What causes tendinitis and bursitis?
What are tendinitis, bursitis and impingement syndrome? Tendinitis (tendonitis), bursitis and impingement syndrome are three closely related shoulder problems that commonly affect your shoulder’s tendons. They may occur separately or in combination. View an animation of impingement syndrome. How do tendons work? Tendons are fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. As a muscle contracts, it pulls on the attached tendon and causes the bone to move. The tendon is located between the humerus (upper arm) bone and the acromion (def.). A layer of tissue sacs called bursae (def.) serves as a cushion between the tendon and the acromion. Since both the tendon and bursae are so close to one another, it may be difficult to determine which is the source of your pain. Most often, both are involved. View the anatomy of the shoulder.
