How common are bursitis and tendonitis in the UK? 

Bursitis and tendonitis are among the most frequently diagnosed musculoskeletal conditions in the United Kingdom, affecting hundreds of thousands of people every year. These conditions represent a significant portion of the workload for the NHS and are a leading cause of physical discomfort and time taken off work. While many cases are managed in primary care or through self-care, the high prevalence of these inflammatory issues highlights the impact of modern lifestyle factors, repetitive occupational tasks, and an aging population on our joint health. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• Current NHS and HSE statistics on musculoskeletal conditions in the UK. 

• The frequency of shoulder-related tendon and bursa issues. 

• Annual incidence rates for specific conditions like Achilles tendonitis. 

• How workplace environments contribute to soft tissue inflammation. 

• Demographic groups most likely to be affected by these conditions. 

• The economic and personal impact of joint-related inflammation. 

General prevalence of musculoskeletal issues 

Musculoskeletal conditions as a whole are extremely common in the UK, with millions of people living with some form of joint or soft tissue problem. According to the Musculoskeletal health profile from GOV.UK, approximately 17.9% of people aged 16 and over in England self-reported a long-term musculoskeletal condition in 2024. Within this broad category, bursitis and tendonitis are two of the most frequent reasons for acute joint pain and GP consultations. These conditions often affect people during their most productive working years, though the likelihood of developing them increases as the body ages and tissues become less resilient to stress. 

Frequency of shoulder tendonitis and bursitis 

The shoulder is one of the most common sites for soft tissue inflammation in the UK population. Research suggests that around 20% of adults will experience shoulder pain at any given time, making it the third most common site for musculoskeletal disease after the back and neck. A significant proportion of these cases are attributed to rotator cuff tendonitis or subacromial bursitis. Clinical data indicates that nearly 30% of people who visit their GP for shoulder pain are diagnosed with issues related to the rotator cuff tendons or the surrounding bursa. This high frequency is often linked to the shoulder’s wide range of motion, which makes its supporting tissues more susceptible to wear and tear. 

Achilles tendonitis and heel pain statistics 

Heel and ankle issues are another major category where tendon inflammation is frequently recorded by healthcare providers. It is estimated that Achilles tendinopathy, which includes various forms of tendonitis, affects more than 150,000 people in the UK every year. This condition is particularly common among the active population, especially those involved in running or sports that require frequent jumping. However, it also affects non athletes, with factors like weight and unsupportive footwear contributing to its prevalence. The incidence of Achilles issues has been rising in recent years, which is thought to be a result of more people engaging in high intensity training without adequate preparation. 

How common is bursitis in the hip and knee? 

Bursitis in the lower limbs is frequently diagnosed, although it is often less common than tendon-related issues in those same areas. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which historically was often diagnosed specifically as trochanteric bursitis of the hip, is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 300 people in the UK each year. This condition is notably more prevalent in women between the ages of 40 and 60. In the knee, prepatellar bursitis, often called housemaid’s knee, has an annual incidence of roughly 1 per 10,000 people. While the name suggests a domestic cause, it is now most frequently seen in manual tradespeople who spend significant amounts of time kneeling, such as carpet fitters and roofers. 

Condition	Estimated UK Frequency	Most Affected Group
Shoulder Pain	20% of the population at any time.	Adults over 40.
Achilles Tendonitis	150,000 cases per year.	Men aged 30 to 50.
Hip Bursitis (GTPS)	1 in 300 people per year.	Women aged 40 to 60.
Prepatellar Bursitis	1 in 10,000 people per year.	Manual tradespeople.

Workplace impact and occupational risks 

The workplace remains a primary driver for the development of bursitis and tendonitis in the British workforce. Data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) shows that in 2024/25, over 511,000 workers were suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI), which often manifest as tendonitis in the wrists or elbows, account for a substantial portion of these cases. Industries involving manual handling, repetitive assembly line work, or prolonged computer use see the highest rates of these conditions. The impact is not only physical but also economic, with millions of working days lost annually due to the pain and restricted movement caused by soft tissue inflammation. 

Who is most at risk in the UK? 

While anyone can develop these conditions, certain demographic factors significantly influence the prevalence rates across the country. Age is the most consistent risk factor, as tendons and bursae lose their ability to withstand pressure and heal quickly as we get older. Gender also plays a role in specific locations; for instance, hip bursitis is more common in women, whereas Achilles tendonitis and olecranon (elbow) bursitis show a higher prevalence in men. Lifestyle choices, including participation in specific sports or hobbies like gardening, also contribute to the frequency of these diagnoses within the UK healthcare system. 

Diagnostic trends in the NHS 

Most people with symptoms of bursitis or tendonitis will first seek advice from their GP or a community pharmacist. The NHS diagnostic pathway usually focuses on physical examination and history taking, which is sufficient for the majority of cases. However, the use of diagnostic imaging is becoming more frequent for persistent symptoms. Ultrasound is often used in the UK to confirm inflammation or thickening of the tendons and bursae, as it is a cost effective and accurate way to view soft tissues. This trend towards better diagnostic tools has led to more precise identification of these conditions, helping to ensure that patients receive appropriate advice for their specific injury. 

Conclusion 

Bursitis and tendonitis are widespread across the UK, affecting a diverse range of people from manual workers and athletes to the aging population. With hundreds of thousands of new cases recorded annually, these conditions represent a major health burden that impacts daily life and workplace productivity. Most people find that their symptoms resolve with conservative management, such as rest and targeted exercises. If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, call 999 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot 

This article examines the prevalence and impact of bursitis and tendonitis within the United Kingdom to provide readers with a clear understanding of these common health issues. It has been written by the MyPatientAdvice Medical Writing/Research Team and reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez to maintain high clinical standards. The data and guidance provided are strictly aligned with the latest statistics and management protocols from the NHS and NICE.