Joint pain. It isn't always arthritis.

When a history of trauma or overuse is absent in a patient presenting with pain and stiffness in a joint, bursitis and tendinitis should be considered, especially if the patient is elderly. Appropriate questioning can narrow the differential diagnosis, and physical examination confirms the impression gathered by history taking. Treatment may include one or more injections of a local anesthetic (with or without a long-acting corticosteroid), use of an oral corticosteroid or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent, and in some cases, surgery.