Arthritic / Bursitis Pain

When Joints Ache: Understanding Arthritic and Bursitis Pain—and How to Find Relief

If your joints ache when you wake up, swell after activity, or feel stiff for no reason at all, you’re not alone. Arthritis and bursitis are two of the most common causes of joint pain—and while they’re different conditions, both can make everyday movement painful and frustrating.

At Pain Management Solutions, we help patients find lasting relief from joint pain through advanced, non-surgical treatments that reduce inflammation, restore function, and improve quality of life.

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What’s the Difference Between Arthritis and Bursitis?

Arthritis is a condition that involves inflammation and breakdown of the cartilage in your joints. The most common form, osteoarthritis, occurs gradually over time due to wear and tear. It causes stiffness, swelling, and aching pain—especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.

Bursitis, on the other hand, is inflammation of a bursa—a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the space between bones, tendons, and muscles. When irritated, bursae can swell and cause sharp or aching pain, often triggered by repetitive motion, pressure, or overuse.

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Common Symptoms

• Joint stiffness (especially in the morning)
• Swelling and tenderness around joints
• Pain that worsens with activity or movement
• Warmth or redness near the affected area
• Limited range of motion

Arthritis pain tends to be more chronic and gradual, while bursitis may flare up suddenly and respond well to rest—though both can become persistent over time.

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Common Areas Affected

• Knees
• Hips
• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Base of the thumb or big toe
• Lower back (facet joints)

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Treatment Options at Pain Management Solutions

We use a variety of image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to manage pain from arthritis and bursitis, including:

• Joint injections – Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in knees, shoulders, or hips
• Bursa injections – Target painful, swollen bursae with anti-inflammatory medication
• Trigger point injections – For muscle pain that overlaps with joint inflammation
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – For long-term relief from facet joint arthritis
• Viscosupplementation (for some knee arthritis cases) – Gel-like injections to lubricate joints
• Peripheral nerve blocks – To interrupt pain signals from arthritic joints

We also work closely with your primary care provider or rheumatologist if systemic arthritis is present.

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When to See a Specialist

You should consider pain management care if:

• Over-the-counter medications are no longer effective
• Pain keeps you from walking, exercising, or sleeping
• Joint swelling is persistent or recurring
• You want to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery

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Don’t Let Joint Pain Control Your Life

Whether your joint pain is new or something you’ve been living with for years, there are safe, effective options available. At Pain Management Solutions, Dr. Francis Pecoraro takes a comprehensive approach to managing arthritis and bursitis—focused on reducing pain and helping you stay active.

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Ready to Move More Comfortably?

Let’s work together to get your joints feeling better. Contact Pain Management Solutions today to schedule your consultation and learn more about our treatment options for arthritis and bursitis pain.