. Sometimes doctors will remove some synovial fluid from the joint to check for infection. Frequently the elbow and the knee become infected so it is important to check the fluid. Blood testing is also important to rule out any other diseases, infections, or the like. In some situations X-rays are used to rule out other problems as well, but this is not the first method of diagnosing bursitis. 

Treating Bursitis 
The frequent treatment prescribed by doctors for bursitis is P-R-I-C-E-M. This stands for protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation, and medication. In situations where this method does not work and the bursitis is not infectious then corticosteroid is injected into the affected joint to reduce inflammation. These injections may cause complications. As a result, the corticosteroid may only be injected three times per year and at intervals of at least 30 days. 

In situations where the individual has infectious bursitis then the bursa must be drained. A needle is inserted into the joint and the fluid is withdrawn. Antibiotics are also prescribed to rid the body of the infection. In rare circumstances when the infection is widespread oral antibiotics do not work and the individual must be admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics. 

Bursitis Patients 
If you think you have bursitis then you should visit your medical doctor. There are treatment options for bursitis that can help you manage your pain. The longer you wait the more pain you will experience so make an appointment as soon as possible to get your Bursitis under control. Those already affected with bursitis should take care of themselves, avoid repetitive movements, and always take care to use preventive measures to avoid additional bursitis pain.