Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis is the most common type of bursitis. It occurs when excess fluid builds up in a bursa, the cushioning pad between bones and tissue in joints. Many people with shoulder bursitis also have shoulder tendinitis. The conditions cause pain and can affect arm mobility. Rest, shoulder braces and steroid injections can help.

Shoulder Bursitis

What is shoulder bursitis and how does it affect you?

Inflammation of the bursa in the shoulder causes shoulder bursitis. Bursae (bur-SEE) are fluid-filled sacs that are found throughout the skeletal system. They allow tendons, muscles, and bones to move together by cushioning the area between bones and connective tissue.

The subacromial bursae cushion the area between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion in the shoulder (the highest point of the shoulder blade or scapula). When you move and lift your arms, bursae allow the tendons and bones to glide without friction.

Bursitis is caused by fluid collecting in bursae as a result of injuries or overuse. Swelling that is painful can appear gradually or suddenly. Bursitis that affects the shoulder may be referred to as subacromial bursitis or rotator cuff tendinitis by healthcare experts.

What varieties of shoulder bursitis are there?

The following are the several forms of shoulder bursitis:

• Chronic shoulder bursitis is caused by repeated traumas or episodes of acute bursitis. It's the most prevalent type of bursitis in the shoulder. You may go for months without experiencing any symptoms, only to experience symptom flare-ups (return of symptoms). This continuous inflammation might lead to arm and shoulder weakness over time. Many people learn to cope with their sorrow (term accommodation). Other regional pain may result as a result of this (think different area of the shoulder, neck or elbow pain).

• Acute: This type appears suddenly, usually as a result of an accident or injury. When you touch or move your shoulder, it hurts.

• Infectious (septic) shoulder bursitis is caused by bacterial infections such as staph infections in rare circumstances. It's possible that the shoulder will seem red or purple and feel warm to the touch. You may get a fever and feel ill in this unusual case. You could be suffering from acute shoulder ache.

What causes bursitis in the shoulder?

The shoulder is the most common site of bursitis, however it can affect any joint. Overuse or repetitive shoulder movements are common causes of shoulder bursitis.

Friction between bones and tissues is increased by overhead actions. Bursae can become inflamed and irritated as a result of the constant rubbing. Bursitis occurs when fluid accumulates in the bursa sacs.

What factors put you at risk for shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis can affect anyone. This condition is more common among professionals and athletes that perform a lot of repeated shoulder movements. Painters, carpenters, and builders, as well as football, softball, and lacrosse players, are among them.

If you have any of the following, you may be more susceptible to shoulder bursitis:

• Gout or arthritis.

• Diabetes

• Uremia, often known as kidney disease, is a blood disorder that affects the kidneys (waste buildup in blood).

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints.

• Thyroid illness is a condition affecting the thyroid gland.

What are the signs and symptoms of bursitis in the shoulder?

Bursitis can cause immediate or progressive shoulder pain. A dull ache, acute pain, or slight tenderness may be felt.

The following are some more symptoms of shoulder bursitis:

• Swelling or stiffness in the shoulders.

• Range of motion is painful.

• When laying on the affected side at night, there is pain.

• With overhead shoulder motions, there is a sharp or pinching sensation.

What are some other causes of shoulder pain?

The majority of patients who suffer from shoulder bursitis also suffer from shoulder tendinitis (damage to rotator cuff tendons). Both disorders induce shoulder pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

These disorders can also cause shoulder pain and limit shoulder mobility:

• Calcific tendinitis or bone spurs.

• Shoulder dislocated.

• Shoulder that is frozen.

• Osteoarthritis.

• Tears in the rotator cuff.

• Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common ailment.

How can you know if you have shoulder bursitis?

A physical exam will be performed by your healthcare professional to examine shoulder pain and range of motion. These diagnostic tests are also available:

• X-rays to rule out arthritis, bone spurs, and other issues that could impact the shoulder.

• Bursae inflammation can be detected with an MRI or ultrasound.

• Aspiration of the bursa to drain and analyze fluid for infection or gout.

What can I do at home to treat bursitis?

Certain techniques can be used to alleviate bursitis symptoms. Here are some home remedies for shoulder bursitis:

• Stopping activities that aggravate the shoulder for the time being.

• To minimize inflammation, use ice packs.

• To reduce pain and swelling, pain medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are used.

What are the nonsurgical options for treating shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis treatment focuses on lowering inflammation and minimizing pain. These nonsurgical treatments provide symptom alleviation for the majority of people:

• For a few months, bursa (steroid) injections were used to relieve pain and swelling.

• Oral corticosteroids like Kenalog or Celestone are used to treat severe pain and inflammation.

• Exercises in physical therapy to strengthen weak muscles and increase range of motion.

• Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial bursa infections.

What are the surgical options for treating shoulder bursitis?

Your healthcare practitioner may prescribe surgery if your symptoms worsen or do not improve with nonsurgical therapies. Small incisions and a tiny camera may be used to do this surgery arthroscopically (arthroscope).

Your service provider has the option to remove:

• Damaged tissue that rubs against the bursae and irritates them.

• Bursae that are inflamed to allow tendons and bones to move.

What can I do to avoid shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis can be avoided by taking the following steps:

• Stretching and strengthening exercises for the shoulders should be done on a regular basis.

• Before engaging in any activities, warm up the shoulder.

• During repetitious activity, take a rest.

• Wear a shoulder brace to relieve shoulder pain.

What are the risks associated with shoulder bursitis?

The bursae can be damaged by chronic shoulder bursitis and flare-ups. This may impair shoulder movement over time.

Infectious (septic) shoulder bursitis is caused by bacteria that can spread to organs and other regions of the body. Sepsis can be fatal in the most severe cases.

What is the prognosis  for shoulder bursitis patients?

The majority of persons with shoulder bursitis do not require surgery to relieve their symptoms. However, chronic shoulder bursitis frequently recurs. It's critical to allow your body to rest and recuperate. Surgery is required in some cases of severe shoulder pain.

When should I see a doctor if I have shoulder pain or bursitis?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider:

• Pain or restricted range of motion in the shoulder or arm that affects daily activities.

• Pain that does not respond to home remedies.

• Weakness in the shoulders or arms.

• Fever and chills are symptoms of infection.

• Shoulder redness or swelling that is unusual.

What should I ask my doctor if I have shoulder bursitis?

You might wish to inquire with your doctor about the following:

• What caused shoulder bursitis in the first place?

• What treatments are available to help?

• Is it possible to benefit from physical therapy or other exercises?

• Would surgery be beneficial to me?

• What can I do to avoid future shoulder issues?

• Should I be on the lookout for signals of trouble?

Bursitis of the shoulder is a painful inflammatory illness. It can limit your shoulder and arm's range of motion. Nonsurgical therapy provide symptom alleviation for the vast majority of persons. Physical therapy exercises, rest, and wearing a brace can all help. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and prevent future bursa flare-ups.