
What is Shoulder Bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis, also known as subacromial bursitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the bursa of the shoulder. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac present between the bone and soft tissue that acts as a cushion and helps to reduce friction during movement.
Causes of Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is mainly caused by repetitive motion or stress. Other factors include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Shoulder injury or trauma
- Tennis elbow
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Calcium deposition
- Bacterial infection
- Muscle tendon degeneration
- Rotator cuff disease
Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis
The most common symptom of shoulder bursitis is pain. Other symptoms can include:
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Decreased mobility
- Fever
- Stiffness
- Tenderness and muscle weakness
- Redness and warmth
Diagnosis of Shoulder Bursitis
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and a physical examination of the shoulder will be performed. Your doctor may also recommend the following diagnostic tests:
- X-rays: During this study, high-energy electromagnetic beams are used to produce images of the bones
- MRI Scan: An imaging study that uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to detect any damage to the soft tissues and tendons
- Ultrasound: This study uses high-frequency sound waves that produce images of fluid accumulated in the bursa.
Treatment for Shoulder Bursitis
Treatment for shoulder bursitis is based on the severity of the condition and is mainly to relieve pain and inflammation. Common therapeutic measures include:
Non-surgical Method
- Rest: Avoiding activities that can aggravate symptoms and resting may help to relieve inflammation.
- ICE therapy: You will be advised to apply ice, compression, and elevation to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Medications: Your doctor will recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed to reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy: Your doctor will recommend special exercises and other techniques to relieve pain.
Surgical Method
If non-surgical methods are unsuccessful, surgery will be recommended. These include:
- Bursectomy: The bursa is removed arthroscopically through tiny incisions.
- Acromioplasty: A part of the acromion is removed to provide space for the inflamed bursa.
Prevention of Shoulder Bursitis
Prevention of shoulder bursitis includes:
- Warming up before exercise
- Muscle-strengthening exercises
- Stopping to rest between exercises
- Reducing straining
- Stopping physical activities if the pain persists
Related Topics:
- Shoulder Instability
- Anterior Shoulder Instability
- Posterior Shoulder Instability
- Arthritis of the Shoulder
- Sternoclavicular Arthritis
- Acromioclavicular (AC) Arthritis
- Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Osteoarthritis
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Rotator Cuff Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Shoulder Labral Tear
- SLAP Tears
- Shoulder Labral Tear with Instability
- Shoulder Fracture
- Fracture of the Shoulder Blade (Scapula)
- Clavicle Fracture
- Glenoid Fractures
- Proximal Humerus Fractures
- Periprosthetic Shoulder Fracture
- Shoulder Ligament Injuries
- Baseball & Shoulder Injuries
- Throwing Injuries of the Shoulder
- Sternoclavicular Joint Injury
- Sternoclavicular (SC) Joint Injuries
- Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries
- Shoulder Impingement
- Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
- Internal Impingement of the Shoulder
- Snapping Scapula
- Frozen Shoulder
- Shoulder Trauma
- Shoulder Bursitis
- Rotator Cuff Bursitis
- Proximal Biceps Tendinitis
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Bicep Tendon Rupture
- Little League Shoulder
- Shoulder Tendonitis
- Shoulder Disorders
- Acromioclavicular Joint Sprains
- Subluxation
- Overhead Athlete's Shoulder
- Post-traumatic Stiffness of the Shoulder
- Sternoclavicular Joint (SC joint)
- Rotator Cuff Re-tear
- Partial Rotator Cuff Tear
- Sternoclavicular Separation
- AC Joint Separation
- Proximal Biceps Tenodesis
- Proximal Biceps Tendon Rupture
- Long Head Biceps Tendon Rupture
- Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder
- AC Joint Dislocation/Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation
- Calcification Tendinitis