M76: Enthesopathies of lower limb, excluding foot

M76.8: Other enthesopathies of lower limb, excluding foot

A tendon disorder can also affect the tendon sheath. Tendons are made up of very firm connective tissue. Tendons attach muscles to bones. A tendon sheath is a covering for the tendon. It cushions the tendon and contains a small amount of fluid. This reduces friction between the tendon and its surroundings. A bursa is a cushion of connective tissue filled with fluid. For example, there is a bursa beneath tendons or between bones and skin. The bursa prevents the tissue from rubbing together. A bursa also enables pressure to be distributed better. Joints are encased in a joint capsule.

A disorder of tendons, bursas or joint capsules may be painful. Moving one’s leg may also be more difficult than usual.