Is it bursitis or arthritis?
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa — a fluid sac that cushions between joints and tendons, most often in the shoulder, hip or knee. Pain is usually localised, worse with pressure and movement in a specific direction. Arthritis pain is inside the joint. Bursitis often responds well to rest, ice, NSAIDs and a targeted injection; arthritis is a longer-term condition needing a treatment plan.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
When would you pick Bursitis?
Sudden onset; tender to touch over a specific spot; pain when lying on that side.
When would you pick Arthritis?
Gradual onset; joint stiffness; imaging changes; pattern typical of OA or RA.
What should I be careful about?
Repeated bursitis in the same joint can suggest underlying arthritis — worth investigating.