Bursitis in Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of bursitis in shoulder?

Bursitis in the shoulder typically causes pain and stiffness in the affected shoulder. The symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but common symptoms of shoulder bursitis include:

1. Pain: The most common symptom of shoulder bursitis is pain in the shoulder area. The pain may be dull and achy or sharp and intense, and it may worsen with movement or pressure on the shoulder.
2. Stiffness: Bursitis can cause stiffness in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to fully extend or flex the arm.
3. Swelling: Swelling around the shoulder joint may occur, particularly over the affected bursa.
4. Tenderness: The shoulder area may be tender to the touch, especially over the bursa.
5. Limited range of motion: Bursitis can restrict movement in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to raise or rotate the arm.
6. Pain at rest: In some cases, shoulder bursitis can cause pain even at rest, especially if the affected shoulder is in a position that puts pressure on the bursa.
7. Pain with specific movements: Certain movements of the shoulder, such as reaching overhead or behind the back, may worsen the pain associated with shoulder bursitis.
8. Weakness: Bursitis can cause weakness in the shoulder muscles, particularly if the pain and stiffness limit your ability to use the shoulder normally.

If you experience persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, or swelling, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of bursitis in shoulder?

Bursitis in the shoulder is often caused by repetitive movements or positions that irritate the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder joint. Some common causes and risk factors for shoulder bursitis include:

1. Repetitive overhead activities: Activities that involve repetitive overhead movements, such as painting, throwing, or swimming, can irritate the bursae in the shoulder and lead to bursitis.
2. Incorrect posture: Poor posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods, can put extra stress on the shoulders and increase the risk of bursitis.
3. Trauma or injury: A direct blow to the shoulder or a fall onto the shoulder can cause bursitis.
4. Muscle imbalances: Weakness or tightness in certain muscles around the shoulder joint can lead to abnormal movement patterns that increase the risk of bursitis.
5. Age: As people age, the bursae in the shoulder can become less elastic and more prone to inflammation, increasing the risk of bursitis.
6. Underlying conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes, can increase the risk of developing bursitis in the shoulder.
7. Infection: In rare cases, bursitis in the shoulder can be caused by an infection of the bursa, which can occur after a cut or puncture wound near the shoulder joint.

It’s important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of shoulder bursitis, they do not guarantee that a person will develop the condition. Managing these risk factors, such as by using proper body mechanics and avoiding overuse of the shoulder joint, can help reduce the risk of developing shoulder bursitis.

What is the treatment for bursitis in shoulder?

The treatment for bursitis in the shoulder typically focuses on relieving pain and inflammation, reducing swelling, and improving mobility. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Rest: Resting the affected shoulder and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms can help reduce irritation to the bursa and promote healing.
2. Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected shoulder for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger pain medications or corticosteroids to help manage symptoms.
4. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, improve range of motion, and reduce stiffness.
5. Shoulder immobilization: Using a sling or shoulder immobilizer to restrict movement of the shoulder joint can help reduce irritation to the bursa and promote healing.
6. Steroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the affected bursa can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, these injections are typically used sparingly due to the risk of side effects.
7. Ultrasound therapy: Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to stimulate blood flow and promote healing in the affected shoulder.
8. Surgery: In severe cases of shoulder bursitis that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa (bursectomy) or to address underlying issues contributing to bursitis.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and to avoid activities that worsen your symptoms. Most cases of shoulder bursitis can be effectively treated with conservative measures, but it may take several weeks or months for symptoms to fully resolve.