Can You Have Arthritis and Bursitis at the Same Time?

You wake up one morning with a twinge in your joint. It’s a familiar discomfort that's become all too common lately. You're no stranger to arthritis, but this time, something feels different. Could it be bursitis too? 

Both arthritis and bursitis cause joint pain and swelling, and it’s not always easy to figure out the cause behind your discomfort. We’re here to help. 

Adam Redlich, MD, and our team at A+ Athlete Sports Medicine offer advanced care for arthritis, bursitis, and other joint conditions in Neptune and Robbinsville, New Jersey. So if you suspect you're dealing with arthritis and bursitis, here’s what to do next.

Arthritis vs. bursitis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints. And if you’ve already been diagnosed with arthritis, it’s likely familiar territory for you.

Whether it's osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form, the hallmark symptoms include pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the affected joints. Over time, arthritis can wear down the cartilage that cushions your joints, leading to further discomfort and difficulty with everyday activities.

On the other hand, bursitis is an acute condition that affects the bursae: small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Repetitive motions or excessive pressure on the joint can make bursae get inflamed.

Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee, and it can make movement painful and challenging. Like arthritis, it can cause joint pain, swelling, and tenderness.

When arthritis and bursitis strike simultaneously

So, can you have arthritis and bursitis at the same time? The short answer is yes. In fact, it's not uncommon for people with arthritis to get bursitis, too — especially if they have joint involvement near areas that are prone to bursitis, like shoulders or knees.

The challenge then becomes distinguishing between the symptoms of arthritis and bursitis. If you're already managing arthritis, how can you tell if bursitis is also in the mix? Here’s what we recommend.

Start by paying attention to the location and type of pain you're experiencing. Arthritis pain tends to be deep and achy. It often affects multiple joints and worsens with activity.

In contrast, bursitis pain is typically more localized, with tenderness and swelling directly over the affected bursa. You may also notice that certain movements exacerbate bursitis pain, but have little effect on arthritis discomfort.

How to find relief from your joint pain

Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, bursitis, or both, treatment requires a multifaceted approach. Dr. Redlich and our team specialize in joint care, and we can help you get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Managing arthritis

For arthritis, we often recommend lifestyle changes and a combination of medications to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. A few options include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Physical therapy can also be beneficial for improving joint function and mobility.

Treating bursitis

Bursitis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pain. We start by prescribing rest for the affected joint, and we often recommend applying ice packs for up to 20 minutes at a time to help alleviate swelling and discomfort.

Sometimes, we prescribe NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief. Physical therapy exercises can also help prevent recurrence of bursitis, because therapy helps strengthen the muscles around the affected joint.

In severe or persistent cases of either arthritis or bursitis, surgery may be necessary. We consider surgery as a last resort when conservative treatments haven’t worked well enough, but it can be a good option to repair damaged joints or remove inflamed bursae permanently.

It’s no secret that dealing with joint pain is challenging — but you don’t have to let it hold you back. Find the answers you need and the personalized care you deserve at A+ Athlete Sports Medicine. Call our offices or request your first appointment online now.