Bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints and reduce friction between bones, muscles, and tendons become inflamed, most commonly in the shoulder, hip, elbow, or knee. Trigger points, by contrast, are tight, irritable knots within a muscle that can cause localized pain and sometimes refer pain to other areas of the body.
Bursitis typically causes tenderness and swelling directly over the affected joint, along with pain that worsens with movement or pressure, for example, lying on the affected hip or shoulder at night. Trigger points often feel like a persistent knot or tight band in the muscle that’s tender to touch and may reproduce pain elsewhere when pressed.
Treatment for bursitis frequently includes a targeted bursa injection combining an anti-inflammatory medication with a local anesthetic to reduce swelling and pain at the source. Trigger points are treated with trigger-point injections, which relax the tight muscle band and interrupt the pain cycle. Both approaches are often paired with activity modification or physical therapy to address the underlying mechanical cause and reduce the chance of recurrence.
Because bursitis and trigger points can mimic other conditions like tendonitis or joint arthritis, an accurate exam is the first step. Our team will identify exactly which structure is involved before recommending an injection or broader treatment plan.