What symptom is commonly associated with inflammation of the bursae?

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs located throughout the body, typically found in areas where friction might occur between tissues, such as muscles and bones. When bursae become inflamed, a condition known as bursitis, one of the primary symptoms is pain in the area affected. This pain is often due to increased pressure and irritation as the inflamed bursa becomes more sensitive and susceptible to pressure from surrounding structures.

The pain may be exacerbated with movement or pressure on the inflamed area, making it a hallmark symptom of bursitis. The inflammation leads to swelling and a feeling of tenderness, confirming the discomfort in that specific region. While other symptoms may accompany bursitis, such as limited range of motion, the characteristic pain associated with increased pressure is a key indicator of this condition.

In contrast to the other symptoms listed, bursitis does not typically present with joint instability, a total ligament tear, or bone pain during weight-bearing activities. Joint instability and total ligament tears relate more to injuries involving the joint structures themselves rather than the bursae, while bone pain during weight-bearing would suggest a different underlying issue, such as stress fractures or other bone-related conditions.