What is Bursitis and how can it lead to shoulder pain?

What Is Bursitis of the Shoulder?

Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed. Bursae are sacs filled with fluid that serve as padding between the connective tissue and bones, which facilitates the movement of tendons, bones, and muscles. Whether from injury or wear and tear, an accumulation of fluid in the bursae may result in shoulder bursitis.

Types of Shoulder Bursitis

There are three types of shoulder bursitis, including the following:

• Chronic – A result of repeated injuries of acute bursitis. Symptoms of chronic bursitis may come in flare-ups, or they may be ongoing.
• Acute – Acute bursitis happens suddenly due to an injury and results in pain when the shoulder is moved or touched.
• Infectious or Septic – Infectious bursitis is rare and derives from bacterial infections.

What Causes Shoulder Bursitis?

Bursitis is not limited to the shoulder; however, shoulder bursitis is the most common form of bursitis. Shoulder bursitis derives from overuse, repeating the same shoulder movement, or impact or injury to the shoulder. Overhead movements enhance the friction between the tissues and bones, resulting in inflammation that leads to bursitis.

Risk Factors for Shoulder Bursitis

While anyone can get shoulder bursitis, there are certain people with heightened risk, including the following:

• Athletes, including football, softball, and lacrosse players
• Painters, builders, and carpenters
• People with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes, kidney disease, uremia, or thyroid disease

Shoulder Bursitis Symptoms

Shoulder bursitis symptoms can be gradual or sudden, and typically include a sharp pain, dull ache, or tenderness. Other symptoms of shoulder bursitis include:

• Stiff or swollen shoulders
• Limited range of motion due to pain
• Pain at night when laying on the hurt shoulder
• Sharp or pinch-like pain when engaging in overhead movements

What Other Conditions Lead to Shoulder Pain?

Many patients with shoulder bursitis also develop shoulder tendinitis, as both shoulder conditions result in stiff and inflamed shoulders. Other conditions that result in shoulder pain include the following:

• Shoulder dislocation
• Frozen shoulder
• Bone spurs
• Osteoarthritis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder impingement syndrome

How Is Shoulder Bursitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose bursitis, your healthcare provider will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination to inspect your pain levels, stability, and range of motion. They may also perform an X-ray, an MRI, an ultrasound, or joint aspiration to drain the bursa and test the fluid to detect infection or gout.

How Can I Treat Bursitis at Home?

To manage the discomfort of shoulder bursitis at home, you may engage in the following:

• Limit stress to the affected shoulder by refraining from straining activities
• Cold compress to alleviate inflammation
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and provide relief for the pain

What Are the Nonsurgical Treatments for Shoulder Bursitis?

Non-surgical shoulder bursitis treatments work to reduce inflammation and curb unpleasant symptoms that may accompany bursitis. The common forms of non-surgical treatment include:

• Steroid injections in the bursa to ease swelling and pain
• Corticosteroids are taken orally for pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy and exercises for shoulder bursitis to improve weak muscles and range of motion
• Antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infections

What Are the Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Bursitis?

When shoulder bursitis cannot be alleviated or improved with non-surgical measures, surgery may be the only option. Shoulder bursitis surgery is performed arthroscopically with small incisions and a small camera. During surgery, your surgeon may remove damaged tissue or inflamed bursae.

What Are the Complications of Shoulder Bursitis?

Persistent shoulder bursitis can result in deterioration of the bursae, which may affect the mobility of the shoulder. In cases of infectious or septic shoulder bursitis, the bacteria may spread to other areas of the body. In severe septic cases, the patient may face life-threatening complications.

How Can I Tell Which Type of Bursitis I Have?

To determine what type of shoulder bursitis you have, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. Upon completion of a review of your medical history and a physical examination, your healthcare provider will be able to offer you insight into what type of shoulder bursitis you have and curate an effective treatment plan.

Alleviate Your Shoulder Bursitis Today

If you’re experiencing the pain and discomfort of shoulder bursitis, Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions is here to help you achieve relief with a range of health and wellness solutions, including physical therapy designed to ease the strain of your bursitis. Contact our friendly team today to consult with a professional about addressing your shoulder bursitis.