The integrity of the musculoskeletal system’s components is critical to its proper functioning (bones, muscles and tendons, joints, bursae and ligaments). When one of these components isn’t working properly, it causes pain and makes it harder to complete the movements. These symptoms are caused by injury or inflammation of the structures around the bones and joints which are soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, bursae, enthesis, and tendons, resulting in bursitis, tendonitis, enthesitis, and myofascial pain. These inflammations are normally transient and do not result in deformity, but they can develop into a chronic condition.

What causes these inflammations?

Local trauma is the most common cause of inflammation and harm to these structures. This trauma might be the consequence of a single, violent accident with acute injury or chronic trauma caused by repetitive use.

What exactly is bursitis?

Bursae are little pockets with liquid inside that protect muscles and tendons from bone contact while also allowing them to slide between structures. Bursitis (inflammation of the bursae) can affect any area of the body, although the elbows, knees, shoulders, and hips are the most prevalent.

What exactly is tendinitis?

Tendons are muscle extensions that connect the muscles to the bones. Tendinitis is inflammation (swelling ) of these tendons. Tendinitis can manifest itself in a variety of places, the most common of which are the Achilles tendonitis at heel, fingers (particularly the thumb), wrist and shoulders.

What exactly is enthesitis?

Enthesis are the points on the bone where a ligament, tendon or a fascia are attached to the bone. Enthesisitis ( inflammation of enthuses) is common  in elbows (common in tennis players also known as tennis elbow), knees, and feet (often known as heel spurs and generally linked with inflammation of the plantar fascia – better known as plantar fasciitis).

What is myofascial pain, and what causes it?

Myofascial pain is another kind of soft tissue rheumatism. It’s characterised by localised discomfort that radiates with local palpation in any muscle in the body. This illness is frequently linked to vicious postures and repetitive actions that cause trauma. Pain in the cervical region above the shoulders is the most common symptom.

How can these illnesses be identified?

All of these illnesses are diagnosed based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination. X-rays are used to rule out any abnormalities in the bones. Tendons, ligaments, and bursae are not visible on radiographs, but ultrasonography and, more recently, nuclear magnetic resonance have greatly aided in characterising the inflamed site and the severity of the lesion’s inflammation.

What is the procedure for administering the treatment?

Rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and physical therapy are used to treat the condition (by stretching and strengthening the muscles of the affected region) Surgical intervention is uncommon in these circumstances.