Bursitis refers to inflammation of a bursa. The -itis suffix always indicates that the structure name in front of it is inflamed. Common areas of bursitis include the shoulder, elbow, knee and hip. Oftentimes the diagnosis of bursitis is made without careful evaluation and is erroneous. The word “bursitis” is often used as a general term to mean pain in that particular area. The patient must be wary of this diagnosis if made casually and without careful evaluation.